Best attractions and places to see in Sullivan County are nestled within the Catskill Mountains of New York, offering a diverse range of experiences. This region is characterized by its natural beauty, including the Delaware River forming its western border, and numerous lakes and forests. Sullivan County also holds significant historical and cultural importance, from the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair to its past as the heart of the Borscht Belt. Visitors can explore historical landmarks,…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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Steele Creek Lake is the centerpiece of Steele Creek Park. There are trails around the perimeter of the lake for hikers, as well as pedal boat rentals for those that wish to get out on the water.
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Ridgewood Barbecue is a local landmark. It has been around since 1948. Personally, I have never eaten here but it is known as a low-key place where you can get traditional hickory smoked barbecue. If you're riding along Bristol Highway from Elizabethton, when you see Ridgewood Barbecue, you know you don't have far to Piney Flats.
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Holston Mountain rises up to an elevation of 4,136 feet and features a 100-foot tall steel lookout tower at the top. You can't actually climb up the tower, but you still get pretty good views from the summit. Fun fact: This tower used to be located in Mississippi until 1943 when it was moved here to replace the wooden tower that burnt down.
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Holston Mountain rises up to an elevation of 4,136 feet and features a 100-foot tall steel lookout tower at the top. You can't actually climb up the tower, but you still get pretty good views from the summit. Fun fact: This tower used to be located in Mississippi until 1943 when it was moved here to replace the wooden tower that burnt down.
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In 1907, Fred Johnson began acquiring land to establish a lake as a water source for the town. He later constructed a dam on the lake. The trail surrounds the reservoir, featuring picturesque bridges that provide stunning views.
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This is a great overlook of Fort Patrick Henry Lake. The lake is technically a section of the South Fork Holston River, and you can visit the dam, fishing pier, and boating dock on the western end of the park.
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Warriors' Path State Park is a really popular park for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and disc golf. The trails utilized for mountain biking were designed to have multiple lines and challenges for riders. The trails are marked well, but there are so many intersecting trails that it can be helpful to have a map with you.
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The Garden Mountain Lookout Tower serves as the main viewpoint on the Holston River Mountain ridge. You can actually walk up the steps and go into the lookout if you aren't too scared of heights. The long climb up to the lookout is worth the views you get out onto the river and into Virginia. There are a handful of trails in Bays Mountain Park, and all of them are super well-kept. This is one of the best places to go mountain biking in the area; just be aware that there is a $7 day use fee.
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Sullivan County, nestled in the Catskill Mountains, offers a variety of natural attractions. You can visit Bays Mountain Reservoir, a lake with scenic trails and picturesque bridges, or explore Steele Creek Lake, which is the centerpiece of Steele Creek Park and offers opportunities for hiking and pedal boating. The county is also home to the majestic Delaware River, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and spotting wildlife like bald eagles. For birdwatching, the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is a must-see wetland.
Yes, Sullivan County provides numerous outdoor activity options. Warriors' Path State Park is popular for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and disc golf, featuring trails designed with various challenges. You can also find scenic hiking routes like the Frick Pond loop in Willowemoc Wild Forest or the Mullet Falls – Neversink River Waterfalls loop. For more detailed hiking information, explore the Hiking in Sullivan County guide.
For breathtaking views, consider visiting the Garden Mountain Lookout Tower, which provides expansive vistas of the Holston River and into Virginia. Another excellent spot is the Lake overlook, offering a great perspective of Fort Patrick Henry Lake. Additionally, the Holston Mountain Fire Tower also provides panoramic views from its summit.
Sullivan County is rich in history. You can visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, which includes a museum dedicated to the event. Minisink Battleground Park marks a Revolutionary War clash from 1779. The Sullivan County Cultural Center (Museum) in Hurleyville preserves the county's history. Don't miss the historic covered bridges, such as the Beaverkill Covered Bridge, or the Delaware and Hudson Canal, a U.S. National Historic Landmark with interpretive centers.
Beyond historical sites, Sullivan County offers several cultural attractions. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum in Livingston Manor celebrates the art and history of fly-fishing. The Delaware Arts Center in Narrowsburg features art exhibits and concerts. You can also explore charming downtown areas in towns like Callicoon and Narrowsburg, which host unique shops and galleries. For more on the county's history, the Sullivan County Museum is a great resource. You can find more information about the museum at sullivanny.gov.
The site of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair is now home to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. This world-class performance venue also features a museum dedicated to the iconic event and the broader cultural movements of the 1960s, offering a deep dive into its historical and cultural impact.
Absolutely! Many attractions cater to families. Bays Mountain Reservoir and Steele Creek Lake offer easy trails and recreational opportunities. Warriors' Path State Park is excellent for various activities like hiking and disc golf. For a unique experience, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark provides thrilling rides and a lodge experience. Lake Superior State Park also offers swimming and a manicured sand beach.
Sullivan County has several unique offerings. Explore the Borscht Belt Historic Markers, which tell the story of the region's past as a famous resort destination. The Stone Arch Bridge Historical Park near Kenoza Lake features a beautiful 1882 bridge, perfect for picnicking. You can also discover the Sullivan Catskills Dove Trail, an art trail with over 50 dove sculptures reflecting local creativity. Roscoe, known as 'Trout Town, USA,' is a charming village famous for fly-fishing and its O&W Railway Museum.
Yes, Sullivan County is part of a growing craft beverage trail, featuring various wineries, breweries, and distilleries where you can sample local flavors. For dining, The Original Ridgewood Barbecue is a popular spot. Many charming towns like Callicoon, Narrowsburg, and Livingston Manor also offer unique shops, galleries, and eateries.
Sullivan County offers attractions year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and enjoying the vibrant foliage. Summer is perfect for water activities on the Delaware River and lakes, as well as outdoor concerts at Bethel Woods. Winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing at places like Lake Superior State Park.
Yes, you'll find various routes for running and cycling. For running, there's an easy 4 km loop around Bays Mountain Reservoir. Cyclists can explore numerous road cycling routes, such as the Rocky Hill loop from Kingsport or the South Holston Lake loop. You can find more details and routes in the Running Trails in Sullivan County and Road Cycling Routes in Sullivan County guides.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse wildlife in Sullivan County. Along the Delaware River, you might spot bald eagles, herons, and various fish species. The Bashakill Wildlife Management Area is particularly renowned for its birdlife, hosting over 200 species, including bald eagles and ospreys. The Catskill Mountains and local parks also provide habitats for deer, bears, and smaller mammals.


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