A lonely gray ribbon curls across the Catskill mountains. From above, this scenic byway is a stark contrast to its surrounding green forests. From the ground, it’s a gateway. Located less than three hours from New York, the Catskills are a recipe for a restorative staycation.

In a pinch, spring at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a slice of nature for New Yorkers. But for those truly dedicated to escaping city life, the Catskill Mountains offer 700,000 acres of leafy trails, artisanal towns, and farm-to-table dining. From riverfront strolls to vintage steals, here’s how to plan a weekend in the Catskills.

Getting to the Catskills

The Catskill Mountains are located approximately 115 miles north of New York. Practically speaking, it takes 2-3 hours to wave goodbye to Manhattan and hello to pine forests (depending on how you travel, of course). Visiting the Catskills is an extremely feasible weekend getaway.

On a journey this beautiful, it’s better to hit the road. Drive along the New York State Thruway, stopping for a break in New Paltz or Woodstock.

For non-drivers, there are Greyhound coaches between New York and Catskill — perfect for enjoying scenic views without sitting in the driver’s seat. Just be aware that accessing trailheads and remote restaurants is difficult using public transport; these types of Catskill itineraries are better tackled by car.

Where to Stay in the Catskills

The Catskills region wears beauty on its sleeve. From overlooks to scenic byways, prepare to spend time on the move — whether that’s road-tripping or hiking through beautiful terrain. That said, on a weekend in the Catskills, it helps to choose a base; travelers need to know where to call home for 48 hours.

Located within four counties, each area has a distinct sense of character. These are the areas to consider.

• •Delaware County is the place to choose for community-led tourism: farmstead stays, farmers' market shopping, and family-owned restaurants.
• •Ulster County is where first-time visitors should head, with some of the region’s “a-lister” towns. Stay in Phoenicia for a secluded mountain aesthetic, in Woodstock for its hippie history, or in the college town of New Paltz for a livelier atmosphere.
• •Greene County is where to stay for hiking trails and is home to attractions like Kaaterskill Falls. Windham is an excellent base. Overrun with skiers in winter, it’s a quiet place to float between antique stores in summer.
• •Sullivan County sits in the southern Catskills and has a colorful calendar of events. For a spontaneous getaway from New York City, it’s a highly accessible choice.

Hiking in the Catskills

Catskill Park has 700,000 acres of forests that have been protected for over 100 years. Dotted with lakes and swimming holes, from Peekamoose Blue Hole and the kayaking haven of Onteora Lake, its scenery is nothing short of meditative.

Throughout summer, hikers can follow shaded forest trails: walking beneath the dappled greenery of leaves, bobbing in the wind.

For entry-level hiking, start with Kaaterskill Falls. Only 1.6 miles out-and-back, this route takes walkers to a 260-foot waterfall where it’s possible to swim in a pool below.

Armed with bottled water and sturdy boots, determined hikers can take on Overlook Mountain, scrambling to a scenic summit with Hudson Valley views. Only 4.8 miles out-and-back, it’s short but not sweet; expect a moderate elevation gain. Giant Ledge is a similarly challenging 4-miler that rewards steep climbs with sweeping valley views.

For anyone with summit fever, Mount Tremper is a real challenge: 6 miles out-and-back, it navigates steep terrain and over 2,000 feet in elevation gain.

Alternatively, Devil’s Path is a great introduction to thru-hiking (and, as its name suggests, has enough elevation gain to have its hikers cursing). Technical yet rewarding, this 24-mile route is tackled by experienced walkers over two or three days.

Dining in the Catskills

Nobody can say that New York cuisine is inauthentic, but the Catskills invite diners to experience farm-to-table dining. The countryside is a gateway to fresh produce — some places, like Stoneledge Farm, even invite guests to pick their own.

For a formal meal, there are a handful of exceptional restaurants across the Catskills. Set in a restored farmhouse, Peekamoose Restaurant is a leading recommendation for farm-to-table dining in Big Indian. Along a quiet road outside Round Top, Julia’s Local is worth a drive, too. Growing all its own food, this restaurant serves dishes like tagine-spiced lamb and garlic-roasted broccolini.

Feeling more traditional? American diners are beautifully nostalgic, and after a day on the trails, they offer hearty meals to refuel. Ambrosia Diner in Catskill has the best of both worlds: a menu of farm-sourced ingredients and nostalgic classics.

Don’t miss a dark horse on the region’s dining scene: Catskill Mountain Country Store. Located just outside Windham, this humble general store has morphed into a sought-after spot for fluffy pancakes and a “made from scratch” menu.

To bring a taste of the Catskills back to New York, stop by Bread Alone Bakery in Woodstock. Arrive early for the freshest loaves possible.

Final Thoughts

Slow travel is slightly controversial, but for New Yorkers craving a laid-back getaway, there is no denying that the Catskills are an ideal candidate. From swimming beneath Kaaterskill Falls to dining in restored farmhouses, this rural region is an invitation to tackle New York at a different pace.

Step away from “the city that never sleeps,” and skip the luxurious Hamptons coastline. Only a short drive north, the Catskill Mountains are a solace within the Hudson Valley.

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