It’s a short drive from the big city to world-class trails that offer something for every level of hiker. Want to ascend a 2,000-foot mountain and climb a fire tower to reveal breathtaking views? Or walk through the woods to find a secret waterfall? Or even just take a pleasant hour-long stroll around a quiet country lake? You’ll find all this in the Catskills, and when your hike is over, the fun is just beginning. This is a region filled with art and culture, incredible food, and family-friendly activities from fly fishing to the largest indoor water park in the US. Stay the night, too: the Catskills region offers wonderful lodging options for any budget, from well-equipped campgrounds to quaint inns to luxury boutique hotels. See the Catskills like never before!
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Hiking Itineraries in the Catskills
The Catskills region features four counties and plentiful options for a hike. Here, we present 15 well-planned itineraries: click on the county of your choice and find a hike, along with nearby activities, food, and lodging, to create your own Catskills memories.
New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation presents new guided hiking excursions (Hike With Us • Catskills) and a new hiking adventure (Catskills Fire Tower Five Challenge) with rewards for climbing some of the Catskills’ most stunning peaks!
Take in the natural scenery and hit up these fun stops!
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getting there
By Train
The Catskills are not directly accessible by major train lines, but Amtrak and Metro-North both stop at stations throughout the Hudson Valley, with Catskills destinations accessible by taxi or rental car.
(varies by location; drive times below are to Woodstock):
• From NYC: 2 hours
• From Albany: 1 hour
• From Buffalo: 5 hours
• From Boston: 3.5 hours
• From Philadelphia: 3.5 hours
• From Montreal: 4.5 hours
By Bus
Trailways bus lines make regular stops with service from New York City, Albany, Newburgh, and more.
