When you close your eyes and imagine autumn, you’re probably picturing a place like Ulster County. Crisp and cool days. Rich reds and vivid orange leaves. Warm beverages and even warmer people. Around here, autumn isn’t a season; it’s a frame of mind.
From colorful drives and rejuvenating hikes to an abundance of arts, music, and culture, you’ll discover there’s never been a better time to visit our neck of the woods. While autumn lasts from September 22 through December 21, our cultural energy lasts forever. These experiences prove it.
Take a Stroll and Explore the Art at Opus 40
Tucked into the heart of the Catskills, Opus 40 is unlike anything else. This awe-inspiring sculpture park and museum spans more than 60 acres of rolling meadows, forest paths, and historic bluestone quarries. At its center lies a massive, hand-built bluestone earthwork — a 6.5-acre masterpiece crafted over 37 years by artist Harvey Fite. Visitors are invited to wander the winding ramps, take in sweeping Catskill views, and experience a space where art and nature meet. Events throughout the year include outdoor concerts, community festivals, and hands-on workshops, so be sure to check the calendar before you go. Admission is ticketed — but the memories are priceless.
Catch a Concert at the Colony Woodstock
Step into nearly a century of music and memories at The Colony in Woodstock. Since 1929, this legendary venue has drawn crowds for unforgettable nights of food, fun, and live entertainment. Today, its intimate stage and lively beer garden keep that spirit alive with a dynamic mix of concerts, local acts, and special events. Grab a bite, sip something cold, and settle in under the stars. Check their events page to see what’s playing next — there’s always something worth hearing.
Take in One of Ulster County’s Many Art Galleries
With the majestic Catskill Mountains as the backdrop, Ulster County itself is a living natural gallery. No wonder the area has been inspiring artists of all disciplines for decades. We have so many art galleries, we honestly couldn’t narrow it down to just one or two (or 10). We suggest you visit them all during your trek through Ulster County.
Get in the Fall Spirit at U-Pick Farms
Ulster County’s farming roots run deep—and there’s no sweeter way to experience them than at a U-pick farm. Wander orchard rows or berry patches with family and friends, and fill your baskets with just-picked produce at the peak of ripeness. From sun-ripened strawberries to crisp autumn apples, it doesn’t get fresher than this.
- Picking is in full swing through the fall, and family-friendly activities abound at both Kelder’s Farm and Weed Orchard & Winery.
- Head to Dressel Farms or Prospect Hill Orchard to pick from a wide selection of apples, pumpkins, and more.
- Pick fresh fruit from the tree, or enjoy craft beer and wood-fired pizza from the oven at DuBois Farms.
- And you’ll find plenty of delicious apples and plump pumpkins to pick at Hurd’s Farm.
If you find it hard to pick just one of our U-pick farms (you will), we recommend visiting them all.
Go Leaf Peeping
The dense foliage that blankets the Mid-Hudson Valley and the adjacent Catskills is a wonder any time of the year, but fall is particularly special. Leaf peepers the world over flock to the region to witness the kaleidoscope of brilliant earth tones that emerge from the pines, oaks, maples, and hemlocks that dot the landscape, along with shrubs of huckleberry and blueberry.
Try Fly Fishing in The Catskills
Slip on your waders, grab your gear, and find your stream — because there a plenty to choose from. The Catskills are known to have some of the best fly fishing in the United States. American icons like Mark Twain, Herbert Hoover, and Jimmy Carter spent many an afternoon angling for trout and other species in freestone streams found throughout the region, and the area continues to be a global fishing destination to this day.
Indulge in Farm-to-Table Cuisine
With its rich agriculture, diverse population, and proximity to New York City and the nearby Culinary Institute of America, it’s no surprise that Ulster County carries a reputation for exceptional cuisine. Here you’ll find some of the country’s best chefs experimenting, innovating, and crafting superior menus that lean heavily on fresh, local produce and grass-fed livestock. Bring your appetite and prepare for a true farm-to-table experience.
Cruise Along the Scenic Byways
Ulster County intersects with two scenic drives so beautiful they’ve been officially designated as such: the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway and the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway. The former takes you through stunning panoramas and quiet mountain villages throughout the New York Catskills, while the latter forms an 88-mile loop encircling gorgeous hallmarks of the region, including the Shawangunk Mountains, Wallkill Valley, and Rondout Valley.
Enjoy Autumn in Ulster County
Autumn in Ulster County is abundant with rich experiences — this is just a taste. So seek for yourself and see why Ulster is the most awesome place to visit this fall.
