Catskills Scenic Byway Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome

  Welcome to the scenic Catskill Mountains, known for their natural beauty, lush forests, and serene rivers.

• Andes

  Andes is a quaint community with boutiques, eateries, and the historic Hunting Tavern, the start of the Catskills Scenic Byway.

• Downtown Andes

  This small town is perfect for exploring local shops, the Andes Hotel, and the historic Hunting Tavern.

• Byway Intro Andes

  The Byway, designated in 2015, acts as a rural main street through the Catskills, marked by brown and white bobcat pawprint signs.

• Palmer Hill Overlook

  Stop here for stunning views and short hiking trails through forests and open fields.

• Reservoir History

  Catskill Park was created to ensure New York City has a clean water supply, making it one of the city’s purest.

• Forever Wild

  Established in 1885, Catskill Park’s "Forever Wild" status ensures it remains a protected natural area.

• Catskills Geology

  The Catskills, a dissected plateau shaped by erosion, boast 35 peaks over 3,500 feet, with Slide Mountain being the highest.

• Not the Catskills

  Many consider areas beyond the Catskills Mountains part of the region due to historical ties with New York City vacationers.

• Middletown Ahead

  Middletown, with its villages of Arkville and Margaretville, offers shops, restaurants, and a rich military history.

• Margaretville Turn

  Turn left onto Bridge Street to explore Margaretville’s shops, eateries, and local produce.

• Catskill Watershed Center

  Visit the center to learn about New York City’s water system and the region’s Native American history.

• Water Discovery Turn

  Turn left at County Road 38 for the Catskills Water Discovery Center and Delaware and Ulster Railroad Depot.

• Lenape

  The Lenape people, the region’s earliest inhabitants, lived along the Delaware River, leaving behind many artifacts.

• Fleischmanns

  The village of Fleischmanns, named after yeast manufacturers, has a unique history tied to Central European immigrants.

• Belleayre Ski Center

  Belleayre Mountain offers skiing, hiking, and scenic gondola rides, making it a year-round attraction.

• Belleayre Beach

  Belleayre Beach is a popular summer spot for swimming, paddling, and outdoor movie nights.

• Rochester Hollow Hike

  A 3-mile round-trip hike leads to the historic Rochester family estate and a monument to naturalist John Burroughs.

• John Burroughs

  Naturalist John Burroughs, who penned 27 books, influenced many and explored Alaska with John Muir.

• Rent Wars

  In the 1700s, poor settlers leased land from wealthy British landowners, leading to conflict over unfair practices.

• Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

  The popular show "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" featured episodes set in the Catskills, highlighting the area's history as a vacation destination.

• The Catskills Name

  The origin of the Catskills' name is uncertain, likely stemming from Dutch settlers and the area's wildcat population.

• Phoenicia

  Phoenicia is a small, charming town perfect for a quick exploration and features Rail Explorers, a pedal-powered vehicle on railroad tracks.

• Phoenicia Diner

  The Phoenicia Diner is a local favorite for breakfast, using local Catskills and Hudson Valley produce.

• Kaleidoscope

  Visit the world's largest kaleidoscope at the Emerson Kaleidoscope, housed in a 60-foot-tall silo with an impressive light show.

• Catskills VC

  Stop by the Catskills Visitor Center for local hike information and to see a restored fire tower without a mountain climb.

• Bread Alone Bakery

  Bread Alone, the first carbon-neutral bakery in the country, is perfect for a lunch stop with its renowned baked goods.

• Ashokan Rail Trail

  The Ashokan Rail Trail runs parallel to our route, offering a flat, accessible trail with scenic views of the reservoir.

• Ashokan Reservoir

  The Ashokan Reservoir is a significant part of Catskills history, built by flooding towns to provide water to New York City.

• Reservoir Graves

  A drought in 2002 revealed remnants of towns submerged by the Ashokan Reservoir, leading to historical acknowledgments by New York City.

• Town of Woodstock

  Woodstock, famous for its arts and music scene, is known for attracting artists and musicians, although the 1969 festival took place elsewhere.

• Woodstock Turn

  The turnoff for Woodstock, renowned for its creative community and music culture, is coming up; Tinker Street is the heart of the town.

• Ashokan Views

  For more views of the Ashokan Reservoir, stop at the Ashokan Rail Trail's Woodstock Dike Trailhead for a short walk.

• End in West Hurley

  Our tour ends in West Hurley, with Interstate 87 nearby for continued travel. Thank you for joining, and check out actiontourguide.com for more tours!