Fall in the Great Northern Catskills
There’s no better time for a Catskills road trip. Fall brings brilliant foliage to the mountains and Hudson River Valley, crisp weather for hiking and biking, scenic drives through colorful mountain passes and country roads, and a full calendar of festivals and seasonal events.
Whether you’re chasing peak color, planning a weekend outdoors, or simply looking for a beautiful place to slow down, here are some of the best ways to experience fall in the Great Northern Catskills.
Find the Best Fall Foliage Views
From sweeping mountain overlooks to quiet nature preserves, there are plenty of ways to take in the changing leaves. Explore scenic viewpoints along the Catskill Escarpment, discover waterfalls framed by fall color, or find an easy-to-reach spot where the view does most of the work.
Take a Fall Hike
Cooler temperatures and colorful forests make autumn one of the best seasons to hit the trails. Choose from easy walks and family-friendly outings to challenging climbs with panoramic views across the Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Hit the Road
You don’t have to climb a mountain to find spectacular fall scenery. Follow scenic roads through dramatic mountain passes, rolling farmland and historic Hudson River communities. The Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway, Durham Valley Scenic Byway and other driving routes make it easy to turn leaf peeping into a daylong adventure.
Experience Kaaterskill Clove
Waterfalls, towering cliffs, mountain overlooks and landscapes that helped inspire the Hudson River School make Kaaterskill Clove especially memorable in autumn. Explore the clove by car and on foot, with stops at some of the region’s most celebrated natural and historic sites.
See the Mountains from Above
Ride the Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride for an open-air trip up the mountain and expansive views across the Catskills. In fall, the surrounding peaks and valleys become a panorama of red, orange and gold.
Experience the Scenic Skyride →
Celebrate the Season
Fall weekends bring festivals, live music, food and drink, and seasonal celebrations throughout Greene County. Check the calendar before your trip to see what’s happening while you’re here.
Make a Farm Stop
Head into the countryside for apples, pumpkins and other locally grown fall favorites. Farm stands and markets throughout Greene County offer an easy—and delicious—addition to a fall drive.
Explore Farms & Farmers Markets →
Stay a Little Longer
Make a weekend of it with a cabin in the woods, a mountain resort, a glamping getaway, a historic inn or a stylish hotel. Stay close to the trails and foliage, then wind down with dinner, drinks and a cozy place to call it a night.
