Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway

This 88-mile section travels through farmland, 30,000 acres of natural areas, and old Dutch towns bordered by the stunning Catskill Mountains. It begins roughly 90 miles north of NYC and winds around the Rondout and Wallkill valleys. Your need for nature should be satisfied for a while just by the vistas. With its circumference around the northern Shawangunk Mountains and passage through the Rondout and Wallkill valleys, the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway connects towns with a shared connection to the Shawangunks and creates a distinct area of the state with a unique personality.

Just 90 miles north of New York City, enjoy a beautiful picturesque trip through the mountains and rural countryside. In southeast New York, the Shawangunk Range is traversed by the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, a veritable haven for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor lovers of all stripes. The towns and villages along the trail are a fusion of the past and present, where ancient monuments and buildings coexist with contemporary businesses and pursuits. The region is renowned for the thriving community of artisans and the distinctive stores where they sell their wares.

Starting Location: New York State Thruway (I-87) north's exit 17
Ending Location: The route forms a circle around the gunks, so there's no real end!
Length: 88 miles
Best Season to Drive: All season