Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesEast USANew YorkCatskill Mountains Panoramic Road
Hudson River

Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road

Rhinebeck - Kingston - Shandaken - Margaretville - Downsville

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Wildlife Wildlife
Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km138 h/stage0.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road in New York?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 254EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 308EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 380EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 470EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 165EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 390EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road Itinerary

The Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road is a 138 km journey starting in Rhinebeck, NY and ending in Downsville, NY. This trip is best taken in the summer months, when the weather is warm and the roads are in good condition. Along the way, you'll pass through the towns of Kingston, Shandaken, and Margaretville, each with unique attractions and beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains. The route is mostly straight and easy to follow, but there are some curvy roads that you should be aware of. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed with a moderate budget. It is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the Catskill Mountains and create lasting memories.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 138 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Rhinebeck

Distance 138 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 41.5 kWh Airports ALB
[detailsContainer]
Rhinebeck, a charming village in the Hudson Valley of New York, is the perfect starting point to begin the majestic Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road. The village is renowned for its unique history and small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway. Rhinebeck's bustling Main Street is lined with an array of shops and restaurants, including the Beekman Arms, the oldest operating inn in the United States. Those looking to explore the area's culture can visit the renowned Omega Institute, the nation's largest holistic learning center, or the historic Wilderstein Mansion. Additionally, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. The closest international airport to Rhinebeck is the Albany International Airport (ALB). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy for visitors to begin their journey down the Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road. With its beautiful landscape, quaint atmosphere, and abundance of activities, Rhinebeck is the perfect starting point for a memorable road trip through the Hudson Valley.

1 Rhinebeck - Kingston

Distance 22 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 5.6 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Rhinebeck to Kingston. This 13-mile drive will take you no longer than an hour and will be full of surprises. Start your journey in Rhinebeck, where you can visit the Wilderstein Historic Site, a 19th-century estate with stunning views of the Hudson River. Or, if you're in the mood for some retail therapy, the charming Rhinebeck Village is full of unique shops and restaurants. Continue your journey to Kingston, where you can explore the Hudson River Maritime Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the region's maritime heritage. You can also take a stroll around the historic Uptown Kingston district, where you'll find many restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. This is just one stage of your larger tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Kingston - Shandaken

Distance 48 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 14.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Kingston to Shandaken! This 30-mile stretch will take you less than an hour to drive and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views along the way. Make sure to keep an eye out for the scenic road, as you won’t want to miss a moment of this trip. When you reach Kingston, make sure to take a stroll around the streets and take in the historical architecture. You’ll also find a few restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee before you hit the road. As you make your way to Shandaken, you’ll pass by the Ashokan Reservoir, a great spot for some outdoor activities. Once you arrive in Shandaken, you’ll find plenty of attractions to explore, including the Catskill Mountain Park, Belleayre Mountain, and the Phoenicia Diner. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and start your road trip from Kingston to Shandaken!

3 Shandaken - Margaretville

Distance 26 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 7.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Shandaken to Margaretville, a 16mi drive that will take you less than an hour! As you drive along the scenic road, you'll get to experience the beauty of the Catskill Mountains. Visit the unique shops in Shandaken, and don't forget to take a few pictures of the historic buildings in Margaretville. You can also visit the Margaretville Museum and the Margaretville Firehouse Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area. The Margaretville Public Library is also a great place to explore. Make sure to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the area, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Whether you're looking for a peaceful drive or an adventurous day out, this road trip has something for everyone! Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

4 Margaretville - Downsville

Distance 43 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 13.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road junction of road trips
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip starting in Margaretville and ending in Downsville? This 27-mile journey will take you less than one hour and you will be able to experience the scenic roads of this area. During your journey, you will notice that some sections of the road are very winding, so you should pay extra attention to the road. You will be able to explore the most interesting places in Margaretville and Downsville, such as the Margaretville Mountain Market, the Catskill Scenic Trail, and the Downsville Dam. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, don't wait any longer, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

  Downsville

[detailsContainer]
Downsville is a quiet, peaceful town tucked away in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It's the perfect ending point for the Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road trip, a scenic drive that takes you through the region's beautiful scenery and small towns. Downsville is a great place to relax and explore. There's plenty to do, from swimming and fishing in the Delaware River to exploring the many hiking trails. There are also plenty of local parks and other outdoor activities, such as golfing and bird watching. The town also has a few interesting attractions, including the Downsville Dam with its impressive view of the river. There's also a covered bridge, the oldest in the state, and the Downsville Historical Society, where you can learn more about the town's history. If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Downsville. For those looking for an overnight stay, there are a few bed and breakfasts in town. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Albany International Airport (ALB). From there, it's a two-hour drive to Downsville. At the end of your trip, you'll find Downsville is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the Catskill Mountains. With plenty of activities to enjoy and a rich history, this small town is the perfect ending point to your road trip.

Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road at a glance

We hope that our itinerary idea has inspired you.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be conveniently developed into a complete tour – possibilities are countless.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around New York, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to ensure pleasant experiences. These tips will also become useful for holidayers who are considering renting a vehicle or camper rental.
When driving around New York, you should pay attention to the local traffic rules. In New York, if you are planning to drive, try to stay away from alcohol at any price. Remember that the legal alcohol limit is rather low and is only 0.5‰. The maximum permissible speed when driving around the urban areas is 40km/h. On the other hand, the maximum allowed speed in rural areas is 72km/h. Keep in mind that the maximum car speed is 129km/h on highways in New York. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit increases the safety of you and your passengers.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. Depending on the budget option of your choice, the total cost of the whole road trip may vary. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 5 stages across New York may cost around 13 EUR. You will have to spend approximately 77 EUR on economy accommodation options. If the this option is your target, you should be prepared to spend approximately 72 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they go for the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 162 EUR to around 207 EUR.
Travellers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 25 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should keep in mind that the costs may amount up to around 121 EUR. Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost approximately 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of roughly 54 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay about 308 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend approximately 254 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers. The whole estimated cost of the trip in this versions of services is 470 EUR with car hire and 254 EUR without a rental car. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire car should expect a cost of more or less 90 EUR. In the premium version of the trip, the fuel cost will be up to about 38 EUR. Travellers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay around 198 EUR for accommodation and roughly 144 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our trip will also become interesting for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements. If you choose this travel means, you will pay up to around 225 EUR. Camper enthusiasts will spend approximately 38 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road. Tourists who are interested in camper rental should expect to pay more or less 55 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the presented details in a simple way.
There are plenty of picturesque road adventures that we offer on our website if Catskill Mountains Panoramic Road has inspired you. We hope that the wide spectrum of options will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers.

Facts for safer driving in New York

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

USA Road Trip USA Road Trip
USA Road Trip
North America - United States
17,109 km 80 km/h 42 days roadtrip
The Adirondacks Panoramic Road The Adirondacks Panoramic Road
The Adirondacks Panoramic Road
North America - United States
257 km 69 km/h 1 days scenic
New York to Alaska Road Trip New York to Alaska Road Trip
New York to Alaska Road Trip
North America - United States
9,387 km 90 km/h 28 days roadtrip
East USA Road Trip East USA Road Trip
East USA Road Trip
North America - United States
5,803 km 70 km/h 28 days roadtrip
New England Road Trip New England Road Trip
New England Road Trip
North America - United States
3,111 km 72 km/h 20 days roadtrip
Middle Atlantic Road Trip Middle Atlantic Road Trip
Middle Atlantic Road Trip
North America - United States
4,542 km 73 km/h 24 days roadtrip