Kaaterskill Falls
The classic Catskills walk. Parking is limited and the trail can be icy; check conditions first.
Check trail conditions
Weekend guide
The Catskills in two nights
Mountains, small towns and a slower pace — but this one needs a car or a bus, not a Metro-North ticket.
Journey~2h30 by car; bus ~2h45
CostBus ~$60–70 RT; car fuel/tolls
Nights2 nights
Best forHiking, towns, autumn
Why go
The mountain weekend
The Catskills are close enough for two nights and big enough to feel like a real break. Base in Phoenicia or Woodstock and let the weather decide the day.
Without a car, the Trailways bus from Port Authority gets you to Phoenicia, and local taxis cover the trailheads. With a car, the options multiply: Kaaterskill Falls, the Devil's Path and the towns along Route 28.
What to do
Three good anchors
One big walk, one town, one slow morning.
Phoenicia
A small main street, a river and good coffee. The easiest base without a car.
Walk Main Street
Woodstock
Shops, food and a short drive to Overlook Mountain. Busier than Phoenicia.
Plan a half-day
The plan
Two nights, two days
Arrive Friday, walk Saturday, drive home Sunday.
01
Friday
Arrive
Bus or drive up, check in, dinner in town. Keep the evening short.
- Trailways bus or car — Port Authority or Route 28
- Dinner in Phoenicia — Main Street
02
Saturday
The big walk
Kaaterskill Falls in the morning, a late lunch, then Woodstock or a shorter river walk in the afternoon.
- Kaaterskill Falls — Trailhead parking
- Woodstock — 20 minutes by car
- Dinner — Phoenicia
What it costs
A realistic budget
Per person, excluding shopping.
| Item | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | $60–70 | Round trip from Port Authority |
| Cabin or inn | $220–380 | Two nights |
| Car | fuel + tolls | If driving |
| Food | $100–140 | Two dinners, two lunches |
Practical
What to know
Questions
__FAQ_TITLE__
Can I do it without a car?
Yes: bus to Phoenicia and taxis to trailheads. It is easier with a car, especially for Kaaterskill Falls.
Is two nights enough?
Yes. One full day is enough for a big walk and a town; two nights keep it relaxed.
When should I go?
Late spring to autumn for walking; winter needs proper gear and flexible plans.
Compare
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