October 2025 felt like the perfect excuse to chill out and head north to the Catskills in New York, with cameras in hand and autumn foliage on the brain. Peak fall color doesn’t wait for anyone, so this trip was all about chasing leaves, exploring back roads, and letting the days unfold without too much of a plan.
We stayed in the Catskills and took daily road trips to explore the surrounding areas, which honestly ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. Each morning started with a good breakfast, checking the weather forecast, and deciding which direction looked most promising. Some days we were hunting waterfalls, other days we were just driving until the scenery told us to pull over.
Two Must-See Stops in the Catskills
Two places really stood out during our October road trips and quickly became highlights of the entire foliage chase.
Ashokan Reservoir at Sunset Ashokan Reservoir
Catching sunset at the Ashokan Reservoir was pure magic. As the light faded, the surrounding mountains glowed with layers of orange, red, and gold, all reflected across the calm water. It’s an easy stop, incredibly peaceful, and one of those places where you just want to sit quietly and watch the colors change.
Kaaterskill Falls Kaaterskill Falls (Catskill Park, NY) Waterfall Visitor's Guide
Kaaterskill Falls was another can’t-miss location. The trails are easy to follow, making it a great option if you want big scenery without a complicated hike. The waterfalls are impressive on their own, even when there wasn't much water. Surrounded by peak autumn color, they felt even more dramatic.
I’ve added my favorite images from the trip to a new SlickPic Photo Gallery album called “The Catskills in Autumn.” If you want to see what peak October looked like through my lens, you can check it out here:
👉 https://slickpic.us/19595803TzTT
Where We Ate (and Would Absolutely Go Back)
A few places stood out enough that they deserve a permanent spot in my “random recommendations” list:
- Sunflower Market (Woodstock) Sunflower Market: This grocery store became our go-to for easy meals. We grabbed sushi, salads, breakfast sausages, and beer. Perfect for stocking up for staying in.
- Bread Alone Bakery (Woodstock) Bread Alone: If you’re anywhere near Woodstock, stop here. The pastries and baked goods are dangerously good, and it’s an ideal morning stop before hitting the road.
- Main Street Mexican Restaurant (Saugerties) Welcome | Main Street Restaurant:
The taco platter and margaritas were exactly what we wanted after an outing. Solid menu, great flavors, and a relaxed vibe.
- Walton Diner Walton Diner – Diner in Delaware County New York: Sometimes you just need comfort food, and this place delivered. Grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup hit the spot, especially on a cool fall day.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Coldbrook Bed and Breakfast, and it deserves special mention. It’s modern, thoughtfully designed, and surrounded by forest. One of the highlights was the window wall looking straight out into nature, especially magical in peak fall color and when deer and wild turkeys come to visit. The amenities were fantastic, the breakfasts, yummy, and it felt like the perfect basecamp for exploring the Catskills. Coldbrook Bed and Breakfast | Book Your Stay Today
Between winding roads, fiery hillsides, and quiet moments by the water, it was the kind of getaway that stays with you long after the leaves have fallen. If you’re ever craving a reset wrapped in autumn color, the Catskills in October just might be the answer.
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