For centuries, the Catskill Mountains have captivated travelers, artists, and nature lovers alike. Just a few hours north of New York City, this scenic region is brimming with history, folklore, and timeless natural beauty. From 19th-century landscape painters to 20th-century resort-goers, generations have found inspiration and respite in the Catskills’ rolling hills and winding rivers.
If you’re sailing on our Hudson River Summer Classic or Hudson River Fall Foliage itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this iconic region for yourself. Step ashore for curated excursions to historic landmarks, cultural sites, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Where are the Catskills?
You’ll find the Catskills in southeastern New York, framed by the Hudson River to the east and the Delaware River to the southwest. Formed over 350 million years ago, the Catskills are technically a dissected plateau, sculpted by ancient seas, glacial ice, and flowing rivers.
Three hours from the Big Apple, the Catskills are an accessible escape from the Concrete Jungle. You’ll forget how close you are to the largest metropolis in the country as you take in the expansive views from the top deck.
The History of the Catskills
As you explore the Catskills, you’re stepping into a story that spans centuries. These mountains served as the backdrop for Washington Irving’s Rip Van Winkle and many profound pieces of art.
By the mid-1800s, the Catskills became one of America’s earliest resort destinations. The arrival of steamboats on the Hudson and railroads through the valley made the mountains accessible to vacationers from New York City. Grand hotels like the Catskill Mountain House and the Kaaterskill Hotel drew affluent guests for summer retreats, with fresh air, mountain views, and dancing under the stars. Over time, boarding houses, bungalow colonies, and family-run resorts followed, turning the region into a summer playground for generations.
What is the Borscht Belt?
The term “Borscht Belt” refers to a network of resorts in the Catskills that thrived from the 1920s through the 1970s, serving primarily Jewish American families at a time when many vacation spots around the country excluded them. Named after the beloved beet soup, borscht, the nickname nods to the Eastern European roots of many of its vacationers.
These resorts were self-contained villages of entertainment, dining, sports, and socializing. Places like Grossinger’s, the Concord, and Kutsher’s offered full schedules of ballroom dancing, swimming, tennis, comedy shows, and five-course meals served with style. In many ways, the Borscht Belt helped define American summer family leisure.
For Jewish families in the mid-20th century, the Catskills offered a safe and welcoming space to relax, celebrate traditions, and experience a slice of the American Dream. Today, while many of the old resorts are gone, the stories, memories, and cultural impact remain a powerful part of Catskills history.
Things To Do in the Catskills
There’s no shortage of ways to experience the Catskills. Here are a few must-see highlights to explore during your visit:
Hike the Catskill Mountains
Not all hikes require hiking boots. There are several flat, well-maintained trails where you can stroll beneath towering trees and spot wildlife. For a light walk with a big reward, try the path to the former Catskill Mountain House site for one of the best panoramic views in the region.
No matter your route, you’ll find the crisp mountain air and scenic lookouts are well worth the journey.
Rip Van Winkle Bridge
This scenic bridge spans the Hudson River between the towns of Hudson and Catskill and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It’s named after Washington Irving’s famous character Rip Van Winkle, who wandered into the mountains, fell asleep and woke up 20 years later to find the world had changed.
As you walk the bridge, you’ll be retracing the fictional path of Rip himself, who symbolizes both the dreamlike beauty and the passage of time that still define the Catskills today.
Kaaterskill Falls
Feel the cool mist from one of the tallest waterfalls in New York. Kaaterskill Falls has been a popular destination for more than 200 years, and today’s maintained trails make it easier than ever to experience its power and beauty.
Olana State Historic Site
Explore the striking estate of Frederic Edwin Church, another star of the Hudson River School. The home is filled with global design influences, and its hilltop perch offers one of the most stunning views in the entire valley. You don’t have to be an art expert to appreciate the color, detail, and grandeur of Olana. It’s an unforgettable stop along the way.
FASNY Museum of Firefighting
This one-of-a-kind museum honors the heroism of American firefighters through historic engines, interactive exhibits, and beautifully preserved artifacts. It’s engaging, informative, and surprisingly moving. If you’re interested in history, community service, or vintage vehicles, this museum is worth a tour.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Step into the former home of Thomas Cole, a pioneering painter whose works helped define the American landscape tradition. You’ll enjoy guided tours, lush gardens, and sweeping river views that inspired his art. It’s a quiet, meaningful stop where you can stand in the same rooms and look out the same windows as one of America’s great visionaries.
See the Catskills with American Cruise Lines
A visit to the Catskills is a day filled with American art, culture, and landscape. Whether you’re tracing the brushstrokes of 19th-century painters or exploring scenic trails and storied bridges, the Catskills offer a quiet kind of magic you won’t soon forget.
Join American Cruise Lines on our Hudson River Summer Classic or Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises and experience the beauty, history, and hospitality that make the Catskills such a treasured destination.
