Fall in Love with the Catskills A Guide to the Regions Best Foliage Experiences

CATSKILL MOUNTAINS — As autumn approaches, the Catskills come alive with vibrant colors, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, shares his insights on why the Catskills should be at the top of every fall traveler’s list.

“The Catskills offer so much more than just stunning foliage,” says Senterman. “We have 300,000 acres of protected parkland, rugged hiking trails, scenic drives, breweries, cafes, and charming mountain towns—all set against a backdrop of brilliant fall colors.”

One of the newest and most exciting destinations is the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, which just opened this summer in the western Catskills. From its summit, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys awash in autumn hues. The Catskills also boast seven other fire towers—six on mountain summits and one at the Catskills Visitor Center—perfect for panoramic views without a strenuous hike.

For classic mountaintop vistas, Giant Ledge remains a favorite, though visitors are urged to plan ahead due to limited parking. For a gentler hike, the Shavertown Trail climbs steadily above the Pepacton Reservoir to a peaceful pond and breathtaking overlook. For easy access, Palmer Hill on Route 28 between Margaretville and Andes offers postcard-worthy views right from the roadside.

The region’s colorful tapestry comes from a variety of trees: maples shifting between reds and oranges, birches transitioning to a deep gold, poplars showing bright yellow with hints of orange and red, and oaks adding russet and deep brown. Together, these trees transform the Catskills into one of the most spectacular foliage destinations in the Northeast.

Peak foliage season generally runs from late September through mid-October, with early October offering the most brilliant colors. Senterman recommends planning a weekend or longer trip to experience the range of colors across different elevations. To track the changing leaves, the statewide I Love NY foliage map is a great resource, while local updates are best sourced from the Catskills Visitor Center.

For scenic drives, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Route 28) and the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway (Routes 23a/214) showcase some of the best fall views in the region. Adventurers can also drive up Mount Utsayantha in Stamford, where a short walk from the parking area leads to a fire tower with sweeping views.

Beyond the foliage, the Catskills offer unique fall experiences. Hiking to the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower provides a short but rewarding adventure. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad in Arkville offers a comfortable, scenic ride through the mountains, followed by visits to nearby towns like Margaretville and Roxbury. And no trip is complete without a stop at the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, where visitors can explore exhibits, pick up free trail maps, and climb the on-site 80-foot fire tower.

“The Catskills aren’t just a place to see fall foliage—they’re a place to experience it,” says Senterman. “Whether you’re hiking, driving, or simply enjoying a coffee in a small-town café, the mix of nature, community, and culture makes the Catskills an unforgettable fall destination.”

For more information about visiting the Catskills this fall, visit catskillsvisitorcenter.org or stop by the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.