If you're in Catskill, NY or the Northern Hudson Valley this fall, you're sitting pretty for New York's leaf peeping season. The area offers some spectacular foliage drives and destinations.
I've been exploring these backroads for over a decade, and these six scenic routes & drive-to destinations consistently deliver those Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you're a serious photographer or just want to get the kids away from screens for an afternoon, these drives won't disappoint. And as a bonus, these spots don’t require long walks for a great reward.
In our experience, the best time to visit Catskill for peak foliage is mid-late October, with a few weeks on either side also offering some amazing views (and honestly… these viewpoints are impressive any time of year!)
1. Rip Van Winkle Bridge Scenic Drive
Drive time from Catskill, NY: 5-15 minutes - it’s near Catskill’s Main Street!
This bridge isn't just a way to cross the Hudson - it's basically a two-mile-long observation deck suspended 145 feet above the water. The views are fantastic up and down the river.
You can hit this drive around 4 PM for golden hour magic if you want it to be extra special (but not necessary). The late afternoon sun lights up the east-facing hills, and the river below reflects it all back up at you.
Pro tip: There's a small pulloff on the Hudson side (Route 9G) where you can actually get out and walk along the bridge approach for even better photos. Just watch the traffic - weekends get busy with leaf peepers from NYC.
2. Olana State Historic Site
Drive time from Catskill, NY: 15-20 minutes (just across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge!)
Olana State Historic Site is the former home of Frederic Edwin Church, one of America's most famous landscape painters from the Hudson River School. Church designed this entire 250-acre hilltop estate in the 1870s as a living work of art, complete with a Persian-inspired castle and carefully planned scenic vistas. The best part? You can simply drive straight up to the top, park near the house, and step out to sweeping views of the Hudson River valley 500 feet below. Church spent decades positioning trees and carving sight lines to frame perfect views of the river, distant mountains, and autumn foliage. Just walk around the easy paths near the parking area - no house tour required - and enjoy the spectacular panoramas this master artist designed specifically for moments like peak foliage season.
3. Hunter Mountain Scenic Byway (Route 23A)
Drive time from Catskill, NY: 15 minutes to start
Total route: About 12 miles through Kaaterskill Clove
Route 23A through Kaaterskill Clove is hands-down the most dramatic foliage drive in the Catskills.
The clove walls tower 2,000 feet above you on both sides, covered in a mix of hardwoods that go crazy with color.
Fair warning: this road gets sketchy in bad weather, and weekends in October can be a parking nightmare at the falls. Go early or go late.
As a bonus - byway ends near the entrance to the Kaaterskill Falls, an amazing spot to take in more views - but again, go early or late as it is quite crowded in the fall.
4. Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower
Drive time from Catskill, NY: 45-60 minutes
Mount Utsayantha sits at 3,214 feet and offers 360-degree views that'll make you forget all about those crowded overlooks elsewhere.
The drive up through Delaware County takes you through some serious backcountry - working farms, stone walls older than the country, and forests that haven't changed much since the 1800s. The last mile is gravel, but any car can make it if you take your time.
Once you climb the restored fire tower (it's safe, don't worry), you're looking at Vermont's Green Mountains to the north, the Berkshires to the east, and endless Catskill peaks rolling away like green and gold waves. On a clear day, you can supposedly see five states from up there.
Bring snacks - there's nothing commercial for miles around.
5. North-South Lake + Sunset Rock Overlook
Drive time from Catskill, NY 12414: 35 minutes
Hike to Sunset Rock: 1.6 miles total, mostly flat
North-South Lake sits in a perfect mountain bowl, surrounded by peaks that mirror themselves in the still water when conditions are right.
The drive in takes you up through Haines Falls (stop at the general store for coffee and local intel), then winds through dense forest that opens dramatically to reveal these pristine mountain lakes. During peak foliage, usually the first week of October up here, the reflection photography opportunities are insane.
Sunset Rock is a short hike from the lake - basically a sidewalk with some stairs at the end. The payoff is the classic Catskills view that inspired all those Hudson River School painters. You're looking east across the entire Hudson Valley, with layer after layer of mountains fading into blue distance.
Word of warning: this place gets absolutely mobbed on perfect October weekends. Try weekday mornings or arrive before 8 AM on weekends.
6. Route 32 Overlook (Five State Lookout)
Drive time from Catskill, NY 12414: 20 minutes
Most people zoom past this overlook on Route 32 on the way to Windham without stopping, but on a clear autumn day, this might be the most expansive foliage view in all of New York.
The pulloff is small and easy to miss (look for mile marker 24.7), but the view opens up to show you just how vast the Catskill wilderness really is. We're talking about a 100-mile panorama on clear days - you can supposedly see into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont from this one spot (hence the name).
This spot works best in morning light when the air is clearest. Afternoons get hazy, especially in warm weather.
7. Black Bridge - The Easy Creek Walk
Drive time from Catskill, NY 12414: 5-15 minutes (right on Catskill’s Main Street!)
Parking: Free street parking nearby
Difficulty: Completely flat and walkable
The Black Bridge in Catskill is one of those "hidden in plain sight" spots that people often miss. This simple pedestrian bridge crosses Catskill Creek and offers some of the easiest fall foliage viewing in the area - no hiking boots or mountain driving required.
What makes this spot special during autumn is the tree-lined creek around you. The bridge gives you an elevated perspective of the water as it winds through town, bordered by trees of all colors in October. You can walk across at your own pace, stopping to photograph the reflections in the calm creek water or just enjoy watching the leaves drift downstream. It's especially beautiful in the early morning when mist sometimes rises from the water, or late afternoon when the low sun filters through the colorful canopy above the creek.
Overall a super easy spot to hit when you’re in the area (and you will be in the area if you’re staying in Catskill!).
Peak Foliage Timing and Planning Tips
When to Visit: Peak color typically hits this area mid October, with higher elevations changing first. Check the New York State foliage report (updated weekly) for current conditions.
Local Food Stops:
Gracie's Luncheonette in Leeds (best breakfast sandwiches)
Hunter Mountain Brewery (good beer, mountain views)
Catskill Mountain Country Store (snacks, local maple syrup)
Circle W Market (snacks, sandwiches, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does each drive take? A: Most of these are 1-3 hour round trips from the Town / Village of Catskill, but plan extra time for stops and photo ops.
Q: Can I do multiple drives in one day? A: Absolutely. Rip Van Winkle Bridge and Olana make a good combo, as do Routes 23A and 32. Just don't try to rush - you'll miss the best photo opportunities.
Q: What if it's cloudy? A: Overcast skies can actually enhance foliage colors by eliminating harsh shadows. Rain brings out the deep colors too. Just avoid fog - you won't see anything.
Q: Do I need hiking boots? A: Only for Sunset Rock, and even that's optional. Most of these spectacular views are visible right from your car or a short walk from parking areas.
The northern Catskills region around zip code 12414 offers some of the most accessible and spectacular fall foliage viewing in the Northeast. These drives showcase why this area has inspired artists and nature lovers for generations - and why smart leaf peepers skip the crowded tourist spots for these hidden gems.
Just remember: the best foliage photo is the one where you actually stopped to enjoy the view instead of just snapping and driving on.
