10 Stunning Catskill Mountains Scenic Drives for 2026
The Catskill Mountains are made for slow, scenic road trips. Instead of treating the region as one giant destination, the best way to explore it is to follow individual roads through mountain passes, forests, valleys, farms, small towns, waterfalls, and overlooks.
The routes below bring together the most useful ideas from experienced Catskills travel and hiking guides: specific roads, starting directions, approximate mileage, scenic highlights, nearby stops, seasonal considerations, and practical driving advice. The goal is simple: help you choose a route that fits the amount of time you actually have.
Some drives take around 10 miles, while others stretch beyond 40 miles. If you want a longer road trip, the 52-mile Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway is one of the strongest choices. For a short scenic outing, routes such as Road 6 or Route 23C can deliver mountain scenery without committing to a full-day drive.
1. Road 23A: Palenville to Grand Gorge
Road 23A is one of the strongest choices if you want a longer drive with a mixture of mountain scenery, winding road sections, towns, waterfalls, and hiking access.
The suggested route begins in Palenville and heads west toward Grand Gorge. The road runs for more than 40 miles and passes through areas including Tannersville and the Hunter Mountain region.
One particularly scenic portion is the eastern section between Palenville and Haines Falls. This section enters Catskill Park and includes winding road scenery, access around Fawn’s Leap, and a trailhead area associated with Kaaterskill Falls.
Why choose Road 23A?
- 40+ miles of driving
- Mountain and forest scenery
- Winding sections
- Access toward Kaaterskill Falls
- Fawn’s Leap nearby
- Tannersville and Hunter along the broader route
- Excellent option for a longer scenic outing
If you want to combine driving with short stops, this route gives you plenty of opportunities to leave the car and explore.
2. Platte Clove Road: A Short but Dramatic Mountain Drive
Platte Clove Road, also identified as Road 16, is only about 15 miles long, but its compact length packs in dramatic scenery.
The suggested direction is from Tannersville east toward West Saugerties. The road passes through the southern section of the Kaaterskill Wild Forest and follows a winding route with gorge views and elevation changes.
Two useful attractions associated with this drive are access toward the Long Path and Plattekill Falls. The falls can be reached by a short hike from the road.
Important seasonal detail
The easternmost section of Platte Clove Road closes during winter, so seasonal access matters. One source specifically recommends visiting this section before mid-October.
That makes this route particularly important to check before setting out rather than assuming it is available year-round.
3. Road 214: Stoney Clove to Phoenicia
For a roughly 20-mile mountain drive, consider Road 214.
The suggested route begins around Stoney Clove on Road 23A and heads south toward Phoenicia. The road passes through scenic Catskills terrain and the Devil’s Tombstone Campground area before reaching Phoenicia.
Phoenicia makes a useful endpoint because it gives you a place to pause after the drive rather than immediately turning around.
What makes Road 214 useful?
- Approximately 20 miles
- Mountain scenery
- Devil’s Tombstone area
- Phoenicia at the southern end
- Connects naturally with other Catskills routes
- Good choice when you want driving and a town stop in the same outing
Another travel guide also describes Route 214 as connecting Phoenicia and Hunter through a mountain pass, making it useful as part of a broader Catskills road trip.
4. Road 30: Grand Gorge to Minekill Falls
Road 30 offers a different type of scenic experience. Instead of concentrating entirely on narrow mountain roads, the drive combines farmland, fields, reservoirs, mountain views, and changing elevations.
Start in Grand Gorge and travel north toward Minekill Falls. The drive is approximately 30 miles.
The route is especially attractive if you enjoy wider rural scenery. The source describes expansive views across the Catskills and recommends the area near Minekill Falls toward the end of the drive.
Good reasons to choose Road 30
- About 30 miles
- Rural farmland
- Open fields
- Reservoir scenery
- Mountain views
- Minekill Falls near the route
- Grand Gorge as a starting point
It is a good alternative when you want mountain scenery without spending the entire drive inside dense forest.
5. Road 23 Through the Windham Area
Road 23 provides a scenic option around the Windham area.
The recommended direction is from Ashland toward East Windham, although the drive can be completed in either direction. The full route is a little over 30 miles.
Windham also gives you opportunities to turn the drive into a broader stay or exploration day because the area has lodging and other things to explore.
Best for
- A 30+ mile scenic drive
- Windham-area exploration
- Mountain scenery
- A route that works in either direction
- Combining driving with an overnight stay or additional activities
6. Road 212: Mount Marion Through Woodstock Toward Phoenicia
If small-town atmosphere matters as much as mountain scenery, Road 212 deserves attention.
Start around Mount Marion and travel west through Woodstock toward Phoenicia. The route is a little over 40 miles and combines mountain scenery with access to one of the Catskills’ best-known artistic communities.
