A Catskills Weekend Getaway
Are you in the mood for a quaint town full of waterfalls and mountains to explore? Look no further, a Catskills weekend getaway may be the quick trip you need!
By Carly Eisley
At just around a 2 hour drive from the Escape Camper Vans New York depot, you can go on a quick Catskills weekend getaway. Want to stay longer? – don’t worry, there are enough trails, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, quaint towns, and scenery to keep you busy for as long as you’d like to roam. Here are some ideas to get you out and exploring this beautiful region.
Check Out The Amazing Waterfalls In The Catskills
If cascading water is your thing, you’re in luck! There are numerous waterfalls scattered around the Catskills region, with many requiring only a short walk – making them a great option for a family-friendly stroll or a quick leg stretch. Don’t worry – if you are looking for a longer hike with an aquatic reward along the way, they have those too! Check out these Catskills waterfall hike ideas to satisfy every traveler.
- Kaaterskill Falls – Kaaterskill Falls is perhaps the most famous waterfall in the area. The 260-foot-tall two-tier waterfall (higher than Niagara Falls!) is in Hunter, NY. There are several trail access areas; as of this writing in Fall 2020 the best trailhead to visit the Falls is on Laurel House Road in Palenville (the trailhead on route 23A, which you will find listed most frequently, is closed at this time). This is an extremely popular hike, so visiting during off-hours on weekdays is best to try to avoid the crowds. The walk to the upper falls viewing area is a very moderate walk down a wide well-maintained path. The lower falls can be accessed by continuing your hike on well-marked trails down a rocky trail with stone steps cut into many areas.
Do Some Shopping Around Town
There are many quaint towns scattered around the Catskills, with main streets lined with local shops and restaurants. Check out this site for more information on some small towns with big charm. Music lovers – be sure to stop at the site of the famed 1969 Woodstock music festival in Bethel, NY. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is home to a museum and concert stage, so check out the history and stay for a show!
The actual town of Woodstock is also home to some great shops, restaurants, and local art galleries and artisans. After exploring Woodstock, don’t miss a meal at the nearby and famous (for good reason!) Phoenicia Diner.
Tannersville is a small downtown area near Hunter Mountain, home to some fantastic restaurants and shops (tip – check out Mama’s Boy Burgers for delicious burgers, milkshakes, and soft serve. For a fancier splurge meal out, Jessie’s Harvest House is fantastic!).
Try Out A Little Rock Climbing
One of the premier rock climbing destinations in the northeast is the Shawangunks (aka the “Gunks”). These cliffs are located near New Paltz, NY. Most of the climbing routes are on the Mohonk Preserve, which requires a fee of $20 per day (or $105 for a season pass) to access the land. There are over a thousand climbing routes and bouldering areas to challenge all skill levels.
Relax At One Of Many Camping Sites In The Catskills Region
There are many campgrounds in the Catskills region – from secluded wooded sites to KOAs full of family-friendly activities and amenities, there is something for every Escape Campervan to call home after a long day of adventuring. Check out the Department of Environmental Conservation website for a list of state-run facilities. A favorite is North-South Lake, with a large lake for swimming and watersports, and access to numerous trails.
For a quiet hiking basecamp, Devil’s Tombstone is a great place to set up camp. Planning a rock-climbing trip? The Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground is near the cliffs of the Gunks – sites are discounted for Mohonk Preserve members. Check out these campgrounds for ideas for places to sleep. The state-run campgrounds are seasonal, running from spring to early Fall for most areas. There are some year-round campgrounds for cold weather campers, but be sure to do your research before hitting the road to ensure operating dates haven’t changed.
Book A Campervan And Head Towards The Catskills
This is just the tip of the iceberg for all the activities and fun to be had in the Catskills. Book a campervan and take a scenic drive! Hit up some craft breweries for a tasting, hop on your bike and ride mountain bike trails, rail trails (there are several in the region), or scenic road routes. Or just kick back and relax! The drive from the New York depot may be short, but when you take a Catskills weekend getaway, the opportunities are endless.
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