Boxer Mike Tyson used to live in Catskill and he could probably really chew your ear about it. He’s good at that. Although the name of the village, the town and the mountainous area in the Hudson Valley might seem a little strange, as though the region were preparing for some sort of feline Olympics, it actually comes from the Dutch for Wildcat Creek.
Catskill Mountains, New York, USA
And while the explanation might be a little dull, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Catskill. Its land is made up of towering peaks, undulating valleys, streams, rivers and lakes. And that’s without delving into a village replete with historic sights. We here at Plum Guide have put together something special for your trip to Catskill and the surrounding area, so read our expert opinions on the best attractions below. As long as you stay clear of Mike Tyson, we wager you’ll have a great time.
Stroll along the riverbanks
As you stroll beside the Catskill Creek (the ‘creek’ part being redundant given what we now know about the Dutch origins of the word ‘Catskill’, but hey, we’ll let it slide this time), listen to the rushing sound of the water and set up a picnic. Walk your dog or steal someone else’s in the Park for Paws and enter the Catskill Marina to check out the array of boats. See the area in winter, when the water is partly frozen over with great big chunks of ice. Drop in at the Catskill Yacht Club and rent a vessel to take out on the water. Can't get enough of the river? Our home On the Hillside, just north of Catskill, is right on the banks of the Hudson, so you can sit and watch the water stream by from the comfort of your Plum Guide home.
On The Hillside, Plum Guide home in Hudson Valley, New York
Explore the town centre
Cross over the bridge in the centre of town and admire the views of the water and the boats on each side. Walk around the old-world streets of the charming village and drop in for a pint (or 20) at the Crossroads Brewing Company. Among the main sights in the heart of the village are the Greene County Courthouse, the Catskill Town Justice building and a few churches. Enjoy a meal at one of the myriad restaurants and bars scattered across this central part of the town.
Antique Pine, Plum Guide home in Hudson Valley, New York
Reach the village
It’s more of a suburb, but they seem to classify it as a village. Head to the northern reaches of the town and arrive at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Housed in a majestic white edifice, the museum was set up by its eponymous artist and puts on a range of temporary art exhibits, often with a theme relating to the great outdoors. Which is where we’ll be heading in the next part of this post. But first, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, an enormous piece of engineering with its own pedestrian walkways and cycling paths. Catch a glimpse of the scenic Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area below.
Cottontail Creek, Plum Guide home in Hudson Valley, New York
Leave urban life and live in the sky
Well, to be fair, it isn’t that ‘urban’. When it comes to things to do in Catskill, you'll find everything is a little rural. The town and its little villages are surrounded by mountainous vegetation and large rivers and streams, so it’s not like nearby New York City. Still, you’re now on your way to the Hunter Mountain Scenic Skyride, on the western edge of the Kaaterskill (isn’t that just a Dutch way of saying Catskill, which is already supposed to be the Dutch word for Wildcat Creek?) Wild Forest. It’s not for the faint-hearted, so do come prepared with excuses to miss out on a chair lift with your legs dangling out the bottom, if that's not your thing.
The Willow's Resting Place, Plum Guide home in Hudson Valley, New York
Get out and get active
One of the best things to do in Catskill is to stop being lazy. The woods and the mountains surrounding the town and village are brimming with fun activities. Swing through the trees like a maniac with the New York Zipline Adventure Tours, or bring the little ones to the Zoom Flume Water Park. The latter has a large wave pool and a range of water rides that’ll make your head spin (just the right amount so that you don’t then drown in some kind of dizziness spell). Head to the Windham Mountain Bike Park and cycle up and down the bumpy hills.
Discover the beauty of the nature
Mount Rushmore, Hudson Valley, New York
Admire the peace and quiet away from the big city life. Among the highlights in this vast area of natural beauty is the Kaaterskill Falls. Enjoy a picnic beside the cascades and take photos of the colourful vegetation draping the mountains around you. Head to Pratt Rock for New York’s Mount Rushmore (it’s the carved head of Zaddock Pratt, who was in the House of Representatives). Continue combining history and nature with a tour of the Hull-O Farms.
