The Catskill Mountains are a portion of a larger mountain range called the Appalachian Mountains. It’s located about 30 miles south of Albany, New York. There are numerous mountains, valleys, and lakes in the area of Catskill Park, which is a region of about 700,000 acres. Catskill Park is a preserve that features forests and mountains which are protected under New York state law.
The region is well known for providing some of the most beautiful landscapes out there in the United States. We will be discussing 11 of the top best photogenic locations to visit in the Catskill Mountains. No matter the time of year you visit, you will have plenty of gorgeous views that’ll make all of your friends on your various social media pages jealous, not to mention provide you with plenty of great memories to look fondly back on in the future.
1.) Hunter Mountain
This destination is one of the most widely visited areas in all of the Catskills. It’s home to many festivals throughout the year as well as providing some of the best skiing in New York. Whether you’re looking to capture photos of lakes, rivers, greenery, or the mountains, Hunter Mountain is the ideal place to start your photographic journey.
2.) Kaaterskill Falls
The Kaaterskill Falls is basically included in the same area as Hunter Mountain, but it deserves its own shout out. These falls are widely considered one of the United States is oldest attractions for visitors. While this locale is sure to provide you with amazing shots of the waterfalls, it’s important to remember to always keep safety in mind. Dozens of deaths have been reported in the past two centuries, so you will want to be careful with your footing when snapping a photo of this beauty.
3.) SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta is a small town, with a population of around 14,000, about 9,500 of which are students, so it’s safe to say it’s also a college town. Colleges such as this one, feature beautiful landscaping and great outdoor views. With over 250 acres for this campus, the shades of green for the grass, and the backdrop of the mountains, will allow you beautiful photos even if you’re not a student. They even have a pond in the shape of New York State.
4.) Windham Mountain Resort
Windham has been considered one of the United States is top ski destinations since the 1960s. Even when it’s not snowing, you’re sure to find lots of events including weddings, yoga retreats, and even music festivals. Be ready to snap a bunch of photos and maybe even pack an extra memory card.
5.) Ashokan Reservoir
Located near the Hudson Valley, this nature trails located alongside a huge body of water, is one of the top tourist attractions for nature seekers to enjoy in the Catskills. You’ll be able to see various critters such as snakes and raccoons and be able to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. There’s also talk about building a bike trail along the same stretch, too, so if you enjoy riding on two wheels, maybe you can rent a bike and enjoy a calm bike ride as well.
6.) Sam’s Point Preserve
This attraction is full of climbable mountains and amazing hiking trails, and is also well-known for ice caves. They’ve recently acquired even more of the surrounding land, so the explorable area has increased in size, which gives you a chance to see even more photographic areas to check out.
7.) Catskill Park
For those looking for the ultimate outdoor experience, Catskill Park is the place for you. It’s full of creeks, forests, and surrounded by mountains. There are endless trails to hike and plenty of places to drop a line in for fishing. The photographs you could capture here are sure to make anybody that sees them wish they were there too.
8.) Emerson Kaleidoscope
Not many people are aware, but the largest world record holding kaleidoscope is located in the Catskills. It was designed by Charles Karadimos over 20 years ago and is one of the top attractions for those traveling to the Catskill Mountains to see. You can take tons of groovy photos inside the kaleidoscope, and maybe even create a new background for your computer.
9.) Stony Kill Falls
These beautiful falls are located in Minnewaska Preserve toward the northwest edge. While it’s not as well known as Kaaterskill Falls, and it does require a bit more of a hike, you will be able to avoid huge crowds. And since it’s not as popular, you’re sure to catch photos that many others have never seen before or had the chance to capture themselves.
10.) Delaware River
The Delaware River actually crosses through five different states including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and New Jersey. It is the ultimate place for boating and tubing, which means you can take totally awesome pictures of yourself relaxing and enjoying your vacation the way that you should.
11.) Vernooy Falls
If you’re worried about breaking your neck at Kaaterskill Falls, we don’t blame you, but you don’t have to count out the falls completely. Vernooy Falls is a great alternative and is not overrun with crowds. It’s also an easy hike and way less dangerous, without you having to give up spectacular views and a refreshing dip.
This is literally just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the different photogenic locations in the Catskill Mountains. There’s literally an endless number of trails, mountains, lakes, forests, restaurants, (you get the point), to not only photograph, but also enjoy.
One thing to consider though and keep in mind when vacationing is that while taking beautiful pictures has now become a must, almost obsessively, it’s important to enjoy your vacation and sometimes just put down the phone. Now we are not recommending to leave it behind or not make sure to always keep your charger handy, of course keep it within arm’s reach so if and when something does happen you’ll have it, but sometimes it’s better to just view the world from your own eyes rather than from behind a photo lens.