New York

“One Heck of a Show”: Where to Catch the Fall Foliage in the Catskills Mountains

Fall in Upstate New York means Mother Nature is about to put on one heck of a show. The colors of the fall foliage Upstate are second to none and the Catskill Mountains are a place to see those electric autumnal shades.

Yellows and greens more vibrant than you’ve ever seen, and reds and oranges in hues you didn’t know existed, all paint the scenery in every direction you look. It’s a stunning sight and one you won’t have long to take it in. The season for the color change is short and only a few weeks from the beginning to the barren brown-leaf end. A road trip Upstate is the best way to take it all in to ensure you see all the best electric vistas.

Fall Foliage Roadtrip in the Catskills Mountains

Leaving from NYC, head north and take the Palisades Parkway. While other routes are hectic and full of traffic, the Palisades Parkway is often quiet, making it a lovely, relaxing drive. Bonus — it will also yield the first glimpses of color. The views are gorgeous along the Palisades and you can even pull over at certain look-out points over the Hudson River.

Make the Most of Pitstops

In our experience, the prettiest views are just off the main roads. Don’t be afraid to veer from your map and explore the smaller, country roads. There are plenty of areas to pull-off throughout the Catskills, like Stuyvesant Falls.

Just a few minutes from the town of Hudson, which itself affords some beautiful views of the changing colors, you’ll find Stuyvesant Falls. A small community surrounds the falls, and just along the water, you’ll find plenty of space to picnic.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the water, head into Hudson. The town, set right on the river, is charming any time of year but autumn seems to be its shining season. A cool breeze wafts through town and creates a lovely atmosphere while strolling along the main drag, popping into local boutiques. While you’re in Hudson, stop in for dinner at the highly acclaimed Fish & Game.

Don’t Miss The Delaware

The town of Narrowsburg is situated right along the Delaware River and words alone fail to describe how gorgeous it is this time of year. Early in the morning or around sunset, with the water calm, you can get a double dose of beauty with a perfect reflection bouncing off the water’s surface. The trees along the river are bursting with color and the scenery is stunning.

Pick up some eclectic home goods at The Nest and pop in The Heron for lunch – they make some incredibly delicious soups to warm you up on a cool fall afternoon. About 25 minutes north of Narrowsburg is one of the most beautiful Upstate farms you can find, Bridle Hill Farms.

Bridle Hill Farms is a lovely place to spend the afternoon, riding horseback through the stunning trails around the property. Riding through the woods, surrounded by all the bright fall colors, is one of the most peaceful experiences you’ll have in the Catskills at this time of year.

Catskills Hotels

From the woodsy trails of Woodstock to the horse farms of Bedford, there are plenty of beautiful places to spend a few nights Upstate. Whether you’re looking for a proper hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a quaint inn, the options are nearly endless.

Hasbrouck House, Stone Ridge, New York

Formerly the Inn at Stone Ridge, the Hasbrouck House opened its doors last summer after an amazing renovation. The luxury boutique hotel has a beautiful aesthetic, top-notch service, and one excellent farm-to-table restaurant, Butterfield.

Hasbrouck House

Stone Ridge
9.5 Excellent (34 reviews)

Bedford Post Inn — Bedford, New York

The eight-room Bedford Post Inn, owned by Richard Gere, is as enchanting and luxurious as can be. It’s hard not to relax here, with private in-room fireplaces, claw-foot soaking tubs and a yoga loft with daily classes. Their rustic Italian restaurant, Campagna by Chef Michael White and the Altamarea group, is a destination unto itself.

Bedford Post Inn

Pound Ridge
9.3 Excellent (82 reviews)

The Roundhouse — Beacon, New York

Beacon is one of the most beloved towns in the Hudson Valley because of its artistic flair and old industrial charm. With a killer location overlooking Beacon Falls, The Roundhouse is the place to stay in town. The hotel fuses a contemporary vibe with the same historic character that the town has so beautifully maintained.

The Roundhouse At Beacon Falls

Beacon
7.4(22 reviews)

Wm. Farmer & Sons — Hudson, New York

Instead of a traditional hotel, Wm. Farmer & Sons is more like an exceptional farm-to-table restaurant and barroom that just happens to have equally amazing guest rooms upstairs. Located in the city of Hudson, Wm. Farmer & Sons’ rustic-chic boarding rooms include both private suites and guest rooms with a shared bathroom. Each space exudes the same artisan-inspired charm for which Hudson is so well known, accented with a fun hipster vibe. Weathered American flags hang on the walls, plaid blankets drape over antique furniture, and vintage refrigerators sit stocked and ready with locally made beverages and snacks. With a well-curated assortment of local food and goods, a stay at Wm. Farmer & Sons offers guests a genuine feel for the region.

Wm. Farmer & Sons Boarding And Barroom

Hudson
9.0 Excellent (34 reviews)

Scribner’s Catskills Lodge — Hunter, New York

Perfectly situated in the heart of the Catskills, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge is a retreat for all seasons and one of the coolest additions to Upstate New York. Just a mile from Hunter Mountain, the property offers ski bunnies a place to stay warm during the winter. Fireplaces speckle the lodge, inside and out, offering a myriad of cozy spots to stay nice and toasty. In the warmer months, the lodge is an ideal place to retreat to after a day or hiking, swimming, or fly-fishing.

Scribner's Catskill Lodge

Top rated
Hunter
9.0 Excellent (50 reviews)