Top Winter Hikes in the New York Catskills

Accessible year-round from North-South Lake State Campground in Haines Falls, Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, and Newman’s Ledge are scenic overlooks located along this loop, making for a classic Catskills winter hike. Minimal miles coupled with outstanding views make this a great intermediate excursion for anyone who enjoys being outdoors in winter. Park at the entrance to North-South Lake and take Mary’s Glen Trail and follow the 4.6-mile roundtrip loop for views of the Hudson River and mountain peaks in the Catskill Park. Plan for half a day of hiking.

This public garden in Tannersville is open year-round, from dawn until dusk, and is perfect for winter snowshoeing or hiking. Take the Woodland Walk trails for an easy-to-navigate nature walk and experience the Spruce Glen where towering coniferous trees add to the picturesque views. Four diverse environments make up the arboretum. Plan for 30-45 minutes of hiking per area, depending on the severity of the wintry conditions.

This scenic overlook was so inspiring to early settlers of the Catskills, one developer build a grand hotel and a cable railroad for guests to access the views. The grand hotel, the Catskill Mountain House, is itself a mere memory, but the views are still breathtaking. Park at the entrance to North-South Lake and take the short 1.7-mile ungroomed loop trail to the overlook. Stay clear of the edge of the cliff as winter weather causes slippery conditions. Plan for a few hours of hiking.

This hike is ideal in winter, when trees are bared of leaves, offering spectacular views you can only get in the cold months of winter. A New York DEC-maintained parking lot off of County Route 56 leads to a 5.06-mile loop to the point and back. In winter, plan for a half-day to complete this hike. Enjoy views of the Blackhead Mountain Range that are especially beautiful first thing in the morning. The often groomed trail can be hiked, snowshoed, or cross-country skied in winter.