The Catskill Mountains, nestled in New York’s storied Hudson Valley, have earned a spot on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Underrated Travel Destinations for 2025,” ranking 17th on the prestigious list. This recognition underscores a significant trend: the Catskills are emerging as a standout region for those seeking year-round natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town charm—all while escaping the hustle of traditional tourist hubs.
Tourism Snapshot: Riding High in 2023–2024
Recent economic data reveals the Catskills have swiftly transformed into a tourism powerhouse. In 2023, the region generated an impressive $2.5 billion in visitor spending statewide, with Sullivan County alone drawing nearly $1 billion—a 12.5% increase year-on-year. Tourism supports approximately 17,995 jobs, accounting for 15.4% of total employment in the Catskills, while sustaining local economies through its tax contributions.
Upstate New York, including the Catskills and Adirondacks, saw over 40% growth in travel spending in 2022, offering a stark contrast to slower recovery in New York City. These numbers suggest a shifting travel paradigm: more people are seeking lush retreats and slower-paced experiences outside urban centers.
Why the Catskills Captivate Travelers
Scenic Outdoor Adventure
The Catskills deliver on any outdoors bucket list. Trails traverse soaring peaks—Slide Mountain, the region’s highest point, is a must-visit—through lush wilderness perfect for hiking and cycling. Winter transforms the region into a playground for snow enthusiasts, with top ski slopes at Hunter Mountain, Belleayre, and Windham, offering varied terrain for all skill levels.
Water lovers will find serene lakes and tranquil rivers ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Standout spots include Ashokan Reservoir and Rondout Creek, which offer peaceful vistas and prime angling.
Visitors returning in 2024 spotlighted hotspots, with Kaaterskill Falls seeing a 25% rise in foot traffic and fire tower visits doubling. Local stewardship programs have doubled down on easing congestion and preserving trail infrastructure.
Cultural Richness and Historic Towns
The region is home to captivating towns rooted in culture and history. Catskill, perched above the Hudson River, pays vibrant homage to the Hudson River School art movement via the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Bethel, hallowed ground of the original Woodstock festival, continues to draw music lovers to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
Other gems include Phoenicia, Livingston Manor, and Tannersville—the latter dubbed “The Painted Village in the Sky”—each offering unique boutiques, farm-to-table eateries, and a relaxed pace of life.
Emerging Agritourism and Dining
A food and agritourism renaissance is also blooming in the Catskills. Bovina, once a quiet hamlet, now hosts Bovina Farm & Fermentory, which merges intimate farm-style dinners with guest lodging—modeling itself on European traditions. Elsewhere, artisanal producers like Beaverkill Valley Inn (a legendary fishing lodge now welcoming tourists) and boutique operations around Hobart are bolstering the region’s culinary cool.
Range of Accommodations
Options range from rustic cabins and boutique motels like The Leeway—offering stylish stays from $325 per night—to upscale havens like Resorts World Catskills Casino, catering to diverse traveler preferences. Whether you’re seeking seclusion or entertainment, the Catskills delivers.
Convenient Getaway from New York City
Only a 2–3 hour drive from New York City, the Catskills offer both simplicity and spontaneity for weekend escapes. Whether visitors choose to hike, unwind in a cabin, or explore history-rich Americana, the region delivers an immersive getaway without straining schedules.
Economic and Conservation Balance
This surge in popularity doesn’t come without challenges. Overuse of sites like Peekamoose Blue Hole prompted permit systems and increased stewardship to preserve environment and ensure safety. Local officials are advocating for continued investment in infrastructure to balance tourist influx with sustainable management.
Economic gains are substantial—tourism-generated taxes saved regional households $1,931 on average in 2023 —but resources must grow to support both community and conservation.
Year-Round Appeal
The Catskills defy seasonal limits. Spring and summer unveil verdant trails and waterfall cascades; autumn brings dramatic foliage; winters deliver pristine ski slopes. Meanwhile, village events, cultural festivals, and farm-to-table dinners continue year-round, making the region a perennial escape.
Conclusion: The Catskills’ Time to Shine
The Catskills’ inclusion on U.S. News’ 2025 list marks a turning point. With natural wilderness, cultural depth, economic impact, and growing hospitality options, the region is stepping into the spotlight of American travel. Seasonal variety, ingredient-driven dining, and a celebrated wellness ethos amplify its draw.
As the Catskills ascend from humble getaway to a premier travel destination, this retreat from the ordinary offers a restorative and meaningful journey—whether you’re exploring mountain paths, attending a concert at Bethel Woods, or simply sipping cider in a pastoral town square.
With sustained investment in infrastructure and conservation, the Catskills are poised to become a timeless fixture in U.S. tourism—an accessible, underrated gem that rewards curious travelers again and again.
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