The Catskills have always been the favorite vacation spot for New York City bohemia and wealthy Wall Street brokers. In the 19th century, the Catskills were immortalized in the paintings of the Hudson River School, and in the 20th century, their fame increased due to the Woodstock music festival. This beautiful mountainous region is a part of the larger Appalachian range in southeast New York, which makes a perfect weekend escape with hundreds of scenic and educational trails of varying difficulties. The hiking season in the Catskills starts in mid-May after the brief spring mud season and lasts through late October. September and October are the most beautiful months due to fall foliage that transforms the region with its colorful palette.
One of the best areas for hikers is the North/South Lake Campground. There are dozens of short trails in the area on moderate elevations. One 3 mi (5 km) hike can take you to the Catskill Mountain House. Longer trails lead to Sunset Park and Boulder Rock. The trailhead for these hikes is on North Lake Road.
If you are ready for a greater challenge, climb up the Hunter summit at an elevation of 4,040 ft (1,231 m) to reach the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower. The 8-mi (12-km) hike offers a magnificent view at the end. You can see as far as Massachusetts and Connecticut on a clear day. The trailhead is located on Spruceton Road in Hunter. There is a campground nearby.
Kaaterskill Falls is another scenic and easily accessible hike that can be done in one day. Towering at 260 ft(80 m), Kaaterskill is the tallest waterfall in New York. There are a few well-maintained trails in the area of various difficulty levels. Make sure you stay on the trail and don’t wander off, as there have been a few accidents caused by errant hikers. The trailhead for Kaaterskill Falls is located on Laurel House Road.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit The Catskill Mountains?
To get the most out of your visit to The Catskill Mountains, plan on going anytime from May through October. The hiking season is in full swing and the weather is warm and pleasant. With spectacular views and the changing colors of fall foliage, September and October are especially popular months to visit the mountains. Show more
Where is the North/South Lake Campground located?
The North/South Lake Campground can be found in upstate New York's Catskill Mountains. There are many connecting trails offering plenty of moderate elevation hikes with scenic views for visitors to enjoy. Access to trailheads is on North Lake Road which is easily accessible and close to several other great hiking locations. Show more
What is the elevation of the Hunter summit?
Hunter summit stands tall at 4,040 feet (1,231 meters) above sea level. Climbing up to the top of the mountain is an 8-mile (12-kilometer) hike with a rewarding view from the top. On clear days, visitors can take advantage of the view, which spans Massachusetts and Connecticut. Accessing the trailhead can be done at Spruceton Road in Hunter or at a nearby campground. Show more
How long does it take to hike Kaaterskill Falls?
Hiking Kaaterskill Falls can take around one to two hours to complete depending on the trail chosen and the individual's fitness level. The round trip to the falls along the primary trail is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long. Visitors who would like to experience more of the surrounding area can explore other trails in the area that have varying levels of difficulty. Show more
Which landmark makes the hiking season in September and October most beautiful?
The vibrant and colorful fall foliage marks the hiking season's beauty in September and October in The Catskill Mountains. Its magnificent coloration transforms the landscape and enhances the surrounding views throughout the entire area. Whether chosen nature lovers can hike any of hundreds of trails in the region to take in the breathtaking views that accompany the stunning fall foliage. Show more
