It’s that time of year again where you start to make promises to yourself with the New Year approaching. This is the year we’re going to travel more. Now all you need to do is figure out where you want to go. If you’ve never been, or even if you’ve been there a dozen times, the Catksill Mountains are always a good choice. It’s a well-known destination to those that love the outdoors and enjoy adventurous trips. The majestic mountains, breathtaking views, crisp, clean air, tranquil rivers, woodland creatures and abundant plants in the Catskills, are enough to keep visitors coming back year after year.
If the Catskills are on your radar as a travel destination, you may find yourself asking, “When is the best time to travel to the Catskill Mountains?” Well, the answer to this may be a bit more complicated than you might think.
The first thing you will need to consider is what is it exactly that you will want to do while you’re there. What do you enjoy doing on your vacations? The Catskills is a destination that changes greatly from season to season, so basically every season of the year offers a different experience for travelers.
Spring brings trout season and is great to visit the waterfalls or take a hike, since it’s not too cold, but still cool enough to keep some of the more dangerous critters (like snakes) away. Summer is perfect for splashing in the many lakes around the mountains, fall is for apple picking and seeing the breathtaking views of the foliage, and winter is for skiing and other fun winter snow sports. Let’s dive a bit deeper into each season and maybe you’ll be able to pinpoint the best time for you and your family to visit.
Spring (March-May)
This is a great time to take a hike in the many trails of the Catskills area. The flora and fauna will be emerging after a cold winter and the air will feel cool in your lungs. Some of the most popular places to visit and hike at this time of year are Sunset Rock, Palenville Overlook, and North-South Lake. There are easy trails and there are more challenging trails, but no matter what you choose, make sure to pack a bottle of water, snacks, a light sweater and a digital camera. You never know what you may encounter on those hiking trails, so it’s best to be prepared to snap a photo to keep as a great souvenir. If you’re looking for something unique and are up for the challenge, try to become part of the Catskill Mountain 3500 Club.
Summer (June-August)
If you’re looking for a travel destination during the summertime that’s not too hot and not too humid, the Catskills may become your new favorite. With weather averaging somewhere between 70 and 85 degrees and only a max of about 5 inches of rain a month, you’re sure to encounter amazing weather and even better sights. The trees will be nice and green this time of year and, if you are going to be out and about in the natural habitats of the mountains, you’re sure to see a plethora of wild animals roaming about, such as deer, rabbit, chipmunks, and many varieties of birds, just to name a few. With the weather being so agreeable you’ll likely also find that there are many festivals, fairs, and other attractions occurring at that time.
Of course, this is also the perfect time to take advantage of the many lakes and rivers in the area, whether you want to rent some swimming or boating gear or just cast a line in to try your hand at fly-fishing, you’ll definitely want to make some time to enjoy a day or two at the lake during your visit, if you decide to come during the summer.
Fall (September-November)
The Catskill Mountains are known for the foliage that can be seen during the fall. The different orange, red, and yellow leaves are enough to take your breath away. This is also the best time of year to take advantage of amazing apple picking. Many would agree that there’s nothing better than camping on the top of a mountain in the Catskills in the fall, sitting near a fire and sipping fresh apple cider (maybe even fresh, hard apple cider), especially after spending the day leaf-peeping. No matter what activities you decide to do during your visit in the fall, you can rest assured that you’ll be left with a remarkable impression of just how wonderful our planet can be.
Winter (December-February)
Most people either are winter people or they are not. If you are not the type to find snow magical and delightful, you should probably stay away from the Catskills during the winter. If you do, however, enjoy the cold, snowy weather, the Catskill Mountains will not disappoint. You can enjoy a train ride around a snow-covered mountain, enjoy a trip down the slopes after an amazing ride on the ski lift, check out the current festivals and events, and much more during this time of year.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the flora and fauna of the Catskill Mountains, want to partake in the local events and attractions, or just getaway to clear your mind and de-stress, you can rest assured that no matter what time of year you decide to come to the Catskills, this location will provide you with the ultimate getaway for you and your family. You may also be happy to hear that this destination is one of the most family-friendly spots in all the United States. With so many outdoor activities, shops, restaurants, and views, it’s really no wonder why that would be.
Once you’ve decided when you want to visit, make sure that you take a moment to check out this event calendar. This will help you find some cool things to do while you are in town. Go ahead and pack your bags and vacation gear and head on up to the Catskills. You will be glad you did.