Woodstock is a natural place to slow down, walk around, explore shops, or connect the drive with nearby hiking opportunities such as Overlook Mountain.
A road-trip account also recommends combining Catskills drives with time in Woodstock, Phoenicia, Andes, and Margaretville rather than treating every route as a drive-only experience.
Why Road 212 stands out
- 40+ miles
- Woodstock
- Phoenicia
- Mountain scenery
- Hiking opportunities
- Small-town stops
- Strong choice for a relaxed road-trip day
7. Route 23C: Tannersville to East Jewett
Not every scenic drive needs to take half a day.
Route 23C is only about 10 miles, making it one of the better choices for travelers who want a shorter scenic outing. Start in Tannersville and travel north toward East Jewett.
The road combines winding sections with interesting roadside sights, including distinctive large homes, castle-like structures, a scenic church, and the Mountain Top Arboretum.
Why choose this 10-mile drive?
- Short distance
- Winding mountain road
- Tannersville access
- Mountain Top Arboretum
- Easy to combine with another Catskills attraction
For travelers with limited time, a short route like this can be more practical than committing to a 40+ mile drive.
8. Road 44: Lake Minnewaska to Kerhonkson
Road 44 is another approximately 10-mile option.
Start at the entrance to Lake Minnewaska State Park and travel west toward Kerhonkson. The road gradually descends along a winding route while providing views of the southern Catskills.
This is particularly convenient if Lake Minnewaska is already part of your trip.
A good choice when:
- You want a 10-mile scenic drive
- Lake Minnewaska is already on your itinerary
- You prefer a shorter route
- You want southern Catskills scenery
- You are combining a drive with a state-park visit
9. Road 42: Lexington to Shandaken
Road 42 is approximately 20 miles and travels through the western Catskills.
Start in Lexington and drive south toward Shandaken. Along the route, you can see some of the larger mountains in the region, including West Kill Mountain, along with winding roads and mountain overlooks.
Another advantage is the number of nearby outdoor opportunities. The route has trailheads, hikes, and waterfalls close to the road, making it easier to build a drive-and-explore day.
Road 42 at a glance
- About 20 miles
- Lexington → Shandaken
- West Kill Mountain scenery
- Mountain overlooks
- Nearby trailheads
- Nearby waterfalls
- Suitable for year-round scenic driving according to the source experience
10. Road 6: Spruceton Road
For a short route with a strong mountain setting, try Road 6, also known as Spruceton Road.
The suggested route starts in West Kill and travels east for about 10 miles. Unlike some forest-heavy drives, this road passes through an open field surrounded by Catskill Mountains.
The road also provides access to the Spruceton trailhead, associated with the challenging Devil’s Path, and a short route toward Diamond Notch Falls.
The waterfall walk is only about ¼ mile, making it an appealing add-on when you want to stretch your legs without committing to a long hike.
Why this route is worth considering
- About 10 miles
- Open-field mountain scenery
- Spruceton trailhead
- Devil’s Path access
- Diamond Notch Falls
- Approximately ¼-mile waterfall walk
A Longer Option: The 52-Mile Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway
If you would rather follow one established road-trip backbone instead of choosing among individual short routes, consider the 52-mile Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway.
The route follows NY-28 from Phoenicia to Andes, with extensions along NY-214 and NY-42. It travels through mountain wilderness areas, forests, waterways, and farmland.
The route also provides access to communities and attractions along the way, including Pine Hill and Belleayre Mountain Ski Center.
A separate road-trip account describes the 52-mile byway as the backbone of a Catskills road trip and highlights the section between Phoenicia and Big Indian.
Who should choose the 52-mile byway?
Choose it if you want:
- A longer road-trip experience
- Multiple towns and landscapes
- Mountain and valley scenery
- Waterways and farmland
- Opportunities for detours
- A route that can anchor a multi-day Catskills trip
If you only have a few hours, one of the shorter 10–20 mile drives may be easier to manage.
Other Scenic Routes Worth Adding
The Catskills contain more than the 10 individual drives above. Several broader routes from the regional guides can be useful when planning a longer itinerary.
Route 28–47–42–28A
This loop travels through dense forest and some of the Catskills’ taller mountain terrain. It is also highlighted as a strong option for fall foliage.
Old Route 28 to 212
This route connects Phoenicia and Woodstock and gives you the opportunity to stop at Mount Tremper, visit the Catskill Interpretive Center, and explore Woodstock.
Route 55
Route 55 runs 12 miles from Liberty toward Neversink, following the Neversink Reservoir. It is a useful choice for travelers who prefer water scenery and small-town driving.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
This is a much longer option. The route begins in New Paltz and covers 82 miles, with connections to several New York routes. The surrounding Shawangunk area is described as spanning 94,000 acres and includes Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Preserve.
