Attractions & Sightseeing: Catskills

Iconic Landmarks

Certain places in the Catskills are renowned for their beauty or historical significance, attracting visitors from all over.

These sites were often subjects for the Hudson River School painters, who immortalized their grandeur on canvas.

Must-Visit Natural & Recreational Icons

Kaaterskill Falls: New York State's highest cascading waterfall. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear proper Hiking footwear.
Overlook Mountain (Woodstock): Offers panoramic views of the Hudson Valley. Features evocative ruins of an old hotel and a historic fire tower. Carry plenty of water.
Hunter Mountain: A major ski resort in winter. Home to New York Zipline Adventures, which boasts the longest and highest zipline in North America.
Belleayre Mountain: Another significant ski resort, offering scenic gondola rides in warmer months. A popular spot for mountain biking.

Cultural Landmarks: Art & History

Museums with Art & Historical Collections

Thomas Cole National Historic Site (Catskill): Preserves the home and studio of the Hudson River School founder.
Olana State Historic Site (Hudson): Persian-inspired home of Frederic Church, another Hudson River School artist, with stunning river views.
Museum at Bethel Woods (Bethel): Located on the original site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair.
Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum (Livingston Manor): Dedicated to the history and art of fly fishing.
Zadock Pratt Museum (Prattsville): Focuses on local history and the early tanning industry.
Woodstock Artists Association & Museum (WAAM): Showcases contemporary and historical art by regional artists.

Historic Districts & Performance Venues

Stockade Historic District (Kingston): Original 17th-century walled city of New York's first capital.
Opus 40 (Saugerties): Massive bluestone sculpture park and environmental artwork created by Harvey Fite.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel): Large outdoor amphitheater hosting major concerts and music festivals.
Orpheum Theatre (Saugerties): Historic theater for live performances, movies, and community events.

The Catskills' history is preserved in many sites, from ancient ruins to architectural gems, reflecting early settlement and industrial heritage.

Natural Attractions: Parks & Scenic Views

Catskill Park: A vast designated area with wilderness and state forests for hiking and nature observation.
North-South Lake Campground: Popular spot with stunning views of the Hudson Valley and access to Kaaterskill Falls.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve (nearby): Features beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and extensive carriage roads.
Platte Clove Road: Scenic, steep, and winding road with dramatic views of deep gorges and waterfalls (seasonal closures).

Natural Attractions: Wildlife & Geology

Artist's Rock & Newman's Ledge:
Famous viewpoints at North-South Lake for inspiring vistas, captured by Hudson River School painters.
Ashokan Reservoir:
Large drinking water reservoir with a popular rail trail for walking and biking, offering expansive water and mountain views.
Wildlife Viewing:
Spot white-tailed deer, black bears (with caution), wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Best in early morning/late evening.
Geological Features:
Characterized by "flat-top" mountains, deep "cloves" (valleys), and bluestone formations from ancient glacial erosion.
Lakes & Waterways:
Lakes like North/South Lake and Cooper Lake for swimming/fishing. Esopus Creek for tubing/fly fishing. Delaware River for kayaking/canoeing.

Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences

Beyond the well-known attractions, the Catskills hold many hidden gems that offer unique experiences and fewer crowds.

Off-the-Beaten-Path & Local Favorites

Vly Mountain & Bearpen Mountain
Higher peaks with less trafficked trails, providing solitude and stunning views.
Colgate Lake (East Jewett)
A beautiful, quiet lake for kayaking and paddleboarding, away from crowded spots.
World's Largest Kaleidoscope (Mount Tremper)
A mesmerizing visual and auditory experience inside a converted silo at Emerson Resort.

The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark (Monticello)
A large indoor waterpark, good for families during off-season or inclement weather.
Explore Smaller Towns
Visit Prattsville, Arkville, or Andes for authentic local experiences and rural Catskills life.
Emerging Destinations
Livingston Manor and Narrowsburg blend rustic charm with modern amenities, independent shops, and breweries.

Ashokan Reservoir

Promenade views with expansive, reflective water and mountain backdrops, ideal for photography.

Fire Towers

Overlook Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Balsam Lake Mountain offer unobstructed 360-degree views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Covered Bridges

Quiet roads and covered bridges scattered throughout rural areas offer picturesque scenes, especially during fall foliage.

Additional Attractions & Activities

Beyond the main highlights, discover more to see and do.

Explore less-trafficked hiking trails for solitude and natural beauty.
Look for opportunities for birdwatching, especially bald eagles near major waterways.
Visit smaller state parks or forest lands for picnicking and quiet recreation.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Effective planning makes your visit to Catskills attractions more enjoyable.

Consider factors like travel time, crowds, and potential fees.

Practical Considerations

Be aware of seasonal variations and access requirements.

Reminders

Check seasonal hours and closures, especially for smaller sites or remote roads.
A vehicle is essential for most attractions due to limited public transport.
Mountain weather can change rapidly; dress in layers and pack for various conditions.

Booking & Access Tips

Advance planning can save time and effort at popular spots.

Smart Practices

For popular attractions, consider booking tickets or tours in advance, e.g., GetYourGuide.
Some sites have parking fees or require online reservations, notably during peak season.
Visit popular spots early morning or late afternoon to avoid larger crowds.

Hiking Readiness

Proper gear and awareness for trails.

Essentials

Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking footwear.
Carry sufficient water, especially on warmer days.
Bring physical maps or download offline maps, as cell service can be spotty.

Check for rattlesnake warnings in warmer months near rocky areas.

Museum Etiquette

Tips for an enjoyable museum visit.

Respectful Visits

Maintain a respectful volume in exhibition spaces.
Follow photography rules; flash photography is often prohibited.

Engage with guides for insights into collections.

Site-Specific Advice

Tailored guidance for attractions.

Enhanced Experiences

Book zipline adventures or ski lift tickets for Hunter Mountain in advance.
Allow ample time at Opus 40 to explore its intricate layers.
Consider combining Olana with Thomas Cole for a full Hudson River School experience.

Check for special events at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Local Insights

Seasonal Beauty

Fall foliage is notably popular, leading to crowded conditions at major viewpoints. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and water activities.

Historical Depth

The region's industrial and cultural heritage offers many stories, from bluestone quarries to the Borscht Belt resorts.

Important Tip for Attractions

When visiting popular natural attractions like Kaaterskill Falls, verify any required online reservations or parking fees in advance. This avoids unexpected delays or disappointment, especially during peak times.

Catskills Attractions & Sightseeing