r/catskills

I stayed at one of the NYS campgrounds near Phoenicia with my dog last year and I think it was like $25 a night? Wasn’t too bad but wondering if there’s any cheaper options. I backpack a lot with my dog but in the summer with it being so hot I like to be near my car for cooler/water at night.

Within a 20 minute drive is ideal.

We like all types of food - but more upscale is preferred.

Hello! Me and two friends were trying to do an overnight backpacking trip this Friday. Obviously it's Memorial Day weekend, so I have some quick questions.

1. How early would be ideal for the Giant's Ledge trailhead parking to snag a spot

2. What are the chances the campsites along the trail would be taken

Again, obviously a busy time to do it, but unfortunately this is the only time relatively soon that we had. I had done Slide and camped along a campsite off-trail with a friend last year, but this would only be my second time camping in NY. We honestly really don't care where we go, and are very open to suggestions aside from here. It doesn't even have to be a backpacking trail per se, we are just trying to get out somewhere.

We are driving from a bit south of Boston. Thanks!!

I want to propose to my girl of 7 years at kaaterskill falls. I want to get the pretty fall colors and chat gpt told me to go for mid October. I wanted to do the weekend of the 11th but I’m not sure how to get photos without anyone else in them. We both work m-f so it’d have to be during the weekend. I saw some photos online of the place but I’m just worried about it being super busy that weekend. What does everyone think? Also if anyone has any ideas on how to tell her to dress cute for a hike without giving away the fact that I’m proposed I’m all ears.

A group of 7 of us will be visiting Livingston Manor for a long weekend June 25th-29th. Our ages range from my 7 m/o daughter to my 83 y/o grandma. My wife and I visited in fall of 2024 and had the most amazing time hiking, eating, and enjoying the nightlife at Van Smokey’s.

This trip will look a little different and we’re okay with that, I just wanted to see if there were any local farms or farmers markets within an hour or so of LM that would be worth the drive. I’m open to any other suggestions people might have for the area or events happening that weekend.

TIA!

Hello! We’re looking at attending a show at Bethel Woods and thought we’d make a weekend of it. Where would you recommend we look that would offer some hiking and nice places to eat, also accessible to the venue? We’d be looking for an Airbnb or cabin rental.

I’ve read some suggestions that say to stay west of Bethel Woods for a better traffic situation, but I’m not sure of any specifics.

Thanks in advance!

I work in hospitality and visitors to the area feel like it’s a swarm of cops. Sometimes driving 3 miles and you’ll see all 3 types out. Just seems a bit over the top.

I’m not anti-cop, I’ve just been all over the country (and world) and have never seen such high cop-density relative to population.

Any insights?

We are staying in the Livingston Manor area next weekend at an inn that no longer provides a packed lunch for hikers. Any suggestions for a provisions/grocery store that's open early and might have vegetarian takeout options? TIA.

I will be hiking DP backwards and was wondering if what the parking situation is at the start. We have two cars so the goal is to park one at the end then drive to the start. Again were doing it BACKWARDs west to east.

Hey guys was looking to plan a bachelor trip with me and 5 guy friends. Was planning on going mid august for like a 2 day trip. I wanted to do a 4-6 hr hike in the morning and wanted to see if yall had any recommendations. My group is pretty fit and can do a moderate trail. I was looking at wittenberg mountain hike and wanted to know if there is anything with better views?

Also down for some other cool unique activities/places to stay

I'm planning to visit the Catskills from NYC and stay at Scribner's Lodge over the weekend, but unfortunately I can't drive. I'm looking for some insights on what to expect and any advice you want to give. I have a few questions:

1. I'm planning to take MNR to Poughkeepsie and Uber/Lyft to Hunter from there. Is that feasible? Are there Ubers/Lyft available in Poughkeepsie that are willing to drive to Hunter?

2. Seems like the Kaaterskills trolley has permanently ceased operations. Are there any other public transit options in Hunter? Is there any way to get around town to nearby areas without your own car? Uber/Lyft/taxis? Is Hunter walkable (like if I want to visit cafes/restaurants in the area from my hotel)?

3. Is it feasible to visit Kaaterskill Falls without a car? Are there any shuttles or car services there for tourists?

4. Any hiking trails that are accessible without a car from Hunter?

Any other advice would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks!