Catskills Worth the Trip?

[bpreynolds]

Like the subject says.  Looking to maybe make a 6 or 7 day trip next week from Louisville.  I’d like to go somewhere within 750ish miles of me and also a place I haven’t been before (TN, NC, SC, AR, WV, VA, DC, MD, GA).  I dunno why but the Catskills popped into my noggin, also the Great Lakes areas too. 

[sdcr]

Some great roads in the Catskills.  I would start with Rt. 97, which runs along the Delaware river, from Port  Jervis NY, north to Hancock, NY.  You could then hop onto Rt. 17 for a few exits, to Fishkill NY( about 5-6 miles). PIck up Rt. 30 north, an excellent resevoir road that snakes along the Pepacton reservoir, all the way  past Breakabean NY. Along the way, there are some nice little towns like Margeretville, Grand Gorge and more. At this point, your are just on the western edge of the Catskills. Almost any non highway road will be a good road. If you head eats to the Hudson, there is a cool Motorcycle museum called Motorcycle pediatric, in Newburgh NY.

[JJ]

Some great roads in the Catskills.  I would start with Rt. 97, which runs along the Delaware river, from Port  Jervis NY, north to Hancock, NY.  You could then hop onto Rt. 17 for a few exits, to Fishkill NY( about 5-6 miles). PIck up Rt. 30 north, an excellent resevoir road that snakes along the Pepacton reservoir, all the way  past Breakabean NY. Along the way, there are some nice little towns like Margeretville, Grand Gorge and more. At this point, your are just on the western edge of the Catskills. Almost any non highway road will be a good road. If you head eats to the Hudson, there is a cool Motorcycle museum called Motorcycle pediatric, in Newburgh NY.

Agree 100% with all the above!  The Catskills are one of the most beautiful places in the Northeast!  - and especially, this time of year.  Bring rain-gear however as afternoon showers are likely...

[roadscum]

I lived in the Catskill/Hudson Rive Valley area for 38 years before retiring to Florida in 2003. I've also been blessed and have ridden in all of the lower 48, most of Canada, and throughout Europe. The Catskills and Hudson River Valley has a lot to offer, I try to get back there every few years to enjoy the roads, the country side, the attractions, and to visit with friend. Just GO, you won't regret it. Below are some of my favorites rides and attraction in the area.
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A few of my favorite roads to ride in the Catskill Mountains:

RT 47 between Big Indian(RT 28) and RT 55 - I really like this one!
RT 42 between Grahamsville and West Shokan(RT 28A)
RT 30 between East Branch(RT 17) and Margaretville(RT 28)
RT 28A between West Hurley and Boiceville
RT 199 and 44/55 between New Paltz and Kerhonkson(excellent German Restaurant at 199-44/55 jct.)
RT 23A between Palenville and Hunter Mountain(ride the ski lift at Hunter Mountain)
Plate Cove Road(16) between Tannersville and West Saugerties
RT 214 between Phoenia and Hunter Mt.(ride the lift at Hunter Ski area)
Whittenberg Rd(40-45) between Phoenicia and Bearsville((Chinese food here:http://littlebearchineserestaurant.com/)

Things to do in the area:

Explore Hunter Mountain Ski area in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Ride a ski lift or a zip line,
http://www.huntermtn.com/summer/festivals/oktoberfest/

Rhinebeck Aerodrome, WW I era weekend air shows. Take a ride in a bi-plane.
http://oldrhinebeck.org/ORA/

Take a boat tour on the beautiful Hudson River. The river Valley in this area is as nice as
any that Europe has to offer..
http://kingstonswaterfront.com/business-type/attractions/

If you feel like a trip back to the 60's have lunch in Woodstock. This is not the site of the
'69 festival.
http://woodstockguide.com/

Visit the site of the '69 Woodstock Music Festival. I was there, think I had a good time there!;~}
http://www.bethelwoodscenter.org/the-museum

Mansions in the Hudson River Valley.. Tours, art, history..... and some great views of the river valley.
http://www.hudsonriver.com/hudson-river-estates

An old rail road bridge spanning the Hudson River now a State Park:   
https://www.walkway.org/of he

Perhaps the finest culinary school in the US with several wonderful restaurants:
http://www.ciarestaurants.com/featured-home/

Learn about how Coal from Pa. got to NYC mid-19th century before the rise of the rail road.
http://www.canalmuseum.org/

Visit the estate of our 32nd President, FRD, in Hyde Park on RT 9 on the east of the river.
https://www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

Have fun, be safe, report back!

[JJ]

Agree with all the comments above.  I grew up in the Hudson River Valley and although I went West in 1977 and never went back, I still have very fond memories of the region... :1:

[Lcarlson]

https://www.google.com/search?q=motorcyclepedia

[bpreynolds]

Wow!  Awesome info.  Where would a good base be to stay? 

[Dilliw]

Like the subject says.  Looking to maybe make a 6 or 7 day trip next week from Louisville.  I�d like to go somewhere within 750ish miles of me and also a place I haven�t been before (TN, NC, SC, AR, WV, VA, DC, MD, GA).  I dunno why but the Catskills popped into my noggin, also the Great Lakes areas too.

I've been working in Schenectady NY for the past year and had my EV up here last season.  Catskills, Berkshires, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, Lake Erie, PA, Greeens... they're all great places.  The riding is different though as there are not many runs up and down mountains or riding on ridges like there are in the Southeast.  Lots of winding riverside roads though and some beautiful scenery along the way.

I would think a Catskill/Berkshires combo trip would be great.  Of course, if you are already in Great Barrington you might as well go on to the Greens.  And if you are in the Greens it's only a few hours over to NH.  And of course Portland and the Maine coast is only a few hours from there....... 

LOTS of great stuff to see up here!

