Blazing colors ignite the hillsides. Cozy flannels keep you warm in cool, crisp temperatures. The sweet, tart smell of cider in the autumn air fills your nose as you tug an apple straight from the tree. There is an almost tangible warmth to the atmosphere that envelops you. It’s fall in the Catskills.
Take advantage of the many fall activities and attractions available in the Catskills. The only thing outshining the natural beauty of your surroundings will be your smile.
When Does Fall Foliage Peak in the Catskills?
Foliage in New York’s Catskills begins to turn color in late September and typically peaks around the second week in October. Location, altitude and weather all factor into when leaves change colors. These same variables are also why the Catskills is one of the best places to see the change in leaves.
Things to do in the Catskills this fall
Leaf peeping
One of the greatest fall attractions in the Catskills is the location itself. Changing leaves turn the Catskill Mountains into a multi-color masterpiece. Leaf-peeping – taking in the view of fall leaves changing colors – is a favorite pastime that never gets old. So what’s the best way to see fall foliage of the Catskills? You can find that “aha” moment while embracing the great outdoors, taking a scenic drive or raising a glass with friends. From whichever viewpoint, one thing is for certain – these colors will take your breath away.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
There’s no better way to take in the foliage than adventuring outside! Choose from hiking in the Catskill Mountains, hitting the greens with a round of golf, rock climbing in the ‘Gunks, and breathing in the fresh air of a cool autumn night while camping or glamping Catskills-style.
Take a Scenic Drive
Travel across rolling farm country and down winding roads. Traverse steep, wooded New York hillsides to view stunning waterfalls or descend to deep reservoirs glimmering with the reflections of changing leaves. The Catskills hold boundless opportunities for seeing fall foliage from the comfort of your car during a scenic drive. As you pass through the small Catskill towns and villages that dot the landscape, be sure to stop and see what special treats fall has brought to each community!
Raise a Glass
The fertile soil of the Catskills yields crisp, juicy, flavorful apples. Each orchard has its favorite varieties for sweet apple cider, sold at farmstands and farmers markets, as well as its select varieties for distilling into refreshing hard cider, served at the many cideries in the region. Discover the natural taste of heirloom apples, crafted into small-batch hard cider at picturesque Wayside Cider in Andes, New York. Housed in two restored barns, their taproom is a perfect autumn hangout. Or head to Abandoned Hard Cider in Parksville, the first licensed farm cidery in Sullivan County. First created from the wild remnants of an abandoned orchard, the cider has been finessed into a well-balanced beverage with all the flavors of fall.
Fall Festivals
From autumnal celebrations to festive renditions of Oktoberfest, fall events in the Catskills celebrate everything from Bavarian heritage and the food and drink that flow from the harvest season’s generous bounty, to music, art and culture, and the season itself. Experience the one-of-a-kind theatrics of a traditional Schlachtfest. Enjoy fall flavors at Taste of the Catskills. And when the time comes, find tricks and treats at local Halloween celebrations.
Wake Up to Fall
Bright, golden rays peek through the curtains and dance on your bed. You rise, stretch away the last of your dreams, and walk to the window. Parting the shades, you are greeted by an incredible sight – the brilliant colors of fall bathed in morning light. That is what you have to look forward to when you take a Catskills fall vacation. Relax in a luxury hotel, gather with your tribe at an all-inclusive resort or cozy up in a woodsy cabin. Your home away from home is waiting amidst the beautiful red, orange, and yellow trees.
So what are you waiting for? The Catskills region is not only the ultimate fall weekend getaway but a must-visit destination to satisfy your inner autumn yearnings. Whether your goal is to see the changing leaves, find a fall adventure worth sharing or enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors of harvest season, make the Catskills your fall headquarters and take advantage of the seasonal activities and attractions it provides!
