Catskill.

What to do in Catskill New York United States

Catskill is anchored by a steep, handsome Main Street that slopes toward Catskill Creek and the Hudson River. Days run at an unhurried tempo, starting with coffee by the docks, moving through antique shops and painter Thomas Cole's studio, and finishing over locally brewed beer. It suits independent travellers looking for riverfront architecture and easy access to mountain trails without resort-town pretense.

24 hours in Catskill New York United States

Start early at Thomas Cole National Historic Site, walking the grounds before the tours crowd in. Cross the creek for lunch on Main Street, browse the secondhand book and furniture shops, and finish the afternoon walking the Rip Van Winkle Bridge skywalk. End the night with pierogi and draft cider on Main Street. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Catskill New York United States

Day two sends you twenty minutes up Route 23A into Kaaterskill Clove. Hike to Kaaterskill Falls or around North-South Lake in the morning cool. Head back down for wood-fired pizza or tacos along the creek, then spend an easy evening walking the tidal trails at RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Catskill New York United States

A third day allows you to cross the river to visit Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, then return to Catskill to explore the quieter side streets around Beattie-Powers Place. Spend the afternoon paddling Catskill Creek or sampling wild ciders at Left Bank without keeping an eye on the clock.

Catskill New York United States itineraries by interest

• American Art in Catskill New York United States

  Tour Thomas Cole's restored 1815 home and studio at Cedar Grove, where the Hudson River School landscape movement started overlooking the Catskill Range.

• Cider & Ale in Catskill New York United States

  Sample dry wild-fermented ciders at Left Bank Ciders or farmhouse ales made with locally floor-malted grain at Subversive Malting and Brewing.

• Historic Walking in Catskill New York United States

  Stroll Main Street to admire nineteenth-century brick storefronts, Greek Revival porticos, and the Greek Revival mansion at Beattie-Powers Place.

• River Views in Catskill New York United States

  Walk the pedestrian path across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge for broad Hudson River vistas, or sit by the water at Dutchman's Landing Park.

• Mountain Hiking in Catskill New York United States

  Climb the rocky Escarpment Trail near North-South Lake or view the two-tiered 260-foot plunge of Kaaterskill Falls along Route 23A.

• Waterway Kayaking in Catskill New York United States

  Launch a kayak from the Dutchman's Landing marina into Catskill Creek to explore quiet tidal marsh channels off the main river.

• Casual Dining in Catskill New York United States

  Order handmade potato and cheese pierogi at New York Restaurant or stop for smoked pork tacos along Main Street after a long morning hike.

• Vintage Shopping in Catskill New York United States

  Browse the dense Main Street storefronts for mid-century teak furniture, old Hudson Valley orchard crates, and estate jewelry.

• Nature Walks in Catskill New York United States

  Follow the boardwalk trails through the forested freshwater tidal swamp at RamsHorn-Livingston Audubon Sanctuary south of the village.

• Performing Arts in Catskill New York United States

  Catch contemporary plays, cabarets, and chamber music performances inside the intimate converted industrial space at Bridge Street Theatre.

• Scenic Drives in Catskill New York United States

  Drive the winding Route 23A through the steep rock cliffs of Kaaterskill Clove up to the historic mountain hamlets of Haines Falls and Tannersville.

• Local Baking in Catskill New York United States

  Pick up crusty sourdough loaves, morning cardamom buns, and hot filter coffee at Main Street bakeshops before heading out to the trails.