[willowstreetguzziguy]

THE CATSKILLS ARE BEAUTIFUL RIDING. The best swimming hole in the east (The Blue Hole) is on Peekamoose Rd. Between Sundown (population 10) and West Shokan. Also, don�t miss Katterskill Falls on 23A east of Tannersville.

We stayed at Twin Gables B&B in Woodstock. Very nice and convenient location.

[roadscum]

Wow!  Awesome info.  Where would a good base be to stay?

I usually stay in Kingstn at the Super 8, it's on the West side of town near the Thruway exit. It's convientient to the places I listed  and with with some restaraunts near by. The Super 8 has been getting some upgrades over the last few years, nut'n specialby it is clean.  I sugest reservation a few days in advance, especially for weekend stays.

More for ya:
Have and egg and begal sandwich 4 breakfast here: https://www.facebook.com/Sunrise-Bagel-Deli-120858171262595/
A very diner with excellant food and large portions, I'm a fan of their crean of carrot soup served only on thursday, yummy!: https://www.facebook.com/michaelsdinerkingston/
Close to the hotel, breakfast, lunch, and great cake/pastery: http://www.deisings.com/

Paul

[Sheepdog]

Storm King Highway; between West Point and Croton-on-Hudson...



It's been years, but the New Paltz area a little further north was also a beautiful ride. Those were the halcyon days of my Norton Commando Interstate. Also fantastic hiking at the Lemon Squeeze if you'd like a diversion from riding. Great memories...

http://hikethehudsonvalley.com/mohonk-mountain-house-labyrinth-and-lemon-squeeze/

[kingoffleece]

By all means, get to Lake Placid and go to the top of the ski jump.  THOSE folks are crazy!

[Dilliw]

By all means, get to Lake Placid and go to the top of the ski jump.  THOSE folks are crazy!

Drove by it a few weeks ago on my way home from Sarnac.  No thanks!

[Hugh Straub]

+1 Storm King Highway

[Tom]

Some fun roads out there.  You won't be wasting your time.   

[roadscum]

Storm King Highway; between West Point and Croton-on-Hudson...



It's been years, but the New Paltz area a little further north was also a beautiful ride. Those were the halcyon days of my Norton Commando Interstate. Also fantastic hiking at the Lemon Squeeze if you'd like a diversion from riding. Great memories...

http://hikethehudsonvalley.com/mohonk-mountain-house-labyrinth-and-lemon-squeeze/

Ahhh yes, just north of West Point.  West Point would be another point if interest perhaps worth a visit. 
Take a look: https://www.usma.edu/museum/sitepages/home.aspx
Paul

[bpreynolds]

Okay, help me plan this if I were to go next week - still waiting on word from work on clear to go.  It will take me two days of driving to get to the area.  Once there I would probably have 3 full days to ride before beginning the trip back to Louisville that I might try to do in one long pond jump day.  So 3 full days of riding, where would you go and what roads would you take? 

[kingoffleece]

Across PA for sure.  You could take 6 as it's a nice road, not too technical, but not a bad way to make time without it being interstate.
I'm sure a few others who live there can assist.

[Testarossa]

NGC: This isn't about the roads, but if you want a quick look at the history and culture of the Catskills I can recommend the book "Walks in the Catskills" (because I wrote it):
https://www.amazon.com/Walks-Catskills-John-Bennet/dp/0914788000/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1526658338&sr=8-4&keywords=walks+in+the+catskills

[bpreynolds]

Well crap.  Word just came down at work and it looks like I'm gonna have to stay in town next week.  Gonna hold onto this thread, however, for a future ride for sure. 

[Tom]

 :1: for not going anywhere.  I know how you feel.  Hopefully by August, I can get out of here. 

[roadscum]

Well crap.  Word just came down at work and it looks like I'm gonna have to stay in town next week.  Gonna hold onto this thread, however, for a future ride for sure.

Oh well.. on the brighter side, it's always good to have a ride or two on your bucket list. 

Paul

[Sasquatch Jim]

 tpbpreynolds--
 I note that in your list of states to visit you omitted Illinois.  Smart move!
 Roads are terrible, police are crooked, and the place is boring.

[Tom]

We have volcanoes.

[blackcat]

NGC: This isn't about the roads, but if you want a quick look at the history and culture of the Catskills I can recommend the book "Walks in the Catskills" (because I wrote it):
https://www.amazon.com/Walks-Catskills-John-Bennet/dp/0914788000/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1526658338&sr=8-4&keywords=walks+in+the+catskills

“A final note - the author(s) of this book went on to become editors of Backpacker Magazine.”

Cool.

[JJ]

Storm King Highway; between West Point and Croton-on-Hudson...



It's been years, but the New Paltz area a little further north was also a beautiful ride. Those were the halcyon days of my Norton Commando Interstate. Also fantastic hiking at the Lemon Squeeze if you'd like a diversion from riding. Great memories...

http://hikethehudsonvalley.com/mohonk-mountain-house-labyrinth-and-lemon-squeeze/

Simply "MAGICAL" on a beautiful spring / summer day!! :1:

[bpreynolds]

tpbpreynolds--
 I note that in your list of states to visit you omitted Illinois.  Smart move!
 Roads are terrible, police are crooked, and the place is boring.

  Not purposefully.  I been around Robinson and Chicago but have no idea about the nicer riding roads. 

[Testarossa]

�A final note - the author(s) of this book went on to become editors of Backpacker Magazine.�

Not quite correct. We were already editors of Backpacker (the original staff in fact) when we wrote the book. John later became executive editor of The New Yorker (now retired) and I went on to SKI Magazine and more books.

[Tom]

Simply "MAGICAL" on a beautiful spring / summer day!! :1:

Nice ride.  Either side of the Hudson is fun.