Things to Do in the Catskills in the Summertime

With winter reaching its close, you may be itching for a warm-weather getaway. However, if crowded beaches and island getaways aren’t on your radar, consider the beautiful Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York State! Though the wintertime here in the Catskills brings world-famous snowboarding and cross-country skiing, the summertime boasts lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and an animated music and arts scene you won’t want to miss. Learn more about things to do in the Catskills and start planning your summer vacation today!

Why the Catskill Mountains?

The breathtaking Catskill Mountains rule southeastern New York State and are part of the greater Appalachian Range. This region is broken into four regions, North, South, East, and West, consisting of Sullivan County, Greene County, Ulster County, and Delaware County, with each region as stunning as the last. The Hudson Valley and Hudson River meander through the Catskills also, making for beautiful landscapes and exciting outdoor experiences. If you’re considering visiting the Catskills in the summer, you’re in for a treat. Learn more about things to do in the Catskills in the summertime below.

Things to Do in the Catskills Region in the Summer

Summer in the Catskills brings lush green mountainsides, flowering meadows, and rushing waterfalls thawed with the warm, breezy weather. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Take your pick from stunning golfing greens, scenic hiking and biking, and horseback riding, among other nature-focused activities. Or, stroll the quaint villages for local breweries, vibrant arts and culture galleries, and music events. Explore warm-weather things to do in the Catskills below.

Golfing in the Catskills

What’s summer in the mountains without a round of golf? If you’re looking for things to do in the Catskills, a day on the green is a must. From family-friendly courses to those for beginners and avid golfers, there’s a broad sampling of beautiful courses in the Catskills region. Consider the Wiltwyck Golf Club or Sunny Hill Resort & Golf Course for a family outing, which feature golf packages and kids’ activities. Leisure golfers will want to visit The College Golf Course at Delhi, which is known as a premier 18-hole course with a serene back nine. Moreover, avid golfers won’t want to miss the Turtle Creek Golf Course, a 9-hole, par-34 course, or Blackhead Mountain Lodge & Country Club, an 18-hole, par-72 championship course. Wherever you play, expect a beautiful day in the natural beauty of Upstate New York’s rolling hillsides and sparkling lakes.

Hiking in the Catskills

Hiking through the rolling hills remains at the top of the list of things to do in the Catskills in the summer. The Catskills region features thousands of miles of beautiful hiking trails, bringing you to daunting summits, remote waterfalls, dense woods, and overlooks with breathtaking landscape views. Take a look at three of the best hikes in the Catskills below. See also Sam’s Point, Ashokan Rail Trail, and Frick Pond Loop.

• Giant Ledge: Enjoy a moderate hike about 3.75 miles in length, with a 975-foot elevation gain. At the end of the trail, you’ll find five ledges to the side of the main trail, which feature dramatic overlooks with views you won’t soon forget.
• Hunter Mountain Fire Tower: This is one of the most challenging hiking trails in the Catskills, as well as the most difficult of the five fire tower hikes within the Catskill Park. It features an elevation gain of 1,898 feet over an 8.2-mile loop, yet it provides stunning views of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont on clear days.
• Kaaterskill Falls: Journey to the tallest waterfall in New York State, Kaaterskill Falls. At 260 feet tall, this two-tier waterfall is even higher than Niagara Falls and is perfect for a day hike. Enjoy a well-groomed, one-mile hike to the base of the falls, with a 260-foot elevation gain.

Horseback Riding in the Catskills

Not a fan of traversing the land on foot? If you still want to see the sights without the next-day aching, consider horseback riding! Horseback riding through the rolling mountainscape and scenic woods is a must-do among things to do in the Catskills in the summertime. There are plenty of farms, stables, and ranches to choose from in the area, open to beginner and advanced riders. Check out Rough Riders Ranch, located in East Jewett, for a leisurely trail ride along rivers, pastures, and serene forests. Or head to Bailiwick Animal Park & Riding Stables to explore 300 acres of private land on horseback while the little ones embark on a pony ride. Other local favorites include Free Rein Farm, Bridle Hill Farm, and Ashokan Horseback Riding Club.