Durham Valley Scenic Byway
The Great Northern Catskills guide lists a 21-mile Durham Valley Scenic Byway through farmland, hamlets, and mountain views. The route network includes Routes 20, 10, and 208.
Route 97 Upper Delaware Byway
This route follows the Upper Delaware River from Hancock to Port Jervis, with roadside viewpoints and small communities along the way. Narrowsburg is described as approximately the midpoint.
Best Scenic Drives by Trip Length
Choosing the right route is easier when you start with the amount of driving you actually want to do.
| If you want… | Consider | Approx. distance |
|---|---|---|
| A very short scenic outing | Route 23C | 10 miles |
| A short mountain drive | Road 44 | 10 miles |
| A short drive with a waterfall stop | Road 6 | 10 miles |
| A medium scenic drive | Road 214 | 20 miles |
| A medium drive with hiking | Road 42 | 20 miles |
| A rural mountain drive | Road 30 | 30 miles |
| A Windham-area drive | Road 23 | 30+ miles |
| A longer southern Catskills drive | Road 212 | 40+ miles |
| A longer mountain route | Road 23A | 40+ miles |
| A full road-trip backbone | Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway | 52 miles |
| A major regional scenic route | Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway | 82 miles |
These distances are based on the approximate figures supplied by the five source pages.
Best Time to Take a Catskills Scenic Drive
There is no single perfect season for every route.
Fall
Fall is the obvious choice for foliage, and the regional scenic-drive guide specifically emphasizes the changing character of the roads from summer greenery to fall color.
Expect popular viewpoints and attractions to be busier, so starting earlier can make the experience more comfortable.
Spring
Spring brings wildflowers and strong waterfall conditions. One road-trip account specifically describes visiting Kaaterskill Falls in early spring when water volume was high after winter melt.
Summer
Summer works particularly well for combining scenic drives with swimming holes, tubing, hiking, and outdoor stops. The Catskills road-trip account highlights Esopus Creek, swimming areas, and other water activities during the warmer months.
Winter
Winter requires more caution when planning routes. Platte Clove Road’s easternmost section closes during winter, so do not assume every scenic road is accessible throughout the season.
How Many Days Do You Need?
If your goal is simply to experience one scenic route, a single day can be enough.
For a broader Catskills road trip, one travel account recommends allowing at least 3–4 days so you can combine scenic drives with towns, waterfalls, hiking, food, and cultural stops without constantly rushing.
One day
Choose one route around 10–20 miles and spend the remaining time exploring nearby attractions.
Two days
Combine a longer route such as Road 23A or Road 212 with a second shorter drive and several stops.
Three to four days
Use the 52-mile Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway as a backbone and add detours into towns, waterfalls, viewpoints, hiking areas, and cultural attractions.
Scenic Drives With Waterfalls Nearby
If waterfalls are a priority, several routes make particularly useful starting points.
- Road 23A — access around Kaaterskill Falls and Fawn’s Leap.
- Platte Clove Road — access toward Plattekill Falls.
- Road 30 — Minekill Falls near the route’s northern end.
- Road 42 — waterfalls can be found near the road.
- Road 6 — Diamond Notch Falls is about a ¼-mile hike.
- Route 214 / Mountain Cloves area — connects with a landscape containing several waterfall destinations.
For a drive-and-waterfall combination, Road 6 is particularly convenient because the waterfall walk is so short.
Scenic Drives With Small-Town Stops
A Catskills road trip does not have to be all about staying behind the wheel.
Phoenicia works well at the end of Road 214 and also connects naturally with the Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway.
Woodstock is a strong stop along Road 212, particularly if you enjoy art, shops, galleries, and local character.
Tannersville appears repeatedly around routes such as Road 23A, Road 16, and Route 23C.
Andes, Margaretville, Grand Gorge, Windham, and Lexington can also become useful stopping points depending on which direction you travel.
The best road trips leave some room for unplanned stops rather than filling every minute with destinations.
Don’t Overlook the Catskills’ Covered Bridges
Scenic driving in the Catskills can also include historic structures.
The regional guide highlights covered bridges dating from the 1800s, including Fitches Bridge, Downsville Bridge, and the 103-foot-long bridge at Livingston Manor Covered Bridge Park.
Many of the covered bridges mentioned are more than 100 years old, making them worthwhile additions for travelers interested in history and photography.
This is one of the easiest ways to add variety to a scenic drive: mountains and forests on one section of the road, then a historic bridge or village on the next.
Hidden Scenic Viewpoints for Hikers
Not every great Catskills view comes directly from a car.
A hiking-focused source identifies 7 lesser-known scenic views, noting that none of the seven featured viewpoints are summit views, while only 1 is located on a Catskills High Peak.
