The Catskills road trip from NYC
Mountain towns, waterfalls and forest roads, with a creative streak inherited from Woodstock.
- Distance
- 120 mi
- Drive time
- 2h30
- Trip length
- Weekend
- Best time
- Late September to mid-October for fall colors
The route
Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) north to Kingston, then Route 28 west into the mountains. For the northern Catskills, exit at Saugerties and take Route 23A.
Where to stop
- 1
Kingston
The historic Stockade District, a good lunch stop before the mountains.
- 2
Woodstock
Galleries, music history and small shops.
- 3
Phoenicia
A creekside town known for diners, tubing in summer and hiking trails.
- 4
Kaaterskill Falls
A two-tier waterfall reached by a short but steep trail off Route 23A.
Where to stay
Cabins, renovated motels and B&Bs around Phoenicia and Woodstock.
Tips before you go
- Fall foliage weekends are busy: book lodging weeks ahead.
- Cell service is patchy in the mountains; download offline maps.
- Stay on marked trails at Kaaterskill Falls; the rocks are slippery.
Drive times assume normal traffic from Midtown Manhattan. Check opening hours and conditions before you leave.
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American history, a great food market and an easy drive down the New Jersey Turnpike.