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Catskills

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

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

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Overview

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.'

Must-see attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your 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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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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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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Spending Diaries

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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