Greene County doesn't get the Instagram press that other parts of the Catskills do. No single famous mountain town drives the traffic. It has open country, long views, quiet roads, and outdoor access that used to be harder to find. This is how we'd spend a weekend.
Get Outside First
The northern Catskills in Greene County hold some of the best hiking in the range. Kaaterskill Falls is the most visited: the highest waterfall in New York State, a short walk from the parking area on Route 23A. For more elevation, the Devil's Path is one of the most demanding hikes in the Northeast and cuts through the heart of the county.
If hiking isn't your thing, the Catskill Center and Greene County Land Trust maintain miles of trails with easier access. Kaaterskill Wild Forest and Platte Clove Preserve are both worth a half-day.
The Towns Worth Stopping In
Catskill is the county seat with a real arts and food scene that has grown over the last decade. Thomas Cole National Historic Site anchors it: the founder of the Hudson River School lived and worked there, and the property is worth an hour. The main street has a handful of good coffee shops and restaurants.
Windham is a ski town in winter and a hiking base in summer, with more lodging than most of the county and a few solid spots for dinner. If you're driving up from the city, it makes a natural first stop before heading west or south.
Where to Stay
Greene County has a mix of traditional B&Bs, short-term rental cabins, and a few boutique properties. The mountain towns near Tannersville and Hunter have the most options within a short drive of the major trails. Booking a weekend house with a few friends is the easiest way to anchor a trip here.
Play a Round at Island Green
Island Green on County Rte 26 in Greenville is worth a stop if you play golf. Full resort property: golf course, lodge, event facilities. After your round, you're already at Lil' Piece. Golf and smoked brisket on a Saturday afternoon is a hard combination to beat.
Where to Eat
We're biased. But if you're spending a weekend in Greene County on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, come find us in Greenville. We're the restaurant at Island Green resort, 3822 County Rte 26, fifteen minutes south of Catskill. Doors open at 4 PM on Fridays, noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
The brisket is worth the detour. Get the combo on your first visit and order sides: they're made fresh the same day. If you're at the lodge, dinner is already sorted.