What Is There to Do in the Catskills: Your Complete Adventure Guide

The morning mist rolls off the mountains as you sip your coffee outside your RV, watching the sun paint the Catskills in golden hues. You are wondering what is there to do in the Catskills today, and the answer is simple: almost everything your outdoor-loving heart desires.

The Catskills region has been drawing adventurers, nature lovers, and families for generations. Whether you are parked at your campsite for a weekend or settling in for a longer stay, this mountain paradise offers activities that will keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.

Hiking Adventures for Every Skill Level

Easy Family Trails

Not every hiking adventure needs to leave you gasping for air. The Catskills offer gentle trails perfect for families with young children or anyone looking for a peaceful walk in nature. The Ashokan Rail Trail follows an old railway bed for eleven miles of flat, scenic walking. You can tackle the whole thing or just stroll a mile or two.

The Phoenicia-Mount Tremper Rail Trail is another gem that welcomes hikers, bikers, and even cross-country skiers in winter. These converted railroad tracks make perfect sense for families who want beautiful scenery without the steep climbs.

Moderate Mountain Hikes

Ready to work up a sweat? The Overlook Mountain Trail rewards hikers with incredible views and the ruins of an old hotel at the summit. The three-mile round trip takes you through different forest ecosystems and ends with panoramic views that make every step worthwhile.

Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in New York State, draws visitors from around the globe. The short but steep trail to the base of the falls is manageable for most hikers, while the trail to the top requires more effort but delivers unforgettable views.

Challenging Peak Bagging

For serious hikers, the Catskills offer thirty-five peaks over 3,500 feet. Slide Mountain, the highest point in the region, provides a challenging workout and bragging rights. The Catskill Mountain Club maintains detailed trail guides and maps for peak baggers who want to join the exclusive "3500 Club."

Water Activities That Make a Splash

World-Class Fishing

The Catskills are famous for fly fishing, and for good reason. The region's streams and rivers hold wild trout that fight like champions. The Willowemoc Creek and Beaverkill River are legendary among anglers worldwide. Even if you have never held a fly rod, local guides offer lessons that turn beginners into confident fishermen.

Do not overlook the smaller streams and ponds scattered throughout the region. Many offer excellent fishing with fewer crowds. Pack your tackle box and fishing license, and prepare for some of the best freshwater fishing on the East Coast.

Swimming and Water Fun

Natural swimming holes dot the Catskills landscape like hidden gems. The Deep Notch, also known as Devil's Tombstone, offers crystal-clear mountain water perfect for cooling off after a hot hike. The water stays chilly even in summer, providing instant relief from the heat.

Many campgrounds and day-use areas feature swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. These supervised areas give families peace of mind while children splash and play.

Canoeing and Kayaking

The Esopus Creek provides excellent paddling opportunities for beginners and experienced kayakers. Tube and raft rental companies offer everything from gentle floats to more adventurous whitewater runs. The scenery from water level gives you a completely different perspective on the mountains.

Scenic Drives and Sightseeing

Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride

Sometimes the best views come without the hiking boots. The Hunter Mountain Skyride carries visitors to the summit in comfort, offering spectacular 360-degree views of five states. The observation deck at the top provides photo opportunities that will make your friends back home jealous.

Catskill Scenic Trail

This converted railway spans twenty-six miles through some of the most beautiful countryside in New York. Perfect for biking, walking, or even horseback riding, the trail connects several small towns and offers gentle grades suitable for all ages.

Back Road Adventures

The network of country roads threading through the Catskills leads to hidden waterfalls, historic sites, and scenic overlooks. Route 28 winds through the heart of the mountains, passing antique shops, local eateries, and trailheads. Take your time, pull over at scenic spots, and let the journey become part of the adventure.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Zoom Flume Water Park

When the kids need a break from nature, this water park in East Durham provides thrills and spills. The lazy river, water slides, and wave pool keep families entertained all day. It is a perfect rainy-day backup plan or a way to beat the summer heat.

Catskill Game Farm

This historic animal park has been entertaining families for decades. Children can pet farm animals, see exotic species, and enjoy old-fashioned amusement rides. The nostalgic atmosphere takes parents back to their own childhoods while creating new memories with their kids.

Windham Mountain Adventures

Summer activities at this ski resort include zip-lining, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. The adventure park challenges visitors with rope courses and climbing walls, while the mountain coaster provides thrills for the whole family.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Woodstock and Bethel

The legendary 1969 music festival put this region on the cultural map forever. Visit the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, built on the original festival site, to learn about this pivotal moment in music history. The museum and outdoor concerts continue the area's musical legacy.

Historic Preservation Sites

The Catskills preserve important pieces of American history. Old stone churches, covered bridges, and historic homes tell the story of early settlers and the region's development. Many sites offer guided tours that bring the past to life.

Local Arts and Crafts

Small towns throughout the region feature galleries, studios, and craft shops showcasing local talent. Pottery, woodworking, painting, and other handmade items make perfect souvenirs of your Catskills adventure.

Seasonal Activities Throughout the Year

Spring Awakening

Wildflower walks and bird watching reach their peak during spring months. The forest comes alive with color as trilliums, bloodroot, and other native plants bloom. Migrating birds return to fill the trees with song.

Summer Adventures

Long days and warm weather open up all outdoor activities. Camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing reach their prime during summer months. Festivals and outdoor concerts add entertainment options to natural attractions.

Fall Foliage Spectacular

October transforms the Catskills into a painting come to life. Leaf peeping drives, photography workshops, and harvest festivals celebrate the changing seasons. Book your RV site rental early for this popular season.

Winter Wonderland

Snow sports take center stage when winter arrives. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing provide cold-weather thrills. Ice fishing and winter hiking offer quieter pursuits for those who prefer solitude.

Food and Dining Adventures

The Catskills food scene reflects both traditional mountain culture and modern culinary trends. Farm-to-table restaurants serve locally sourced ingredients, while classic diners dish up hearty comfort food. Do not miss the local maple syrup, craft beer, and artisanal cheeses produced throughout the region.

Farmers markets in towns like Phoenicia and Woodstock showcase local produce, baked goods, and handmade specialties. Stock up on fresh ingredients for campfire cooking or picnic supplies for your next hiking adventure.

Planning Your Catskills Adventure

When planning your visit, consider the season, your activity preferences, and your camping style. Weekend warriors can sample different areas and activities, while seasonal RV sites allow for deeper connections with the region and its changing moods.

The beauty of the Catskills lies not just in any single activity, but in the combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural richness. You can hike a mountain in the morning, visit a museum in the afternoon, and catch a concert in the evening.

Pack layers regardless of season, as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable hiking boots, rain gear, and sun protection are smart additions to any Catskills packing list. Do not forget your camera – the photo opportunities are endless.

The question "what is there to do in the Catskills" has as many answers as there are visitors to discover them. Each season brings new possibilities, each trail offers different rewards, and each visit reveals something previously unseen.

Whether you are seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or peaceful moments in nature, solo reflection or family bonding time, the Catskills deliver experiences that create lasting memories. The mountains call, the waters beckon, and your next great adventure awaits just outside your RV door.

Ready to discover what is there to do in the Catskills? Start your adventure at Willowemoc Campgrounds, located at 30 Willowemoc Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758. Visit Willowemoc Campgrounds to book your stay and begin creating unforgettable Catskills memories today.