The Ultimate Fall Foliage
Getaway in the Catskills
The Ultimate Fall Foliage Getaway in the Catskills
When summer fades, the Catskills put on one of their most beautiful displays of the year. Mountainsides turn shades of gold, orange and deep red, cool air settles over the valleys, and winding country roads become part of the experience themselves. It’s the kind of season that makes you want to slow down, take the longer route and spend a little more time outside. If you’re planning an autumn escape from New York City, here’s how to make the most of fall in the Catskills.
Wake Up Surrounded by Fall Color
One of the pleasures of staying in the Catskills during autumn is that you don’t have to go searching very far for the scenery.
Trees, mountain roads and forested hillsides become the backdrop to your entire stay. Start slowly with coffee outdoors, take a morning walk or simply enjoy the changing landscape before deciding where the day takes you.
Take the Scenic Route
Fall is made for driving through the Catskills. Instead of rushing from one destination to another, give yourself time to explore the mountain roads around Mount Tremper, Phoenicia, Woodstock and Belleayre.
Pull over when the view catches your eye, stop in a small town for lunch, and let the journey become part of the getaway.
See the Mountains From Above
For one of the best perspectives on the autumn landscape, head to Belleayre Mountain and ride the Catskill Thunder Gondola.
In 2026, scenic gondola rides continue into the autumn season on weekends through October 11, taking visitors to the summit for wide views across the Catskill Forest Preserve. Once at the top, you can walk, picnic or simply take in the foliage from above. belleayre.com — Scenic Gondola Rides
Get Out on the Trails
Cooler temperatures make fall an especially inviting time to hike.
Whether you want a challenging climb or an easy forest walk, the Catskills offer trails for different experience levels. Belleayre itself keeps hiking available through the summer and fall, from family-friendly walks to routes that climb toward the summit. belleayre.com — Hiking. Bring comfortable shoes, a light layer and your camera — autumn has a way of making even familiar trails look completely different.
Spend an Afternoon in Phoenicia or Woodstock
Fall doesn’t have to mean spending the entire day in the woods.
Explore Phoenicia, stop for something warm to eat or drink, or head over to Woodstock for shops, galleries and its unmistakably creative atmosphere. It’s an easy way to mix a little culture, food and local character into a day of sightseeing.
Catch a Catskills Fall Festival
Autumn also brings seasonal events to the mountains.
Belleayre’s 2026 Fall Festival is scheduled for October 3–4 and October 10–11, with free admission and parking, local food and craft vendors, live music, family activities and scenic gondola rides overlooking the changing leaves. belleayre.com — Fall Festival. It’s an easy addition to an October weekend getaway, especially for families or groups.
End the Day Somewhere Warm
After a day outside, autumn evenings are made for slowing down.
Come back, get comfortable, prepare dinner, sit around the fire, share a bottle of something you love or simply enjoy having nowhere else you need to be. That contrast — crisp days outside and cozy evenings in — is part of what makes a Catskills fall getaway so special.
Stay in the Heart of the Season at Abeni Estate
Abeni Estate gives you a peaceful home base for exploring the surrounding Catskills, with Phoenicia, Woodstock, Belleayre Mountain, scenic trails and mountain roads all within reach.