Best attractions and places to see around Catskill include a blend of natural features, historic sites, and cultural points of interest. Situated along the Hudson River and at the edge of the Catskill Mountains, the region offers diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore significant art history, enjoy river views, and engage with local culture. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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The Rip Van Winkle Bridge connects the city of Hudson to the town of Catskill. It has a road and a pedestrian River Skywalk section. Bicyclists can use the roadway or walk their bikes across the Skywalk. If you want to savor the views of the Hudson River, then walk your bike across.
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The Hudson River Skywalk is a paved walkway and bike path that crosses over the Hudson River, connecting the city of Hudson to the town of Catskill. The path travels alongside Rip Van Winkle Bridge, which also crosses over Rogers Island Wildlife Management Area and the banks of Hamburg. Though it isn't the quietest walkway ever, this is a super cool path across the bridge that offers great views down the river.
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Catskill offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Lake view, which provides a great perspective of the lake and is part of a scenic path. Beyond our highlights, the region is home to the stunning Kaaterskill Falls, a two-tiered waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, and the vast Catskill Park, a 700,000-acre forest preserve perfect for hiking and exploring.
Yes, Catskill is rich in history. The Barnyard is a historical site with informational signs about the land and structure. Additionally, you can explore the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, preserving the home of the Hudson River School founder, or the ornate Olana State Historic Site, home to Frederic Edwin Church, connected by the Hudson River Skywalk.
The Catskill area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy various hikes, including easy trails like the Olana State Historic Site loop or the Blue & Yellow Trail loop at Greenport Conservation Area. For more options, explore our guides on Easy hikes around Catskill and Hiking around Catskill. Road cycling is also popular, with routes like the Clermont State Historic Site loop available; see our Road Cycling Routes around Catskill guide for details.
Absolutely! Many attractions in Catskill are suitable for families. The Rip Van Winkle Bridge (Hudson River Skywalk) offers a pedestrian section with scenic views that families can enjoy. The Barnyard is also considered family-friendly. For more active fun, the North-South Lake State Campground provides campsites and hiking trails, and the Zoom Flume Water Park in nearby East Durham is a great option for kids.
Catskill offers several stunning viewpoints. The Lake view highlight provides a beautiful perspective of the lake. The Hudson River Skywalk, which runs alongside the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, offers expansive views across the Hudson River. Additionally, North-South Lake State Campground features cliffside vistas, and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge itself provides panoramic views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.
The Hudson River Skywalk is a paved walkway and bike path that crosses the Hudson River, connecting the city of Hudson to Catskill. It runs alongside the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and offers fantastic views down the river. It's a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying the scenery.
Catskill has a vibrant art scene. Beyond the historic Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Olana State Historic Site, the village itself hosts local art at places like Citiot and the HiLo, which also serves as a performance space. The Bridge Street Theatre and Orpheum Performing Arts Center offer theatrical performances and music events.
Yes, Catskill is a growing hub for craft beverages. You can visit Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company, Subversive Malting + Brewing, and Left Bank Ciders, which produces ciders from locally grown apples.
For a quieter nature experience, consider the RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary, where you can walk or paddle through the Hudson River's largest forested tidal swamp. While popular, the vastness of Catskill Park also allows for finding less crowded trails away from the main attractions.
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and accessibility of the attractions. The Hudson River Skywalk is praised for its great views, and the Lake view is appreciated for its picturesque setting and pleasant walking path around the lake.
Yes, the Hudson River Skywalk is a paved walkway and bike path, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs. It offers a smooth surface for enjoying the views across the Hudson River.


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