The Best Scenic Routes Catskills + Hudson Valley
The Catskills and Hudson Valley are home to some of New York State’s most scenic drives, ranging from mountain passes and river-hugging byways to quiet backroads with sweeping views. These routes highlight the region’s diverse landscapes, connecting small towns, state parks, waterfalls, and historic sites along the way. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a day trip, the drives below offer some of the best ways to experience the area by car.
Reservoir Road
📍Ashokan Reservoir
Skirting the edge of the Ashokan Reservoir, this road offers some of the most peaceful water and mountain views in the Catskills. It’s especially striking at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the peaks just right. Keep an eye out for walking paths and viewing areas where you can pull over and take it all in.
Route 212
📍Woodstock to Boiceville
This short but beautiful stretch links the creative hub of Woodstock with the quieter landscapes near Boiceville. Rolling hills, roadside farm stands, and views of the mountains make it a perfect drive when paired with a stop in town. It’s also a great connector if you’re heading deeper into the Catskills.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
📍Port Jervis to Hancock
Following the twists of the Delaware River, this drive is full of river bends, historic hamlets, and scenic overlooks. It’s one of the most iconic routes in the region and a favorite for spotting bald eagles in winter. Quaint towns like Narrowsburg and Callicoon make perfect stops along the way.
Route 23
📍Catskill to Prattsville
Climbing out of the Hudson Valley and into the mountains, Route 23 delivers wide-open views and a true sense of the Catskills’ scale. The scenery shifts from river valley farmland to rugged peaks, making it a rewarding drive year-round. In fall, it’s one of the best foliage routes around.
Route 44/55
📍New Paltz to Kerhonkson
This stretch takes you past the dramatic cliffs of the Shawangunk Ridge, where the views are unforgettable. Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park line the route, offering plenty of reasons to stop for a hike or overlook. It’s as much about the journey as the destination here.
Route 23A
📍Kaaterskill Falls Summit
Winding through Kaaterskill Clove, this road is steep, curvy, and packed with scenery. Waterfalls, dramatic rock faces, and dense forest make every mile memorable. At the top, you’ll find access to the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
📍Shokan to Andes
Stretching across 52 miles, this byway runs through small towns, farmland, and some of the best mountain scenery in the region. Each village along the route like Phoenicia, Margaretville, and Andes adds its own charm and reason to stop. It’s a drive that captures the essence of the Catskills.
NY 9G
📍Hudson to Rhinebeck
Running parallel to the Hudson River, this route links two of the valley’s most vibrant towns. The road passes historic estates, rolling farmland, and glimpses of the river itself. It’s a pleasant, easy drive with plenty of cultural and culinary stops at either end.
Route 344
📍Taconic State Park to Bash Bish Falls
This short road leads directly to one of the region’s most dramatic waterfalls, Bash Bish Falls. The drive is tree-lined and quiet, setting the tone for a quick hike to the cascades. It’s an easy addition to a day exploring the Taconic or Berkshire borderlands.
From winding mountain passes to riverfront byways, these drives highlight the variety and beauty of the Catskills and Hudson Valley. Each route offers a different way to experience the region, whether you’re after sweeping vistas, small-town charm, or easy access to outdoor adventures. No matter the season, a scenic drive is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to explore this part of New York.
