The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in the Catskills

If you’re looking to get out of the city but don’t want to venture too far away, consider planning your next getaway to the Catskills. Here are eight great things to do in the Western Catskills that you should check out when you visit this lovely corner of New York State!

1) Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get in touch with nature while enjoying a bit of exercise. There are many hiking trails in the Catskills, ranging from short to longer hikes. We recommend Tusten Mountain Trail, a 2.9-mile loop near Narrowsburg, New York, approximately 27 minutes from Seminary Hill. Enjoy a coffee at 2 Queens Coffee before setting off on your hike, or enjoy a post-hike brunch at the Tusten Cup.

2) Fly Fishing

Livingston Manor is a great place for fishing. In addition to smallmouth bass, you'll also find largemouth bass in some of the larger lakes and ponds. Livingston Manor's well-stocked trout streams are excellent for fly fishing as well. You can even catch brown trout here, but be sure you have your license handy because New York State stocks them. There are guided trips if you're new to fly fishing or want someone else to do all the hard work! We recommend checking out the Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Museum on the banks of the Willowemoc, the birthplace of fly fishing in America.

Or, visit Trout Town USA! Roscoe, New York, approximately 27 minutes from Seminary Hill, offers excellent fishing.

3) Waterfalls

If you are looking for things to do in the Catskills that include taking a trip for some breathtaking views, consider visiting local area waterfalls. 

Skinners Falls in Cochecton, New York, approximately 14 minutes from Seminary Hill, offers stunning views and rapids. Rent tubes/kayaks at Landers and float down the Delaware River.

Further afield, Kaaterskill Falls State Park is located in the towns of Hardenburgh and Haines Falls, New York. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the many waterfalls located in the park. It is made up of two falls called Upper and Lower Kaaterskill Falls, which are both over 100 feet tall. 

4) Kayaking

With lakes, rapids, creeks, and streams, the Sullivan Catskills has abundant places to kayak. Near Seminary Hill, Landers River Trips offers kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and tubing on the Delaware River.

Further afield is Pharaoh Lake, a man-made lake near Livingston Manor. This gorgeous body of water is surrounded by hills and connects several smaller lakes. There are a number of kayaking outfitters in Sullivan County that provide rentals as well as guided tours on Pharaoh Lake, and some also offer classes for beginners. The best part about kayaking is how tranquil it can be; there’s something about exploring a small body of water on a boat that’s beyond relaxing.

5) Bike Riding

Take a ride down River Road in Callicoon. Following its name, River Road runs next to the Delaware River, offering a breezy five-mile ride. Need a bike? Visit Catskill CycleWorks in Jeffersonville, New York, to purchase one, or to Fortress Bikes in Hurleyville, New York, to rent. Fortress Bikes is located along the Catskill Mountains O&W Rail Trail, which offers a seven-mile stretch of paved, picturesque bliss.

6) Swimming

Lake Superior State Park, approximately 23 minutes from Seminary Hill, is in Bethel, New York. Slide Mountain Lake is another beautiful lake and a great swimming spot. It's located near Callicoon. At 473 acres it's larger than many Catskill lakes (and much cleaner!). With over five miles of shoreline and an average depth of 27 feet, it's deeper than most local lakes! Swimming is allowed on every day of summer weekends from mid-June to Labor Day (weather permitting).

7) Eat in Local Restaurants

Besides getting into many outdoor activities, you might also want to eat through the Catskills. Cochecton Pump House, located in the Upper Delaware Scenic and RecreationRiver, is an outdoor beer garden. In Livingston Manor, the Arnold House Tavern is much the same as it has been for 50 years, complete with a pool table and jukebox. Right here in Callicoon, the Tasting Room at Seminary Hill offers a seasonal farm-to-table menu – and views overlooking the orchard and Delaware River valley.

8) Visit The Farmer’s Market

There are great stores to visit and fresh food to enjoy, but there’s nothing like supporting local farms by shopping in your own community. The Farmer’s Market in Callicoon, NY is just one of several farmers markets in Sullivan County. Their offerings include freshly picked fruits and vegetables, meats and eggs, local craft beers and wine, flowers, fresh pasta made in-house by a customer-favorite restaurant (Laurenzo's), baked goods, kids activities, and more! They open on Sunday from 11 AM-2 PM. You won't want to miss it!