Things to Do in Greene County NY: Top Activities in the Catskills

Tucked between the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River Valley, Greene County offers a balance of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and cultural experiences. Located just two hours north of New York City, the area makes it easy to trade city noise for scenic views, hiking trails, and peaceful rivers. Greene County is the perfect destination to explore nature, history, and local character all in one trip.

Visitors can spend a morning hiking mountain peaks or chasing waterfalls, and an afternoon uncovering art galleries, museums, and local eateries in towns like Catskill, Windham, and Tannersville. The Official Greene County Travel Guide highlights how these mountain and river regions provide something for every traveler, from relaxing escapes to full-day adventures.

Throughout the year, the county comes alive with festivals, live music, and community events that celebrate local culture and the great outdoors. Whether exploring the Great Northern Catskills or enjoying family time at a seasonal fair, every visit offers something memorable—and worth coming back for.

Iconic Outdoor Adventures

Greene County offers some of the best outdoor experiences in New York. It combines mountain trails, scenic waterfalls, and winter slopes within easy reach of both locals and visitors. This mix of year-round activities keeps nature lovers and adventure seekers returning again and again.

Hiking in the Catskill Mountains

The Catskill Mountains provide a network of trails that suit every skill level. Hikers can explore wooded paths, ridge lines, and open summits across the Great Northern Catskills. The area covers more than 700,000 acres of protected forest in Catskill Park, offering space for peaceful walks and challenging climbs.

One highlight includes the Escarpment Trail, which stretches over 20 miles through dramatic cliffs and forest scenery. Hikers can also follow the Devil’s Path, known for its steep climbs and rewarding views. Many routes connect to small towns where walkers can rest and enjoy local food after a full day on the trail.

Maps and route information are available through local visitor centers and state park offices. Trails stay well-marked, and scenic overlooks often have signage describing the area’s wildlife and history. Those planning multi-day trips should check park rules for camping and backcountry safety before setting out.

Learn more about the region’s top trails in the Top Attractions in the Great Northern Catskills.

Exploring Waterfalls and Scenic Vistas

Waterfalls and outlooks add striking beauty to Greene County’s geography. The best-known site, Kaaterskill Falls, drops in two tiers for more than 250 feet, making it one of the tallest cascades in New York. A short but steep trail leads to several viewing points where visitors can safely enjoy the falls’ power and mountain backdrop.

Beyond Kaaterskill, smaller waterfalls flow along the North-South Lake area and near Platte Clove. Photographers often visit early in the morning to capture soft light on the cliffs and spray. Simple safety notes—such as staying behind fences and watching wet rocks—help visitors avoid accidents.

Panoramic overlooks, including Artist’s Rock and Sunset Rock, inspired painters like Thomas Cole, whose work defined early American landscape art. For a complete list of local viewpoints, travelers can explore Greene County’s top scenic spots.

Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations

Winter transforms Greene County into a busy ski destination. Two main resorts—Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain—draw downhill and snowboard fans from across the Northeast. Both offer lift-served trails for all skill levels and maintain consistent snow coverage through natural snowfall and snowmaking systems.

Hunter Mountain features fast groomers and terrain parks that challenge advanced riders. It also has a strong ski school program for beginners and families. Windham Mountain, a short drive away, combines wide-open slopes with relaxed village surroundings, ideal for visitors looking for a full weekend experience.

Both resorts provide equipment rentals, tuned trails, and on-site dining. Off the slopes, guests often spend time exploring nearby towns, which offer cafes and local events during the colder months. Additional winter trip ideas can be found through Travel Hudson Valley’s Greene County page.

Discovering the Great Northern Catskills

The Great Northern Catskills combine dramatic mountain scenery with historic charm and outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike steep ridges, watch native wildlife, and explore the natural beauty that has inspired artists for generations.

Visiting Catskill Park

Catskill Park covers nearly 700,000 acres across several counties, with a large part located in Greene County. It includes forests, lakes, and winding trails that attract hikers, campers, and nature photographers. Well-known spots such as North-South Lake Campground, described by the Great Northern Catskills tourism site, offer views of waterfalls and remnants of the historic Catskill Mountain House.

Travelers can climb restored fire towers for panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain feature scenic sky rides in summer and skiing in winter. Many day-use areas have picnic tables, boat launches, and short walking paths suitable for families.

The park’s mixed hardwood forests include maple, beech, and birch trees. In fall, these trees create one of New York’s most vivid foliage displays. Whether driving a scenic byway or hiking to a summit, visitors find a blend of accessibility and wildness that defines the Great Northern Catskills.

