Catskill Mountains: Fall Foliage Getaway Guide

The fall season in the Catskills is one of the most scenic times of the year for a trip to the gorgeous mountain setting. As autumn’s crisp weather begins and the leaves transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, the mountains become one of the best places in the U.S. to unwind and reconnect with nature. The Catskill Mountains’ fall foliage typically peaks from late September through mid-October, filling the region with breathtaking colors. It’s the perfect time to hike through forest trails, explore charming small towns, and cozy up at Callicoon Hills Resort, a boutique outdoor hotel that blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Nestled in the western Catskills, Callicoon Hills offers the ideal home base for experiencing the beauty of the season. Continue reading to discover more about this resort and the best experiences in the Catskills, from scenic drives to relaxing evenings by the fire.

Hiking Through the Catskill Mountains Fall Foliage

If you are a nature enthusiast who loves spending time outdoors, fall is the ideal season to hit the trails. The cool temperatures make hiking adventures feel like there is natural air conditioning, without having to wear too many layers. Not to mention that the views during this time are incredible. Regular hikes will turn into opportunities for leaf peeping and taking in sights that you cannot find during any other season.

Popular hikes in the Catskills include Tusten Mountain Trail, Slide Mountain, and Kaaterskill Falls. Throughout your relaxing hike on the Tusten Mountain Trail, you will enjoy passing over gentle hills with views of the Delaware River. Slide Mountain is a bit more challenging of a hike. However, your efforts will be rewarded with the views from the highest summit in the Catskills. Lastly, Kaaterskill Falls is home to one of New York’s tallest waterfalls. At the end of this steep hike, you will be surrounded by stunning fall colors. Each of these iconic trails will offer panoramic views of the colorful valleys below. If you are looking for a hike for beginners or families, a short trail like Giant Ledge might be the best choice for you. Short trails like this one offer sweeping views of the natural beauty of rolling hills covered in fall colors.

Exploring Catskill Mountains Fall Events and Local Charm

The western side of the Catskills has a quiet charm that provides cozy fall vibes ideal for a fall escape. Here, you can explore quaint towns full of character and a warm local culture that is inviting to all. To begin your local exploration, the city of Callicoon is the perfect starting point. This mountainside village looks straight out of a postcard and is filled with galleries, antique shops, and cozy cafes. The town also hosts the Callicoon Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday through the late fall. And in October, another fun local event to check out is the Callicoon Art Walk. This fun local favorite is a celebration of the arts with live music and pop-up exhibits throughout the main street.

Just north of Callicoon, there is another charming town called Livingston Manor where you can find more small-town spirit. It is home to Catskill Brewery, which is known for creating craft beers with sustainable practices and a focus on nature. If you are visiting during October, you can also plan to head over to Roscoe Beer Company’s Oktoberfest. This fun event features live music, locally brewed beer, fall family crafts, and Catskills country charm. What’s more, throughout the region, you will find no shortage of ways to incorporate the fall season into your adventures. Local farms offer fall fun activities like apple picking, hayrides, and pumpkin patches, all surrounded by stunning Catskills fall foliage.

Scenic Drives along the Fall Foliage of the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

If there’s one experience that truly captures the magic of fall in the Catskills, it’s a scenic drive through the mountains. The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway stretches nearly 50 miles along Route 28. It goes through Olive, Shandaken, Middletown, and Andes, offering one of the most breathtaking autumn drives in Upstate New York. This road winds through picturesque valleys and showcases all of the natural beauty that makes this area so iconic. Here, you’ll see things like bright fall leaves, white water rivers, and cozy mountain towns.

Regardless of which direction you choose to take on this road, you will find plenty of beautiful overlooks, bridges, and farms to stop at along your journey. For the easiest access when staying at Callicoon Hills Resort, take the byway by heading east toward Route 28. On this route, you will go past even more opportunities for exploration through historic areas like Phoenicia. The local towns that you will pass along the way are great places to stop for some food or shopping before continuing on your leisurely drive through the mountains.

For another drive that is just as beautiful but even closer to Callicoon, you can take Route 97. This road is also called the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway and follows the Delaware River. It winds through plenty of stunning views of the Catskills’ countryside and passes through several riverside towns. For the best views of the year’s fall foliage, you should check out Minisink Battleground Park. Here, you will find 360-degree views of the river landscape surrounded by bright fall trees.

A Peaceful Nature Retreat at Callicoon Hills

Few places capture the magic of autumn quite like the Catskills, and the resort you choose to stay at can greatly enhance the inviting spirit of the season. If you’re looking for a place that perfectly captures the cozy, adventurous charm of the Catskills in the fall, Callicoon Hills Resort is hard to beat. This unique resort is found in the heart of the Western Catskills in Sullivan County. In addition to its great location, it offers a blend of rustic mountain character with modern design and luxury. Amenities like an outdoor fire pit, sauna, and on-site Rise and Shine Coffee Bar are sure to immerse you in the cozy fall feeling. Here, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the morning, and roast some s’mores around the campfire at night.

Guests have several options when it comes to room styles and what vibes they will bring to a vacation. Options range from classic lodge-style rooms to stylish hillside A-frame cabins. All choices were designed with comfort in mind and include cozy bedding and plenty of space to unwind. Whichever accommodation style you decide on, it will make the ideal retreat after a day of exploring all that the season has to offer.

For travelers craving both relaxation and adventure, Callicoon Hills offers the perfect home base for a Catskills fall getaway from the moment you arrive. This resort is where crisp mornings, adventurous afternoons, and cozy nights all come together. Here, you will create memories that will last long after the seasons change.

Craving More Adventure?

Hiking in Upstate New York offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, from serene trails to the cascading waterfalls of the Catskills. Whether you’re trekking through the colorful Catskills mountains’ fall foliage or exploring hidden forest paths, it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers. But your next adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Nook Outdoors features incredible getaways across the U.S.! Discover boutique hotels, cabin rentals, and luxury glamping retreats that make it easy to explore the great outdoors wherever your travels take you.