Autumn in the Catskills is a stunning display of color. While
you can enjoy the leaves all throughout the Catskills, below are a few
recommendations from the Catskills Visitors Center without a big hike.
Scenic Drives:
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Explore the Central Catskills on this 52-mile stretch along
NY Route 28 (and sections of NY Routes 42 and 214).
Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway
Venture into the Northern Catskills via 41 miles of NY Route
23a, NY Route 214, and more.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway
Head to the northernmost Catskills for 21 miles of views and
rolling farmland.
Route 55
The route between Neversink and Liberty gives gorgeous views
of the Southern Catskills
Views Without A Hike:
Five-State Lookout, 7604 NY-23, Acra, NY 12405
Pull-off the road on East Windham Hill for sweeping views of
New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Palmer Hill Scenic Overlook, 11 Finkle Rd, Andes NY 13731
The views from the parking area are lovely and you can opt
to take a leisurely stroll through the scenic meadow trails.
Belleayre Mountain, 181 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount, NY 12441
Take a drive to the top of Belleayre Mountain for views or
take the scenic Gondola ride (see Belleayre’s website for reservation
information).
Mt. Utsayantha, Tower Rd, Stamford, NY 12167
Drive the road up to the fire tower for panoramic views.
Reservoir Road in Shokan, NY & Olivebridge
Drive the road across the middle of the Ashokan Reservoir
for great mountain views and views of the water
Places to Take an Easy Walk
North/South Lake Campground, County Route 18, Haines Falls,
NY 12436
Enjoy the trails around the lake or take a short walk to the
site of the former Catskill Mountain House for a vista.
Ashokan Rail Trail, Trailheads at 1285 NY 28,West Hurley;
3045 NY 28, Shokan; and 5080 Route 28A, Boiceville.
Enjoy 11.5 miles of trail along the north shore of the
Ashokan Reservoir with views of the water and the surrounding high peaks.
Catskills Visitor Center Loop Trail, 5096 NY 28, Mt.
Tremper, NY
Take a walk through the woods on this accessible 0.5 mile
trail. For a view, climb the Upper Esopus Fire Tower, located on the trail.
Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville,
NY, 12485
Multiple paths lead through the Arboretum’s meadows,
woodlands, and glens.
Windham Path, 4982 NY 23, Windham, NY 12496
A nice loop for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the
Batavia Kill. The covered bridge is a highlight.
Fall Resources
I Love NY Fall Foliage Report and Map
A seasonally-updated map to show you where the leaves are
changing in New York State.
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