Activities & Experiences: Catskills

Outdoor Adventures

The region provides diverse terrain for various pursuits, from leisurely walks to adrenaline-pumping sports.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Trails

Ashokan Rail Trail (flat, scenic, 11.5 miles), North-South Lake Trails (gentle loops, scenic overlooks).

Moderate Routes

Overlook Mountain (steady climb to ruins and fire tower), Kaaterskill Falls (main platforms accessible, base trail steep).

Strenuous Challenges

Devil's Path (rugged, for experienced hikers), Catskill High Peaks (Slide Mountain, Blackhead, Hunter Mountain).

Water & Adventure Sports

Tubing: Popular on Esopus Creek in Phoenicia during summer. Local outfitters provide tubes and shuttle services.
Kayaking/Canoeing/Paddleboarding: Rent equipment on lakes like North/South Lake, Cooper Lake, or the Delaware River.
Ziplining: New York Zipline Adventures at Hunter Mountain (longest and highest in North America). Book in advance.
Skiing/Snowboarding: Major resorts include Hunter Mountain, Belleayre Mountain, and Windham Mountain.

Wildlife Encounters

Observe white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species (including bald eagles).
Black bears are present; learn bear safety and proper food storage.
Early morning/late evening offers the best viewing opportunities.
Always maintain a safe distance.

Cycling Routes

Ashokan Rail Trail (flat, scenic, 11.5 miles) for leisurely cycling.
O&W Rail Trail has various segments suitable for biking.
Challenging routes with significant climbs exist for experienced road cyclists.
Mountain biking trails at Belleayre and Windham Mountain ski resorts.

Rock Climbing

Opportunities exist at specific crags.
Requires experience or guided tours.
Consider guides for technical climbs.

Safety Alert: Bear Encounters

Black bears are present in the Catskills. Secure all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or hung from a tree when camping. Do not approach or feed bears.

Cultural Immersion & Wellness

Engage with local culture through workshops, performances, and relaxation experiences.

Cultural Immersion

Art & Craft Workshops: Local galleries and art centers offer painting, pottery, photography, and other crafts.
Live Music: Frequent at bars, restaurants, and venues like The Colony and Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts: Hosts major concerts and festivals throughout warmer months on the historic Woodstock site.
Cultural Festivals: Woodstock Film Festival, Taste of the Catskills Festival, Maple Weekends, and local county fairs.

Relaxation & Wellness

Spas & Wellness Centers

Emerson Resort & Spa (Mt. Tremper) offers full-service spa treatments. The Lodge at Woodloch (Hawley, PA) is a comprehensive wellness resort nearby.

Yoga & Meditation

Several studios and retreat centers offer classes and multi-day wellness programs in areas like Woodstock and Phoenicia.

Natural Therapy

The Catskills region does not feature natural hot springs. Explore other local wellness offerings.

Community Tourism

Support local businesses, farmers markets, and artisan shops for authentic interactions with residents.

Farm Visits

Many farms offer tours, U-pick experiences, or farm stands to buy fresh, local products directly.

Special Treatments

Smaller inns and B&Bs may offer limited spa services or partnerships with local wellness practitioners.

Shopping & Nightlife

Discover unique shopping opportunities and local entertainment options.

Shopping & Markets

Farmers Markets: Seasonal markets in most towns (Woodstock, Phoenicia, Kingston) offer fresh produce, crafts, and food.
Artisan Workshops & Crafts: Abundant in Woodstock, Kingston, and Phoenicia, offering handmade pottery, jewelry, and art.
Souvenir Recommendations: Local maple syrup, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, Catskills-themed goods.
Luxury & Boutique Shopping: Concentrated in Woodstock, Kingston's Stockade District, and Livingston Manor.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

The Colony (Woodstock), Levon Helm Studios (Woodstock), Keegan Ales (Kingston), Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel).

Nightclubs & Dancing

Traditional nightclubs are very limited in the Catskills; more options in larger cities like Kingston.

Bar Districts

No specific districts, but concentrations of bars/breweries in Woodstock, Kingston, Livingston Manor.

Ethical Shopping & Shipping

Support Local

Support local artisans and businesses directly to help money stay within the community.

Identify Local Products

Look for "Made in the Catskills" or "New York Grown & Certified" labels.

Shipping Information

Standard U.S. Shipping regulations. Inquire about shipping for large or valuable items. Be aware of customs regulations for international visitors.

Experience Highlights

activities and experiences to consider during your Catskills trip.

Adventure & Nature

Explore extensive hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs.
Enjoy water sports like tubing on Esopus Creek or kayaking on local lakes.
Experience winter sports at major ski resorts or try ziplining in warmer months.
Capture scenic views from fire towers or the Ashokan Reservoir.

Culture & Relaxation

Engage with Local Art

Visit art galleries and participate in workshops in towns like Woodstock and Kingston.

Experience Live Music

Attend concerts at Bethel Woods or intimate shows at local venues.

Unwind & Rejuvenate

Find relaxation at local spas or wellness retreats nestled in serene settings.

Culinary Exploration

Sample farm-to-table cuisine.
Visit local breweries, distilleries, and cideries.
Enjoy classic American diner fare.
Attend seasonal food festivals.

Historical Discovery

Visit the Thomas Cole and Olana historic sites.
Explore Kingston's Stockade Historic District.
Discover Opus 40's bluestone artistry.
Reflect at the Museum at Bethel Woods.

Unique Shopping

Browse artisan craft shops.
Find local maple syrup and specialty foods.
Explore boutique shops for curated gifts.
Visit seasonal farmers markets.

Experience Planning Resources

Activity Booking Platforms

For attraction tickets and experiences, consider GetYourGuide.
Book popular activities like ziplining well in advance, especially for peak times.
Check local tourism calendars for festival dates and events.

Outdoor Recreation Resources

Obtain New York-New Jersey Trail Conference maps for hiking.
Use apps like AllTrails for detailed trail information and reviews.
Consult the NYSDEC website for official trail conditions and regulations.

Weather Check for Hikes

Before heading out for a hike, always check the weather forecast for the specific elevation you plan to reach. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and temperatures at the summit might be significantly colder than in the valley.

Activity Planning Summary

Do This

Hike to Kaaterskill Falls and Overlook Mountain.
Explore Kingston's historic Stockade District.
Visit a local brewery or cidery for tastings.
Shop for local artisan crafts and maple syrup.

Remember This

A car is essential for exploring the region effectively.
Book accommodations and popular activities in advance, especially during peak season.
Check weather conditions, notably for mountain hikes.
Support local businesses to experience authentic Catskills culture.

Catskills Activities & Experiences