Where to Hike in the Catskills This Fall

Five spectacular fall hikes plus tips for where to “refuel” for lunch

Fall in the Catskills is a time of exploration, when brilliant skies and colorful foliage offer an unparalleled landscape for discovery.

Pratt Rock

Known as "New York's Mount Rushmore," this quick-but-steep hike is located between Prattsville and Windham. One of the earliest Civil War monuments in the nation, Pratt Rock features cliff-side carvings depicting the life and times of one Zadock Pratt, as well as sweeping views of the surrounding valley. The trailhead is located off of Route 23 in Prattsville. Expect a 3.1-mile roundtrip hike with a steep climb.

Post-Hike Dining

Circle W Market in Palenville offers the best dining and shopping in a retro-chic setting in the Catskills. From bagels and lox to Paninis, and gluten-free options, this place is where hunger dies.

North Point & North Mountain Ledge to Stoppel Point

For the more devoted fall hikers among your pack. A moderate 9.5-mile roundtrip trek – that can be shortened to 6 miles roundtrip if you turn around after North Point – the draw for this hike is the evergreen forests, summit views, and waterfalls you'll find along the way. The trailhead is located on Scutt Road, just off of North Lake Road close to the North-South Lake State Campground entrance. It's a great autumn hike that offers a variety of fall foliage landscapes for photographers to shoot. The path to the summit is steep and once you're on the top, it can be windy so pack an extra layer.

Post-Hike Dining

Selena's Pizzeria & Diner in Tannersville is your best bet after this moderately longish hike. One of our favorite diners in the Catskills, Selena's serves up hearty fare and lots of it.

Huckleberry Point

Offers the best of fall hiking in the Catskills: it's relatively short at 4.6 miles roundtrip, offers forest and river experiences, and opens out onto an open ledge for incredible fall foliage views of the Catskill Mountains and the infamous Devils Path. It's also rated for mountain biking. The view to the southeast will allow you to watch the sunrise if you're interested in waking up early. The first mile of the Huckleberry Trail is on a private road, so be on the lookout to the right for the trail cut-off sign. The trailhead is located on Platt Clove Road in Tannersville at the DEC parking lot.

Post-Hike Dining

Head to Tannersville and swing into Maggie's Krooked Café & Juice Bar for a late breakfast or early lunch. With heaps of bacon on the side or a delicious burger with all the fixins, Maggie's will satisfy any appetite you've worked up on the trail.

Yankee Smith Trail

Is perfect for your non-committal nature lovers. At 3.2 miles roundtrip, you'll get waterfalls and a covered wooden bridge that's scenic, sweet, and perfect for fall photoshoots. At the bridge, hike down to the bottom of the falls to have lunch and enjoy the cascading water. Trailhead is located off of Winter Clove Road in Round Top.

Post-Hike Dining

Nussy's Bier Garden at Reidlbauer's Resort is the stuff of adult hiking dreams. Enjoy the fall foliage in the morning and swing into the outdoor beer garden for a plate of bratwurst and a pint of good German beer to warm you after your autumn adventure.

Four Mile Point Preserve

Located in Coxsackie, hit up the preserve for a relaxing ramble before heading home to enjoy a landscape transformed by the autumn atmosphere. Walk along wooden walkways, passing over a swamp, to spot local wildlife and enjoy views of the expansive Hudson River. Four Mile Point Preserve is located in Coxsackie off of Four-Mile Point Road.

Post-Hike Dining

The Cask & Rasher in Coxsackie offers the perfect indulgent, post-hike fare of nachos, burgers, and quesadillas. If you're a cheese on everything kind of person, this place and this hike are for you.

This fall, explore the Catskill Region's hiking trails and nature preserves – and don't be shy about grabbing a bite to eat or a pint to drink at one of our Catskills Beverage Trail stops.

Fall in the Catskills

Check out our Catskills fall foliage meter and guide to things to do during fall!

Fall Trips Guide