The Catskill Mountains have long been the escape of choice for weary New Yorkers and East Coast travelers seeking a breath of fresh mountain air. Known historically for the “Borscht Belt” era and the legendary Woodstock festival (which, fun fact, actually took place in nearby Bethel), the region has undergone a massive cultural renaissance.
Today, the Catskills represent a sophisticated blend of rugged outdoor adventure, high-end culinary experiences, and a thriving arts scene. If you are looking for more than just a standard hiking trip, this season offers a wealth of curated experiences. From secret swimming holes to world-class stage productions, here is your guide to the best Things to do in the Catskills this year.
1. Immerse Yourself in High Culture and Performing Arts
While many visit the mountains for the trees, the region’s growing reputation for the performing arts is the real “hidden gem.” Throughout the season, local venues host an impressive array of international talent that you might expect to find at Lincoln Center rather than in a mountain village.
The region has become a hub for resident dance companies, chamber music ensembles, and independent cinema. Visitors can spend an afternoon hiking a trail and an evening dressed up for a professional ballet performance or a piano recital by a world-renowned virtuoso. Checking the local schedules for live theater and music is essential, as many of these performances take place in beautifully restored historic buildings that offer incredible acoustics and an intimate atmosphere.
2. Explore the “Grand Canyon of the East”: Kaaterskill Falls
While Kaaterskill Falls is hardly a “secret,” most visitors only see the observation deck. To experience it like a local, head there during the early morning hours on a weekday. This two-tiered waterfall drops over 260 feet, making it one of the tallest in New York State.
For a unique twist, continue past the main falls to explore the higher elevation trails that lead toward North-South Lake. Here, you can find the site where the Catskill Mountain House once stood. In the 19th century, this was the most famous hotel in America, hosting Presidents and Captains of Industry. While the hotel is gone, the “Alligator Rock” and the incredible vistas that inspired the Hudson River School of painters remain.
3. Step Into Art History at Thomas Cole National Historic Site
In the village of Catskill, you can visit Cedar Grove, the home and studio of Thomas Cole, the founder of the Hudson River School of art. This isn’t your typical dusty museum; the site features “New Views” exhibitions that juxtapose contemporary art with 19th-century landscapes.
Walking through Cole’s preserved studio offers a profound look at how the American wilderness was first conceptualized in the national imagination. After touring the house, take the “Hudson River School Art Trail,” which connects various points in the landscape that were actually painted by Cole and his protégé, Frederic Church.
4. The World’s Largest Kaleidoscope
For a truly “unique” experience, head to Mount Tremper. Housed in a converted 19th-century dairy barn at the Emerson Resort & Spa, you will find the Kaatskill Kaleidoscope. Standing 60 feet tall, it is officially the world’s largest kaleidoscope.
Visitors lie on the floor and look upward as a 10-minute “show” of light, sound, and geometric precision unfolds above them. It is a psychedelic, meditative experience that bridges the gap between rural farm history and modern psychedelic art. It’s an ideal rainy-day activity that fascinates both children and adults.
5. Antique Hunting in Highmount and Stamford
While the town of Hudson is famous for its antiques, it has also become incredibly expensive. For those “hidden gems,” savvy collectors are heading deeper into the mountains. Towns like Stamford (the “Queen of the Catskills”) and the hamlets around Highmount offer sprawling antique centers where you can find everything from mid-century modern furniture to Victorian architectural salvage.
The Hobart Book Village is another nearby treasure. This tiny town is home to several independent bookshops located within walking distance of each other, specializing in everything from rare editions to vintage cookbooks. It is a bibliophile’s paradise tucked away in a quiet valley.
6. Culinary Expeditions: Farm-to-Table Excellence
The Catskills’ agricultural roots are deeper than ever. This season, skip the standard diners and seek out “farm stays” and cideries. The region is currently experiencing a boom in craft cider, utilizing heirloom apples grown in orchards that have been active for over a century.
Visit the West Kortright Centre or local farmers’ markets in Pakatakan to sample ramp pesto in the spring, heritage heirloom tomatoes in the summer, or world-class maple syrup in the autumn. Many local restaurants now operate on a “closed-loop” system, sourcing 100% of their proteins and produce from farms located within a 20-mile radius.
7. Rail Exploration: The Rail Explorers Experience
If you want to see the scenery without the strain of a steep hike, the “Rail Explorers” in Phoenicia offer a unique way to traverse the landscape. Using pedal-powered rail bikes, you can ride along the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad tracks.
The route takes you alongside the Esopus Creek and through deep woods where cars cannot go. It is silent, eco-friendly, and offers a perspective of the mountains that remained hidden for decades after the trains stopped running. It’s particularly breathtaking during the fall foliage season when the canopy turns into a tunnel of gold and crimson.
8. Fly Fishing the Willowemoc
The Catskills are the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing. Even if you’ve never picked up a rod, the history of the sport here is fascinating. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor is dedicated to preserving this heritage.
For a unique afternoon, hire a local guide to take you to the “Junction Pool,” where the Willowemoc and the Beaverkill rivers meet. It is a legendary spot among anglers worldwide. The quiet patience required for fly fishing offers a different kind of “mountain high” compared to the adrenaline of mountain biking or skiing.
9. Stargazing at John Burroughs Memorial Field
As light pollution plagues the East Coast, the Catskills remain one of the few places with truly dark skies. The John Burroughs Memorial Field in Roxbury is a State Historic Site dedicated to the famous naturalist. By day, it’s a beautiful spot for a picnic near “Boyhood Rock.” By night, it becomes one of the best unofficial observatories in the state.
Bring a telescope or just a blanket. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye—a rare “gem” that many city dwellers haven’t seen in years.
10. Seasonal Festivals and Community Gatherings
Finally, always look for the small-town festivals. From the Hunter Mountain German Alps Festival to local maple weekends, these events offer a glimpse into the community spirit that defines the region. However, the true sophisticated traveler knows that the peak of Catskill culture is found in its theater and concert halls.
There is a certain magic in watching a world-class theatrical performance in a mountain setting. It creates a juxtaposition between the wild, untamed nature of the peaks and the refined beauty of human expression.
Planning Your Visit
The Catskills are a year-round destination, but each season requires different preparation.
- Spring: Perfect for waterfalls and seeing the “Performing Arts” season kick into gear.
- Summer: Ideal for swimming holes and outdoor concerts.
- Fall: The ultimate time for hiking and rail-biking through the foliage.
- Winter: A wonderland for skiing at Hunter or Windham, followed by cozy evenings at a local playhouse.
When you are looking for Things to do in the Catskills, don’t just settle for the first trailhead you see. Dig deeper into the local event calendars, find a performance that speaks to you, and explore the smaller hamlets. The “hidden gems” of the mountains are waiting to be discovered, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and the arts.