Breweries in the Catskills

We all love the time spent in the great outdoors. But after a long day of hiking, biking, or other things to do in the Catskills, you may just need a cold beer. Whether your go-to is craft beer, hard cider, spirits, or wines, you’ll find a beverage scene just for you in the Catskills. Head to Crossroads Brewing Company in Athens for a taste of ten craft brews, NY State wines, and a delicious pub menu. Sample seasonal brews at Cave Mountain Brewery Company in Windam, or try out Catskills Provisions’ Honey Rye Whiskey in Long Eddy. Or, branch out with ciders at Kettleborough Cider House or Weed Orchards & Winery, both of which feature award-winning, homegrown ciders and rustic farm-to-table dishes.

Arts & Culture in the Catskills

Of course, you can’t experience the Catskills without a trip through that arts and culture scene. The Catskills region is famously known for its unique music venues, such as the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which was the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Moreover, you’ll find annual events like the Stagecoach Run Art Festival, where local artists welcome visitors into their homes and art studios to admire their work. Many regional general stores and restaurants even display and sell works by local Catskill artists. Between the numerous art galleries depicting visions of the landscape, including fall foliage, waterfalls, and rolling green mountains, and the Farmers’ Markets, with wood carvings, sculptures, jewelry, and crafts, there are a lot of things to do in the Catskills’ arts and culture scene.

Stay at Callicoon Hills Near New York’s Catskills

Now, where can you stay near all the best things to do in the Catskills? Fall into outdoor luxury at Callicoon Hills, a boutique outdoor hotel just two hours from New York City. Nestled on 23 scenic acres, Callicoon Hills is a beautiful home base for all your summer activities in the Catskills. It’s also situated near the lovely towns of Narrowsburg and Callicoon Center, where you’ll find bookstores, craft shops, antique stores, and more. Yet, there’s plenty to enjoy on-site.

A stroll of the grounds reveals a glittering king-size pool, a pond, as well as plenty of fire pits for nightly s’mores. Have a picnic at the pavilion, or catch up on your exercise routine at the indoor/outdoor gym or yoga deck, accented by sweeping views of the landscape. Moreover, sweat out a night on the town at the Scandinavian wood barrel saunas. You’ll also find multiple on-site dining options. Grab lunch or dinner at the Conover Club, a full-service restaurant and bar with indoor and alfresco dining, or head to the cozy Rise and Shine Coffee Shop for breakfast-forward seasonal dishes and local coffee options.

Accommodations

Choose from a variety of accommodations here at Callicoon Hills. Cozy up in an A-Frame for an intimate glamping getaway for two, or book the Boarding House and bring the whole family. See which accommodation best suits your Catskill vacation needs below.

• Boarding House: Built in 1905, this accommodation features guest rooms on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors above the lobby, coffee shop, and Conover Club. Rooms sleep two with a king or queen-size bed.
• Pool House: This pool house is settled right next to the pool. It features king, queen, and double full bedrooms that are both dog-friendly and accessible.
• Ridge Rooms: The Ridge Rooms are made up of three single-story building with three room options: Hill House, Tree House, and Lake House. Hill House features queen bedrooms while Tree House and Lake House feature king bedrooms.
• Creekside Cabin: This standalone cabin sleeps six with two king beds and a sofa bed. Enjoy two bathrooms, a craftsman-style kitchen, a cozy living area, outdoor space, and a private location near the creek.
• A-Frames: These modern A-Frame cabins are accessible via the hiking trails on the backside of the property, hidden amongst the forest. They sleep two with a queen-size bed and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and access to the clean, modern bathhouse.

Experience Things to Do in the Catskills with Nook Outdoors

Trying to figure out which things to do in the Catskills this summer? You don’t have to pick and choose! Book at Callicoon Hills and explore the great outdoors of Upstate New York. For more adventures in nature, take a look at our carefully curated portfolio of boutique hotels and glamping resorts in top outdoor destinations across the U.S. Our nature-forward properties feature the modern comforts of a resort, so you never have to go without the luxuries that make a vacation worthwhile. Browse Nook Outdoors‘ collection below, and start planning your next adventure!