Things to Do
Late October is peak-to-just-past-peak foliage season in the Catskills. If you can, come early or stay late — here are some of our favorite spots.
Hikes & views
Ashokan Rail Trail
Easy walking: flat gravel along the Ashokan Reservoir, and you can turn around whenever you like. We usually start from the parking lot linked above.
We walked a lot here, and it's a good opportunity to stretch your legs before/after a long drive.
Kaaterskill Falls
2 miles, about 1.5 hours, with lovely views of the waterfalls — New York's tallest. It's not too far, but we recommend hiking shoes.
Overlook Mountain
5 miles, 3–4 hours, uphill — this hike has the best views of the trails we're recommending. There's a fire tower at the top with a beautiful view (it gets very windy, so layer up!), and a viewpoint on the ridge where you can see the Hudson river.
Towns worth a wander
Woodstock
The famous arts town, with galleries, craft stores, bookshops and cafes.
This is the cultural center of the valley.
Phoenicia
Tiny, charming main street right on the Esopus Creek. Good diner, good antiques.
Kingston
Historic Hudson River city with a lively uptown Stockade District.
Check out The Four Corners; an intersection where the buildings on each corner predate the Revolutionary War.
Or the Old Dutch Church, where the graveyard shows generations of Dutch names slowly change to English spelling.
Drinks
Local Goods
Our go-to for local beers in the tap room next to the store.
Woodstock Brewing
Local brewer with some food options if you're hungry. Popular with winter-sports folks on the drive back to NYC.
The Pines
Casual bar with nice food, and they often have fun activities — live music, pub quiz, bingo.
Restaurants we love
Oliver's at Howland House
Nice Catskill restaurant with good cocktails.
The Bear Cantina
Mexican food, right next to a famous music venue.
SILVIA
Upscale contemporary American, in Woodstock.
Mirador
A bit further away, in Kingston. This is a great Spanish tapas bar with some great sherries.