Washington Irving (think Rip Van Winkle) and John Burroughs (think “Signs and Seasons” or “Ways of Nature”) may be long gone from the Catskill Mountains, but their mark remains. And having played key roles in establishing the identity of this magical place, they’d likely love knowing that the Catskills Book Trail has followed in their wake.
Unlike the Catskill hiking trails that require one to engage in active pursuits, the Catskill Book Trail allows for more relaxed, sedentary activity in the land of poets and dreamers. Wandering aimlessly through small villages where one can get lost among stacks of books makes for a perfect day in the Catskills no matter what the weather.
While the peaks of Slide and Hunter Mountains call to the adventurous, the valleys offer a different kind of summit: the Catskills Book Trail. The trail isn’t a single path but a constellation of independent shops that have turned the region into a sanctuary for bibliophiles.
The heart of this movement is undoubtedly Hobart, the tiny village that transformed itself into a “Book Village” in the early 2000s. Walking down Main Street feels like stepping into a living library. You can start at Liberty Rock Books, which offers a massive, multi-room collection of used and rare titles, before moving to Quarry Books or to William H. Adams Antiquarian Books, specializing in 19th-century history and classic literature. For those looking for something a bit more modern or eclectic Blenheim Hill Books provides endless shelves to browse, ensuring that no visitor leaves Hobart empty-handed.
As you travel north toward the rolling hills of Delaware and Greene counties, the trail grows more diverse. In Stamford, a village once known as the “Queen of the Catskills” for its grand hotels, The Hobart Book Village influence spills over, but it is Lion Eyes Books that captures the cozy, local spirit of the town.
The Dragon Wagon out of Delancey is among the most unique of bookshops because it is always on the move. Designed to encourage early readers and the parents who love them, this mobile bookshop pops up throughout the spring, summer and fall at beloved fairs and festivals in the region.
In the village of Delhi, the county seat, the vibe shifts toward the collegiate. Here, The Lost Bookshop offers a curated experience, blending new releases with deep-cut indie titles that reflect the sophisticated, artsy demographic of the town. It is the perfect place to grab a volume of Burroughs before heading to the nearby riverbank to read.
No literary tour of the Catskills would be complete without a stop in Woodstock. While famous for its music history, the town has long been a haven for writers. The Golden Notebook stands as a beacon on Tinker Street, a classic independent bookstore that has hosted legendary authors and remains the soul of the town’s literary scene.
Crossing over the ridges into the Sullivan County Catskills, the trail takes a more pastoral turn. In Jeffersonville, you’ll find The Jeffersonville Bake Shop, which uniquely pairs its pastries with a charming selection of books, proving that coffee and prose are the region’s true power couple. Also in Jeffersonville, Ratty Books, an independent children’s bookstore, draws visitors looking for gifts and crafts, and books for all ages.
Nearby in Callicoon, both Litt Home & Book and On the Main Books offer a respite for those visiting the Delaware River, with a collection that mirrors the town’s scenic, tranquil atmosphere. Even the “Trout Town” of Roscoe, famous for fly fishing, honors the sedentary arts. The Hound Books and Buck Brook Books provide the perfect excuse to put down the rod and reel for an afternoon, offering titles that range from local history to the very best in outdoor philosophy.
The Southern Gateways
As the trail winds back toward the Hudson Valley, Ellenville serves as a southern anchor. The Shadowland Stages area often buzzes with activity. The Common Good Bookshop bumps the reading activity up a notch. It offers a curated selection of books, craft cocktails, coffee, and light bites, serving as a hub for events like book clubs, author talks, trivia, and open mics.
Heading back into the high peaks, Andes offers a postcard-perfect setting for Diamond Hollow Books. This shop, housed in a historic building, specializes in the kind of scholarly and regional titles that would have made John Burroughs feel right at home. Finally, in the breezy town of Windham, Briars & Brambles Books spans various genres, including popular fiction, young adult favorites and children’s titles. Their collection of local authors, bestsellers, new releases are perfect for den, beachside or campground reading.
A Legacy in Print
The Catskills have always been a place of escape from the heat of the city, from the noise of industry, and from the relentless pace of modern life. Whether you are hunting for a first edition in Hobart or a beach read in Callicoon, the Catskill Book Trail offers a different kind of wilderness.
It is a wilderness of ideas, bound in leather and paper, waiting to be discovered in the quiet corners of these mountains. Irving and Burroughs may have provided the first chapters of the Catskills’ story, but these 13 shops—and many more like them—are ensuring the book never ends.
