Catskills

New York

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"Afternoon sun on sunset rock in the Autumn, overlooking North-South Lake in the Catskills Mountains of New York. (HDR)."

"Afternoon sun on sunset rock in the Autumn, overlooking North-South Lake in the Catskills Mountains of New York. (HDR)."

Why visit Catskills

This beautiful mountainous region west of the Hudson Valley has been a popular getaway since the 19th century. The romantic image of mossy gorges and rounded peaks, as popularized by Hudson River School painters, encouraged a preservation movement: in 1894 the state constitution was amended so that thousands of acres are 'forever kept as wild forest lands.'

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Top places to visit in Catskills

Discover the best attractions in Catskills from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

Catskills travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Explore the artsy enclaves and outdoor escapes that make the Catskill Mountains New York’s coolest weekend retreat.

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Best Time to Visit

Be it hiking, swimming, skiing, or leaf-peeping, there’s something exciting to do in the Catskills no matter the season.

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Things to Know

Be it hiking, swimming, skiing, or leaf-peeping, there’s something exciting to do in the Catskills no matter the season.

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Best Road Trips

Drive along scenic byways to see the natural wonders and charming towns that make the Catskills worthy of wanderlust.

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Money and Costs

What a Lonely Planet colleague spent on a weekend of art, rustic-chic lodging and eating out in New York State’s Catskills.

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Traveling with Kids

Build a tradition with your family to return to again and again at one of these nostalgic and chic summer resort camps.

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5 Shops

What a Lonely Planet colleague spent on a weekend of art, rustic-chic lodging and eating out in New York State’s Catskills.

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