Wildlife Watching and Birding

Catskill Park supports a wide range of wildlife due to its forests and wetlands. Deer, black bears, and foxes live throughout Greene County’s wooded hills. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to spot mammals near clearings or water.

For birders, the area’s elevation changes provide several habitats. Species like pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers, and bald eagles thrive here. The Visit Catskills guide to Greene County highlights seasonal events that appeal to birding enthusiasts, including guided hikes and nature workshops.

A useful tip for visitors is to bring binoculars and plan outings around sunrise. Quiet observation from forest edges or along lakeshores often yields excellent sightings, especially during spring and fall migrations.

Charming Towns and Villages

Greene County’s small towns combine mountain scenery with walkable streets, family-friendly attractions, and preserved architecture. Visitors find local art galleries, riverside parks, and easy access to outdoor adventures across the Catskills.

Exploring Local Shopping

Each community in Greene County offers a mix of independent businesses that highlight regional craftsmanship. In the village of Catskill, travelers browse galleries, antique shops, and seasonal pop-up stores found along Main Street. The town’s signature art trail features hand-painted cat statues as part of the “Cat’n Around Catskill” public art project, described in 10 Things to Visit in Greene County.

Nearby Coxsackie and Athens provide relaxed shopping near the Hudson River. Athens’ Riverfront Park showcases local makers during summer festivals, while Coxsackie’s boutique stores sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and upcycled decor. Smaller hamlets like Tannersville and Windham focus on outdoor gear and artisan gifts that reflect mountain life.

Many shops are located in restored 19th-century buildings, giving them a distinctive Catskills look. The county’s tourism office lists places to find printed guides and maps for self-guided shopping tours on its official travel guide.

Dining Experiences

Restaurants across Greene County combine casual comfort with locally sourced ingredients. Farm-to-table menus are common, especially in towns like Windham, Catskill, and Tannersville, where chefs use regional cheese, produce, and meats from nearby farms. Visitors find options ranging from small delis to riverside bistros that overlook the Hudson Valley.

According to Hudson Valley Tourism, the county’s dining scene matches its four-season attractions, giving travelers year-round options in both mountain and valley towns. Many eateries serve traditional New York dishes alongside contemporary choices like vegetarian or gluten-free plates.

Some of the most visited spots sit inside historic inns or renovated barns, preserving the Catskills’ rustic charm while maintaining a modern atmosphere. In warmer months, outdoor patios and live music bring local energy to weekend evenings.

Artisan and Farmers Markets

Greene County’s towns support a strong network of seasonal markets where residents and visitors meet local growers and artisans. At weekly farmers markets in towns such as Catskill, Cairo, and Windham, shoppers find fresh produce, baked goods, and hand-crafted items. These events promote community business and sustain small farms in the area.

The Official Greene County Guide lists regional events and market schedules available throughout the year. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons, with outdoor setups in village squares and roadside stops along scenic routes.

Artisan vendors often sell candles, textiles, and woodwork that reflect the natural surroundings of the Catskill Mountains. These markets give visitors a practical way to experience local culture while supporting Greene County’s small-scale economy.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Greene County blends scenic landscapes with a deep cultural tradition. Visitors will find historic landmarks, preserved architecture, and art centers that reflect both the region’s rural roots and its role in shaping American creativity.

Museums and Art Galleries

The Greene County Historical Society preserves over 350 years of regional history. Its Bronck Museum, located on a National Historic Landmark site, includes ten original buildings dating back to 1663. The museum interprets Dutch Colonial life and displays local artifacts that connect visitors to early settlement life. Events like the society’s annual fundraiser at the Wire Event Center help maintain these historic structures (Greene County Historical Society).

Several small galleries across the Great Northern Catskills showcase regional artists. The Catskill Gallery and community spaces in towns like Tannersville and Windham feature photography, sculpture, and folk art exhibitions year-round. Local festivals and open studio events allow travelers to meet artists and purchase original works. Many galleries emphasize environmental themes inspired by the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River Valley.

Thomas Cole National Historic Site

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site honors the founder of the Hudson River School, the first major art movement in the United States. Located in Catskill, Cole’s former home and studio are preserved with original furnishings and extensive exhibits of his landscape paintings. Guided tours explain how his romantic depictions of the Catskills shaped American art in the 19th century.

Visitors can view seasonal exhibitions by both historic and contemporary painters who reinterpret Cole’s legacy. Walking paths connect the site to the nearby Hudson River Skywalk, a pedestrian bridge linking to Olana State Historic Site in Columbia County. Combined, these landmarks create a cultural route that celebrates the birth of American landscape painting across the Greene County region.

Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

Built in 1874, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse sits in the middle of the Hudson River between the villages of Hudson and Athens. The lighthouse guided commercial ships moving along the river’s busy trade route and remains one of the few operational lighthouses still standing on its original foundation.

The building’s brick design features distinctive Victorian details and panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains. Volunteers with the Hudson‑Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society lead summer tours that explain its maritime role and restoration efforts.

Visitors can reach it by boat tour or view it from riverfront parks in Athens and Hudson. Its preservation reflects ongoing efforts to protect the navigational landmarks that once fueled the economic growth of Greene County and the wider Hudson River Valley (Discover Upstate NY).

Water Recreation and Fishing

Greene County offers calm lakes, clear streams, and mountain-fed rivers where visitors can paddle, fish, and enjoy scenic views. These waters provide both quiet spots for relaxation and active sites for outdoor sport in the heart of the Catskill Mountains.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Greene County’s rivers and lakes offer safe and scenic routes for paddling. The Hudson River, along the county’s eastern edge, provides wide channels and steady currents suitable for kayak touring. Beginners often choose the sheltered waters of Colgate Lake, where flat conditions make for an easy launch and smooth paddle.

Those looking for more movement can explore Schoharie Creek as it winds through forested valleys. This creek appeals to intermediate paddlers who enjoy mild rapids and views of Catskill peaks. Outfitters such as Copper Don’s Catskill Mountain Guides and Catskill Outfitters in nearby towns rent gear and offer guided trips that help paddlers learn about local ecology.

Safety equipment is easy to find at local shops. Many sites, including trailside parks, feature small docks and picnic areas for breaks or short shoreline walks between stretches of water.

Fishing Hotspots

Fishing has long been a local tradition, with lakes and creeks stocked each season. At Green Lake, anglers catch trout and panfish year-round under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation rules. The waters of Colgate Lake also allow trout fishing in any season as long as the fish meet length limits described in New York Fishing at Its Finest: Fish the Catskills.

South through the county, streams like Schoharie Creek and West Kill hold both wild and stocked trout. Many visitors book with regional guides listed on Yelp’s best fishing in Greene County to find productive spots and proper tackle.

For those wanting a convenient outing, Lake Rip Van Winkle in Tannersville provides access for warm‑water species such as bass and perch. The mix of easily reached lakes and remote creeks gives anglers of different skills plenty of ways to enjoy the Catskill waters.

Year-Round Events and Festivals

Greene County offers a steady lineup of cultural, musical, and seasonal activities set against the scenic backdrop of the Great Northern Catskills. Visitors find live performances, outdoor celebrations, and local markets that highlight the area’s mountain charm and small-town hospitality.

Seasonal Celebrations

Each season brings its own traditions and family-friendly festivals. Spring and summer fill local parks and village greens with concerts, craft fairs, and outdoor markets. Families often gather for fireworks displays, farmers markets, and guided hikes through the Catskill Park.

Fall is known for harvest events and colorful foliage. Visitors can travel along scenic routes to enjoy Oktoberfest-style gatherings and autumn fairs across Greene County. During winter, nearby ski resorts and towns host holiday parades and light shows. Events such as the Catskill Parade of Lights, featured by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, bring residents and travelers together for festive evenings on Main Street.

Live Music and Performances

Music plays a major role in Greene County’s event calendar. The Great Northern Catskills area hosts concerts ranging from bluegrass to classical music throughout the year. Events like the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival attract nationally recognized performers, while smaller venues schedule local artists every weekend.

Cultural centers such as the Orpheum Theatre and the Doctorow Center for the Arts in Hunter present theater, dance, and film screenings. In summer, outdoor performance series bring residents out to enjoy evening shows under the stars. These gatherings help visitors experience both professional productions and community-based entertainment in relaxed, scenic settings.

Local Food and Craft Events

Local producers, artisans, and chefs showcase regional flavors at farmers markets and seasonal food festivals. Greene County’s craft fairs and tasting events highlight handcrafted goods, fresh produce, and small-batch drinks.

Events like the Rip Van Winkle Wine, Brew & Beverage Fest, listed on Visit Greene County, celebrate local wineries and breweries along the Hudson River. Fall weekends often feature farm-to-table dinners, apple picking, and craft markets that reflect the area’s agricultural roots. These events invite visitors to meet producers directly and enjoy authentic Catskills-made products in welcoming community spaces.