Looking for the best things to do in the Catskills in the summer?
New York has so many beautiful regions. But none of them compare to the Catskill Mountains.
Even though the Catskills are known for winter activities, the area makes a great getaway in the summer. We loved the many hiking trails, unique attractions, and other outdoor activities. If we only had a few days in the Catskills, our top choices would be to visit Opus40, check out the Saugerties Lighthouse, and hike to Kaaterskill Falls.
The below guide features some of the fun things you can enjoy during the summer in the Catskills. Whether you enjoy hiking, boating, shopping, or learning about the area’s history, there is something for everyone!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The Best Summer Activities in the Catskills
There are so many things to do in the Catskills, especially in the summer! You can easily fill a week-long vacation or a quick weekend getaway.
Some of the best activities in the Catskills are outdoor-based fun, like hiking and boating. However, the smaller Catskill towns are perfect if you like to shop for antiques and fun art.
1. Take a Sky Ride at Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain is known for its skiing during the winter, but it also has plenty of things to do in the summer as well.
Families can take a ride on the six-seater chairlift up Hunter Mountain. From there, you can enjoy views of the region or take a 4-mile hike to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower.
Chairlift rides are offered at Hunter Mountain from the beginning of July through Labor Day, Saturday through Monday, and continue weekends only until mid-October.
2. See Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New York State. So naturally, hiking to Kaaterskill Falls is one of the top things to do in the Catskills.
Visitor Tip: If you are visiting over a holiday weekend or in the summer months, arrive at the parking areas early! They can fill up very quickly.
You have a few options to see Kaaterskill Falls.
The first is to hike to the overlook platform, giving you a good view of the top falls. The hike to the viewing platform from the Laurel-House Road parking is a short .3 miles and relatively easy.
Another way to see Kaaterskill Falls is to hike to the bottom of the falls.
Take the Blue Trail (Escarpment) to the Lower Falls trail to get there. Follow the Blue Trail signs to Inspiration Point and the Lower Falls. And then, follow the Yellow Trail towards the right, down the stone steps to the falls.
The Yellow trail leads to both the bottom of the top falls and the bottom of the lower falls. There are 403 steps (we counted!) to reach the lower falls. It’s not an easy climb back up, but it’s worth it!
3. Shop Around Tannersville
After hiking to Kaaterskill Falls or before you visit the Mountaintop Arboretum, stop by Main Street in Tannersville. This section of town has some funky shops and great restaurants. You want to make sure you notice the beautiful Victorian architecture of some of the buildings!
4. Take a Ferry to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Situated in the middle of the Hudson River, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is a beautiful and historic structure. Built over two years in the 1870s, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse guided ships past the Middle Ground Flats outside near Hudson, NY.
Now, visitors can take a ferry to the lighthouse from Athens or Hudson and learn about the life of lighthouse keepers and the importance of the lighthouse to the towns and boats who pass by.
Tours are offered from mid-June through mid-October and last about 1.5 hours. You’ll even get to go to the top of the lighthouse and see the 360° views of the region. It’s definitely a unique thing to do in the Catskills during the summer!
5. Hudson River Skywalk
For a FREE and fun summer activity in the Catskills, take a stroll along the Hudson River Skywalk. It’s a scenic walkway that connects the Village of Catskill and the City of Hudson across the Hudson River.
The skywalk connects two Catskills landmarks, the Thomas Cole Site and Frederic Church’s Olana, using the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. It’s a beautiful walk, especially just before sunset. And you can enjoy the Thomas Cole Site while you’re there!
6. Visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Thomas Cole was born in England in 1801 and moved to the United States when he was 17 years old. He lived in Philadelphia, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, always painting and working odd jobs for his father, before moving to the Catskills.
Once in the Catskills, his landscape paintings were recognized as a new style of art by established artists, like Colonel John Trumbull, who painted many scenes of the American Revolution. His techniques launched a new school known as the Hudson River School.
Now, guests can tour his old home and studio with guided tours. The property is open every day, from dawn to dusk, for visitors to explore and get inspired by the beautiful landscape all around.
7. Tour the Bronck Family Farmstead
Pieter Bronck’s built a single-room stone house in 1663. It is believed to be the oldest surviving house in Upstate New York. Currently, the property is home to the 1663 house and the newer 1738 dwelling. Also, a kitchen, a Northern European side-aisle barn, a thirteen-sided hay barn, and several Victorian agricultural buildings.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the property starting Memorial Day weekend and through the summer. They are offered at select times, Wednesday- Sunday, and must be scheduled in advance.
8. Ride a Horse at Bailiwick Ranch
Bailiwick Ranch is located in Catskill, NY, and is set on 300+ private acres.
They offer scenic mountain rides and pony rides throughout the year. Pony rides are perfect for little kids since they are short, handled rides inside their barn. The trail rides are much longer (one to two hours) and are guided through their vast property.
Pony and regular rides are walk-ins (no reservation necessary) from April through September. Keep in mind that Bailiwich only accepts cash for payment.
9. Visit Animals at Bailiwick Animal Park
In addition to their horseback riding, Bailiwick operates a separate animal park that is open in the spring and summer. Located in Catskill, the animal park is home to many different animals, including Bengal tigers, black bears, camels, and red kangaroos.
They also have a petting zoo, playground, and gift shop on the premises. Bailiwich only accepts cash as payment.
10. Take a Sunset Hike
There is nothing like a sunset hike! And this one at the North-South Lake Campground is absolutely beautiful.
Visitor Tip: There is a day-use fee to access the campground. However, the price also includes access to swimming in the lakes, fishing, and boat rentals, so you can make a day of it!.
The trail to Artists Rock/Sunset Rock/Newman’s Ledge is a short, out-and-back trail that is considered moderate.
The first stop is Artists Rock, which gives gorgeous views of the Hudson River towards the east. The trail splits at less than a mile, allowing you to continue on the Blue Trail to Newman’s Ledge or take the Yellow Trail to Sunset Rock. If you have the time and energy, it’s easy to do both!
The views at Sunset Rock of the sun setting behind the mountain over the lake are magnificent.
Just remember to pack headlamps and flashlights for your hike back to the car. And keep in mind you’ll need to be back at your car before 9 pm to avoid a ticket.
11. Visit Mount Rushmore of the Catskills
Considered the “Mount Rushmore of the Catskills,” Pratt Rock is a unique attraction commissioned by Prattsville’s founder, Zadock Pratt.
Although there is a small parking area and information kiosk at the bottom of the hill, there are no formal markings on the trail. However, the path is obvious and worn down by all the previous visitors.
The trail to Pratt Rock is short but steep. You can see some of the carvings from the bottom of the trail, but you’ll need to climb right up to the stones to see everything. The path to the carvings and back down is about a 1/2 mile, though its grade makes it a moderate climb.
There is a beautiful overlook above the carvings. You’ll have to backtrack down the trail to the stone bench and make a right to reach that. From there, follow the path to the top.
12. Ride a Rail Bike
There is something so exciting about riding a rail bike through forests along a beautiful creek with your friends and family!
Rail Explorers in the Catskills allows you to do that. You’ll hop on a rail bike and ride 8 miles, round trip, with some electric pedal assistance. They offer day, sunset, and night tours. It’s one of the most fun and unique things to do in the Catskills!
13. Enjoy the Quiet Vibes of Phoenicia
After your Rail Explorers tour, head over to Main Street in Phoenicia. This small town isn’t lacking in charm. It has the mountain town vibe some of the other towns are missing. Plus some great antique shops!
Before exploring town, stop by the Phoenician Diner, a popular spot to eat in the Catskills.
14. Splash Around at Zoom Flume Water Park
For a fun summer activity in the Catskills, make a splash at Zoom Flume Water Park!
Open from mid-June through Labor Day weekend, Zoom Flume is a perfect place to cool down during the hot summer months. They have several attractions, like a wave pool, lazy river, activity pool, and tons of slides. Your littlest kids will love the Wild Water West attraction, a shallow water area with several sprayers and interactive fountains.
In addition to the water fun, Zoom Flume offers several themed events throughout the season, like princess and superhero meet-and-greets and foam parties.
15. Kayak or Canoe in the Catskills
The Catskills are known for the mountains, but with several lakes and the Hudson River nearby, there are plenty of things to do on the water.
You can rent boats at the North-South Lake Campground in Tannersville. (A fun activity after your hike to Newman’s Ledge or Sunset Rock).
You can also enjoy a guided tour of the Hudson River by Screaming Eagle Outfitters in Athens.
Or you can explore Roundout Creek with A Day Away Kayak Rentals or the Esopus Creek in Saugerties with I Paddle NY.
16. Take a Boat Tours of the Hudson River
The Hudson River has a lot of history and legendary tales to share. Why not take a sightseeing cruise along the beautiful river and learn more about the people and history of the area?
This 2-hour cruise leaves from Kingston, NY. You’ll learn about the Catskills, Hyde Park, and the historic lighthouses along the river.
17. Visit the Mountaintop Arboretum
Mountaintop Arboretum in Tannersville, NY, offers visitors an easy way to enjoy the trees and flowers native and exotic to the Catskill region. The founding of the arboretum was to test these species at 2400 feet in elevation and see how well they fare during the winter months.
This 178-acre property offers plenty of things to see and do, including their wildflower and fairy garden for kids.
Mountaintop Arboretum is open every day. Admission is a suggested donation of $5.
18. Explore Opus40
One of the most unique things to do in the Catskills is visit Opus40! You won’t find anything like it anywhere else.
This unique sculpture park took artist Harvey Fite 37 years to create. It’s built on a former quarry and made entirely of bluestone slate harvested from the site.
Opus40 features subterranean paths, stairs leading to natural pools, and a monolith standing 13 feet high and weighing 9 tons. And some of Fite’s original sculptures can be found around the property.
Opus40 allows guests to picnic on the property during the day. There is also a small museum and shop on site. While it is a great place to take the kids, the uneven stones and drops can be dangerous, so children under five must hold hands with a responsible adult during their visit.
