Kaaterskill->Minnewaska

by BKClark


Here’s a medium-length loop through the Hudson Valley and eastern Catskill Mountains, which takes you past Kaaterskill Falls and Minnewaska State Park. The road time should be a little less than two and a half hours, but plan some extra time to make the hike back to the Kaaterskill Falls, and to the beautiful overlooks in Minnewaska State Park. While in Minnewaska State Park, don’t miss the beautiful Awosting Falls with spectacular views from above and below the falls. This ride has some nice destinations, but it also does pretty well in the journey department. The loop takes you over rolling hills and countryside, and past beautiful long mountain views. With plenty of quaint towns along the way, you’re sure to find a nice wayside for a little lunch, a cool drink, or just a breather and a stretch. There can be a little spotty traffic near the towns, but there are usually many long stretches where the traffic will be light to none at all.

Gallery

Directions: From the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead in Haines Falls, NY, head east on NY 23A. In Palenville, NY, turn right on NY 32A heading southeast, then turn right on NY route 32 heading south. In a little less than 3 miles, turn right on Harry Wells Rd heading south. Harry Wells Rd becomes Blue Mountain Rd and continues south. Turn right on NY route 212 heading southwest. In Woodstock, NY turn left on Ulster County route 30/ Sawkill Rd heading south. In a little less than two miles, bear right to stay on Sawkill Rd, then turn right on US 209 heading southwest. In Accord, NY, turn left, over the bridge onto Ulster County route 27 heading south. In about a quarter mile, turn right to stay on county route 27. In Kerhonkson, NY take a hard left all the way around onto Main St/US 44/NY 55, heading south. Follow US44/NY55 into Minnewaska State Park. Leave the park the way you came in and head back west on US 44/NY 55. When you come to the county route 27 intersection, bear left to stay on US44/NY55 heading west. In Kerhonkson, NY, turn right on US route 209 heading east, then turn left on Clay Hill Rd heading north. Clay Hill Rd becomes Samsonville-Kerhonlson Rd/county route 3. Continue heading northeast. When you come to a “T”, turn left to stay on Samsonville-Kerhonlson Rd, then turn left on NY 28A heading north. At the end of route 28A, turn left on NY 28, heading north. In Phonecia, NY, after crossing the Esopus Creek, turn right on Main St, then turn left on NY 214 heading north. When you come to the end of route 214, turn right on NY 23A heading east. Follow route 23A back to the Kaaterskill Falls trailhead.

Tips: Please check out the websites for Kaaterskill Falls and Minnewaska State Park for information on all of the trails, sites, viewing platforms, etc. There are some hidden gems in both of these places, for example: Awosting Falls in Minnewaska Park. Also, please be careful on the trails. Some of the more challenging trails can be treacherous. Use the proper gear, and know your limitations .

Shorthand: Haines Falls, NY – NY 23A[E]-> Palenville, NY – R-NY 32A[S/E]-> R-NY 32[S]-> R-Co 36 (Harry Wells Rd)[S]-> S-Blue Mountain Rd[S]-> R-NY 212[S/W]-> Woodstock, NY – L-Co 30 (Sawkill Rd) [S]-> R-US 209[S/W]-> Accord, NY – L-Co 27[S]-> Kerhonkson, NY – L-Main St/US44/NY55[S/E] -> Minnewaska State Park -> L-US44/NY55[N/W]-> Kerhonkson, NY – R-US 209[E]-> L-Co 3 (Clay Rd.) [N]-> L-Samsonville-Kerhonkson Rd-> L-NY 28A[N]-> Phonecia, NY – R-Main St-> L-NY 214[N]-> R-NY 23A[E]-> Kaaterskill Falls

Ride Details

  • Ride Type: Circular
  • Time: 2 hours 20 mins
  • Distance: 96 mi. (154.5 km)
  • Average Speed: 41 mph (66 km/h)
  • Road Type: US Highways/State Routes/Secondary Roads
  • Road Condition: 7–Average (a few bumpy sections).
  • Date Ridden: 7/16/2019
  • Maximum Elevation: 2,000 ft.
  • Traffic Lights: 5
  • Stop Signs: 8

Gas:
Mobil – Palenville, NY
*Stewart’s – Hurley, NY
Mobil – Stone Ridge, NY
Sunoco – Accord, NY
*Non-ethanol Gas available

Food:
The Fernwood – Palenville, NY
The Red Onion Restaurant – Woodstock, NY
The Roost – Stone Ridge, NY
Hash Food NY – Stone Ridge, NY
Cherries Ice Cream Bar and Grill – Stone Ridge, NY
Stonehouse Tavern – Accord, NY
Roughcut Brewing – Kerhonkson, NY
Don Juan Mexican Restaurant Kerhonkson, NY
Phonecia Diner – Phonecia, NY
The Phonecian Steakhouse – Phonecia, NY
Sweet Sue’s Restaurant – Phonecia, NY
Chateau Belleview – Tannersville, NY
Ladoria Ristorante – Tannersville, NY
Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant – Tannersville, NY
Jessie’s Harvest House – Tannersville, NY

Lodging:
Catskill Mountain Lodge – Palenville, NY
Arkadia Cottages – Saugerties, NY
Creekside – Saugerties, NY
The Stonehouse B&B – Hurley, NY
Hasbrouck House – Stone Ridge, NY
Elm Rock Inn – Stone Ridge, NY
Hudson Valley Resort Kerhonkson, NY
Chelsea Motel – Kerhonkson, NY
Kate’s Lazy Meadow – Mt Tremper,NY
Catskill Creek and Cottage – Mt Tremper, NY
Foxfire Mountain House – Mt Tremper, NY
The Graham & Co Hotel – Phonecia, NY
Villa Vosilla – Tannersville, NY
Jessie’s Harvest House and Lodge – Tannersville, NY

Camping:
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds – Saugerties, NY
Sleepy Hollow Campgrounds – Phonecia, NY
The Devil’s Tombstone Campground – Hunter, NY

Repair Shops:
Anthony’s Auto Repair – Saugerties, NY
Ryley’s Auto Repair – Saugerties, NY
Euronutz Garage – Saugerties, NY

Attractions:
Kaaterskill Falls Haines Falls, NY
Minnewaska State Park – Kerhonkson, NY
Awosting Falls – Kerhonkson, NY
Mohonk Preserve – New Paltz, NY
The Rock Academy – Woodstock, NY
Pat’s Tats – Kingston, NY
Custom Leather Creations – Phonecia, NY

Connections: