In the northern Catskills, color starts at the ridgelines in late September and rolls down into the valleys through mid-October — which means Hollow Sky's 110 acres put you close to the color at every elevation, not just one scenic pull-off.
Come back from a day on the road to a house built for slowing down: the hot tub facing the valley, a gas fireplace for the first cool evenings, and large windows that keep the hillside in view long after the sun goes down.
Placeholder photo
Where to see the color
Scenic drives worth the tank of gas
Foliage in the northern Catskills typically turns first at higher elevations in late September, then spreads into the valleys through the first two weeks of October — drive times below are approximate in normal conditions.
About 20 minutes
Kaaterskill Clove (Route 23A)
The most photographed fall drive in the region — a winding route with 2,000-foot clove walls turning color on both sides. Go early or late in the day; October weekends draw crowds, especially near Kaaterskill Falls.
Pull-off viewpoints along Route 23 give sweeping views across the Batavia Kill valley without a hike required. Check current conditions before heading out, especially after early frosts.
Pick up groceries and cider on the way in, arrive after 4 p.m., and let the first evening be simple — dinner at the house and the fireplace or hot tub.
Saturday: a scenic drive and an orchard stop
Spend the morning on a foliage drive, stop for apple picking or a farm stand along the way, then return for an unhurried evening at the house.
Sunday: slow morning
Make breakfast, walk the property if the color is still turning, and enjoy the view before the 11 a.m. checkout.
Adding a third night? Use the extra day for a second scenic route, a hike, or a completely unplanned day at Hollow Sky watching the color change from the deck.
Orchards and provisions
Stock the kitchen, then go pick something
Apple season in the region typically runs from late summer through October. For an outing, these are useful starting points; check current hours, pricing and available varieties directly before you go.
Apple picking
Terrace Mountain Orchard in nearby Schoharie offers pick-your-own apples across sixteen varieties, plus cider and cider donuts, typically open September through November.
The final approach is a gravel road with an incline, and early fall storms can bring down leaves and debris quickly. Daylight shortens through October, so plan drives with enough time to return before dark. Cell service can be spotty on the approach — download directions in advance. The house has reliable Starlink Wi-Fi once you arrive.
Check conditions: peak foliage weekends bring heavier traffic on Route 23A and around popular overlooks — an early start or a weekday visit means less waiting and better light.
Guest perspective
What guests notice most
“So peaceful and relaxing. The pups loved the land. Will definitely book again.”— Keryna, Airbnb guest review
“The amenities were impressive—stunning views and the hot tub, which was the highlight of our stay.”— Sadiyya, Airbnb guest review
Book direct
Make Hollow Sky your fall base
Direct booking is handled securely through Hospitable and the calendar is synchronized across booking channels. Direct reservations avoid platform fees. A separate $500 refundable security deposit applies.
Direct-booking cancellations receive a full refund within 24 hours of booking when check-in is at least seven days away. After that grace period, 50% of the applicable refundable reservation amount is available until 14 days before check-in; reservations are non-refundable inside 14 days.