The grounds are open seasonally on various days from April through December. Visit their website for admission costs and up-to-date hours.
Visitor Tip: Opus40 is unshaded and can very hot during the summer months. Try to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat.
19. Walk the Saugerties Lighthouse Nature Trail
The Saugerties Lighthouse is the perfect place to visit for beautiful views of the Hudson River. The lighthouse was built in 1869, and over the years, the lighthouse became automated.
However, in 1990, the Saugerties Lighthouse was officially re-commissioned thanks to the restoration by the Saugerties Lighthouse Conservancy.
Now, guests can enjoy the 1/2-mile walk along the boardwalk and sandy path to the lighthouse. This nature trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset. During the week, visitors have access to the riverside deck, with tables and chairs available for picnics and gorgeous views along the Hudson River.
On Sundays, they offer tours of the historic lighthouse during the summer. And if you’d like a more extended stay, you can stay at the lighthouse’s bed & breakfast.
20. Explore Saugerties
One of the larger towns listed, Saugerties‘ restaurants offer almost every kind of cuisine you could want. And if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to stop by Alleyway Ice Cream. You won’t be disappointed.
There are also several bookstores and antique shops in town.
21. Get Happy in Woodstock
Known for its namesake festival (that took place nowhere near the town itself), Woodstock is giving off peace, love, and rock-n-roll vibes. This walkable town has many food options and funky vintage shops. And art lovers will want to check out the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum.
22. Take a Ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad
The Catskill Mountain Railroad is a railroad with over 150 years of history! First used to carry passengers and cargo to and from New York City, the railway transformed into a tourist passenger operation in 1982.
Now, it runs between Kingston and Stony Hollow, offering passengers a beautiful ride through the mountains.
During the summer months, guests can enjoy fun rides like the Catskill Flyer, Ice Cream Sundays, and the limited Twilight runs. You have the choice of the enclosed cars or the open-air seating. No matter which you choose, you’ll have a fun ride!
23. Learn About Trolleys in Kingston
The Trolley Museum of New York is located on the original site of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad yards at Milepost 1. This is the same railway that Rail Explorers uses and the rail that was converted to a walking trail along the Ashokan Reservoir.
You can learn about the history of trolleys and see some cars from Germany, Belgium, and Norway, among others. Your admission also includes a ride on a trolley!
The Trolley Museum of New York is open seasonally, April through October. Visit their website for hours.
24. Walk Around Brunel Park
Brunel Park is located in Boiceville, near the western side of the Ashokan Reservoir, making it a perfect addition to a walk along the rail trail.
This sculpture park was built between 1921 and 1939 on the property of the home of Emile Brunel, who arrived from France in 1904. Now, it can be enjoyed by visitors year-round.
Self-guided tours are available every day from 1 pm – 5 pm. A donation of $10/adult is suggested. Keep in mind that there are no restrooms on the site. Leashed dogs are permitted on the property.
25. Enjoy the Hudson River Maritime Museum
Right down the street from the Trolley Museum and Ole Savanah (a family-friendly restaurant in Kingston) is the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
The museum shares the history of sailing and freight movement along the Hudson River and about the river itself. Visitors will even learn about its namesake, Henry Hudson, and his exploration endeavors.
The museum also offers tours of the Rondout Lighthouse and the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse (separate fee).
The museum is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday.
Where to Stay in the Catskills
The Catskills is a vast region, spanning from the Pennsylvania border to Albany and along the Hudson River. It can be broken down into four areas: Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Catskills. You’ll want to decide where to stay based on the activities you’ll be doing,
We stayed at a beautiful Vrbo in Hunter, NY, right at Hunter Mountain. The location was quiet, with mountain views, but close enough to everything we wanted to do. Although there are some hotels in the area, there are also many home rentals to choose from.
For a unique experience, you can stay at the bed & breakfast at the Saugerties Lighthouse.
Common Questions About Visiting the Catskills
How do I spend a day in the Catskills?
An easy way to spend a day in the Catskills is to visit Tannersville and hike to Kaaterskill Falls. Another option is to enjoy the town of Saugerties. Opus40, and the lighthouse.
Are Catskills worth visiting?
The Catskills are worth visiting for any outdoor lover, antique shopper, and those who enjoy art and culture.
What is the nicest town in the Catskills?
There are several nice towns in the Catskills, but we really enjoyed exploring Saugerties. With the many antique shops and art stores in town, as well as the unique attractions of Opus40 and the lighthouse nature trail, it’s one of the best towns in the Catskills.
Wrapping Up Things to Do in the Catskills in Summer
The Catskills is a perfect summer destination! Even for a weekend visit. It’s easy to get to from cities like Philadelphia, New York, Providence, and Boston. And with so many different activities, there is something for everyone.
Outdoor lovers will enjoy the many hiking trails and boating activities. Art lovers will have a blast shopping in the small towns and exploring the Thomas Cole site. And everyone else can appreciate the beauty of the area and the many unique offerings.
You won’t be bored with the many things to do in summer in the Catskills!
Read It Now. Pin It For Later!