Three publicly described examples include:
Ticetonyk Trail to West View
This short but steep trail on the north side of the Ashokan Reservoir leads to views of the Burroughs Range and part of the reservoir.
Mount Pleasant Ledge
The route from Romer toward Mount Pleasant is less traveled and provides a notable view toward Wittenberg. The source discusses both summer and late-spring scenery.
Echo Lake From Plattekill
This viewpoint requires bushwhacking through dense mountain laurel and is described as rattlesnake terrain. It is therefore not the same type of easy roadside stop as the scenic drives above.
These viewpoints are best treated as hiking objectives rather than casual roadside pull-offs.
Practical Tips Before You Drive
A scenic route is much more enjoyable when you prepare for mountain-road conditions.
Start with enough fuel
Gas stations can be sparse on mountain backroads, so filling up before entering a remote section is a sensible part of the trip plan.
Download offline maps
Cell service can be unreliable in mountain areas. One experienced road-trip guide recommends downloading maps before leaving and carrying a paper map as a backup.
Allow extra time
Do not calculate your day based only on the mileage. Scenic roads invite stops for photographs, waterfalls, farms, bridges, overlooks, and small towns.
Expect narrower roads
Some backroads can be narrower and may not have guardrails. Drive at a comfortable speed and leave enough room for unexpected traffic or roadside stops.
Check seasonal access
A route can be beautiful but unavailable during part of the year. Platte Clove Road is the clearest example from these guides because part of it closes during winter.
A Simple Catskills Scenic Road-Trip Plan
If you have 3–4 days, you can build a flexible itinerary around different types of scenery rather than trying to drive every road.
| Day | Focus | Suggested routes/stops |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mountain roads & waterfalls | Road 23A + Kaaterskill area |
| Day 2 | Southern Catskills | Road 16 + Road 214 + Phoenicia |
| Day 3 | Woodstock & longer scenery | Road 212 + Woodstock |
| Day 4 | Short scenic route & hidden stops | Road 6, Route 23C, or Road 42 |
This is a planning framework based on the routes and attractions described by the five source pages; actual road conditions, seasonal access, and available time should determine the final order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best scenic drive in the Catskill Mountains?
There is no single best route for every traveler. For a longer road trip, the 52-mile Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway is a strong choice. For a shorter drive, Route 23C, Road 44, or Road 6 offer scenic experiences at around 10 miles.
How long is the Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway?
The Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway is 52 miles long and follows NY-28 from Phoenicia to Andes, with extensions along NY-214 and NY-42.
What Catskills scenic drive is about 10 miles?
Several options are around 10 miles, including Route 23C, Road 44, and Road 6/Spruceton Road.
Which scenic drive is best for waterfalls?
Road 23A, Platte Clove Road, Road 30, Road 42, and Road 6 all provide access to or proximity to waterfall destinations. Road 6 is particularly convenient because Diamond Notch Falls is reached by a hike of about ¼ mile.
Is Platte Clove Road open in winter?
The easternmost section of Platte Clove Road closes during winter. One source recommends visiting that section before mid-October, so seasonal access should be checked before planning the drive.
How many days should I spend exploring the Catskills?
For a broader road trip combining scenic drives, towns, hiking, waterfalls, and other stops, 3–4 days provides more breathing room than trying to cover everything in one day.
Are there scenic drives with covered bridges?
Yes. The Catskills have historic covered bridges dating largely from the 1800s. Examples highlighted by the regional guide include Fitches Bridge, Downsville Bridge, and a 103-foot-long bridge at Livingston Manor Covered Bridge Park.
Can I combine scenic driving with hiking?
Absolutely. Road 23A, Road 16, Road 42, and Road 6 all provide opportunities to combine driving with nearby hiking or trail access. Road 16 provides access toward the Long Path and Plattekill Falls, while Road 6 reaches the Spruceton trailhead and Diamond Notch Falls.
Final Thoughts
The best Catskills scenic drive is ultimately the one that matches your time, interests, and comfort level.
For a quick outing, choose a 10-mile route such as Route 23C, Road 44, or Road 6. For a medium-length mountain drive, Road 214 or Road 42 gives you around 20 miles of scenery with opportunities to stop and explore. If you want a longer adventure, Road 23A and Road 212 stretch beyond 40 miles.
For a more complete road-trip experience, the 52-mile Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway brings together mountain scenery, waterways, farmland, wilderness areas, and small communities.
And remember that the most rewarding Catskills road trips are not necessarily the ones with the most miles. Leave time for the waterfalls, viewpoints, covered bridges, small towns, hiking trails, and unexpected roadside discoveries that make the journey memorable.
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Hi, I’m Marcus! I love exploring the outdoors and discovering incredible places. Through ExploreNatureTrips blog, I share my travel experiences, useful tips, and recommendations for the best sights, trails, and destinations to visit.
