The Catskills sit about two hours north of Manhattan, which makes them the weekend destination for half of New York City. That sounds like a problem, but the range is big enough that crowds thin out fast once you're off the most-Instagrammed peaks.
Day One: Kaaterskill Falls + Indian Head
Start early. Kaaterskill Falls is the most photographed waterfall in the Catskills and the trail fills up fast on summer weekends — arrive before 9am. The upper falls loop is 1.5 miles with moderate scrambling. Done by 10am, you're ahead of the crowd.
After lunch in Woodstock (the Bread Alone bakery is worth it at $15/person), drive to the Indian Head trailhead on Prediger Road. Indian Head to Twin (5.8 miles, 1,600 feet elevation gain) is a proper mountain day. The outlook at Jimmy Dolan Notch is the best view in the range, and you'll often have it to yourself on a weekday afternoon.
Day One Lodging
The Catskill Park has several campgrounds at $15-22/night. North-South Lake Campground near Haines Falls is the most popular and closest to Kaaterskill Falls. Book at ReserveAmerica. Budget option: dispersed camping is allowed in the Catskill Forest Preserve — no fee, but no amenities.
Day Two: Slide Mountain
Slide Mountain is the highest peak in the Catskills at 4,180 feet. The standard route from Winnisook Road is 6.8 miles round-trip with 1,780 feet of elevation gain. The upper forest is true boreal spruce-fir — feels like the Adirondacks without the three-hour drive. Trail sign near the summit is a Catskill tradition; find yours.
Full Weekend Budget (Per Person)
Gas from NYC roundtrip: ~$40. Camping (2 nights): $30. Food packed + one bakery stop: $45. Total: $115 per person, less if you pack all meals.