Quick answer
Catskills foliage usually peaks from late September through mid-October, starting at higher elevations. Plan a weekend around a themed package — a fall fest with cider and pumpkins, a Halloween weekend with costumes and live music, or a Friendsgiving weekend with a turkey dinner — and book 2–3 months ahead for October.
When to see peak foliage
Color comes first to the high peaks around Hunter and Windham and works its way down into the valleys. As a rule of thumb, late September through mid-October is peak season in the Northern Catskills, with Columbus Day weekend often right in the middle. Late October brings deep reds and golds to the lower elevations.
Scenic drives near East Durham
- Route 23 west toward Windham and the mountaintop
- Route 23A through Kaaterskill Clove past Hunter
- Country roads around Durham, Cornwallville and Freehold
Fall weekends worth planning around
Fall Fest
Music, cider and pumpkins: hot cider and donuts, pumpkin scones, trivia and an apple pie baking workshop.
Halloween Weekend
Costume contests, Halloween crafts and trivia, adult trick-or-treating and a band in the pub. Gavin's 2026 Halloween Weekend was its pub's season finale, open to the public.
Friendsgiving
Gather your friends before the family holidays: afternoon tea and Thanksgiving scones, a Saturday turkey dinner, workshops and live music.
Quick one-nighters
A one-night getaway with dinner, breakfast and live music is an easy fall escape when a full weekend won't fit.
What to pack for fall in the mountains
- A warm fleece and a light jacket
- Hiking shoes for trails and farms
- A costume, if it's Halloween
- A rain shell
- A camera — the porch light at golden hour is magic
Booking tips
October weekends fill early — Columbus Day weekend especially. November weekends are quieter and more affordable, and make perfect girls' getaways and friend reunions.
Frequently asked questions
When is peak foliage in the Catskills?
Usually late September through mid-October, starting at higher elevations around Hunter and Windham and moving down into the valleys.
What is a Friendsgiving weekend?
A Thanksgiving-season getaway with friends — at Gavin's it includes afternoon tea, a Saturday turkey dinner, workshops and live music.
How far ahead should I book a fall weekend in the Catskills?
Two to three months for October weekends; Columbus Day weekend books even earlier. November is easier to get.
What fall packages does Gavin's offer?
Typically Fall Fest, Halloween Weekend, a One Night Getaway, Nellie's Pub & Music Weekend and Friendsgiving. See the packages page for current dates and prices.
By the Gavin family · Gavin’s Irish Country Inn, East Durham, NY · Updated
