While you can enjoy the leaves all throughout the Catskills, below are a few recommendations without a big hike.
Scenic Drives:
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Explore the Central Catskills on this 52-mile stretch along NY Route 28 (and sections of NY Routes 42 and 214). https://sceniccatskills.com/
Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway
Venture into the Northern Catskills via 41 miles of NY Route 23a, NY Route 214, and more. http://mtnclovesbyway.com/
Durham Valley Scenic Byway
Head to the northernmost Catskills for 21 miles of views and rolling farmland. https://www.greatnortherncatskills.com/attractions/scenicbyways/durham-valley
Route 55
The route between Neversink and Liberty gives gorgeous views of the Southern Catskills
Views Without A Hike:
Five-State Lookout, 7604 NY-23, Acra, NY 12405
Pull-off the road on East Windham Hill for sweeping views of New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Palmer Hill Scenic Overlook, 11 Finkle Rd, Andes NY 13731
The views from the parking area are lovely and you can opt to take a leisurely stroll through the scenic meadow trails.
Belleayre Mountain, 181 Galli Curci Rd, Highmount, NY 12441
Take a drive to the top of Belleayre Mountain for views or take the scenic Gondola ride (see Belleayre’s website for reservation information).
Mt. Utsayantha, Tower Rd, Stamford, NY 12167
Drive the road up to the fire tower for panoramic views.
Reservoir Road in Shokan, NY & Olivebridge
Drive the road across the middle of the Ashokan Reservoir for great mountain views and views of the water
Places to Take an Easy Walk
North/South Lake Campground, County Route 18, Haines Falls, NY 12436
Enjoy the trails around the lake or take a short walk to the site of the former Catskill Mountain House for a vista.
Ashokan Rail Trail, Trailheads at 1285 NY 28,West Hurley; 3045 NY 28, Shokan; and 5080 Route 28A, Boiceville.
Enjoy 11.5 miles of trail along the north shore of the Ashokan Reservoir with views of the water and the surrounding high peaks.
Catskills Visitor Center Loop Trail, 5096 NY 28, Mt. Tremper, NY
Take a walk through the woods on this accessible 0.5 mile trail. For a view, climb the Upper Esopus Fire Tower, located on the trail.
Mountain Top Arboretum, 4 Maude Adams Road, Tannersville, NY, 12485
Multiple paths lead through the Arboretum’s meadows, woodlands, and glens.
Windham Path, 4982 NY 23, Windham, NY 12496
A nice loop for a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Batavia Kill. The covered bridge is a highlight.
