🌸 Scenic Spring Drives in the Catskills: Routes Worth Taking This April
As the Catskills begin to wake from winter, April brings a quieter kind of magic—misty mornings, budding trees, and winding roads that feel like they’re yours alone. It’s the perfect time to slow down, roll the windows down, and take the scenic route.
Whether you're staying in for a cozy weekend or planning a day of exploring, these scenic drives offer some of the most beautiful ways to experience spring in the Catskills.
🌿 1. Route 97: The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Stretching along the Delaware River, this drive is one of the most iconic in the region—and for good reason.
Think: dramatic cliffside views, river bends, and soft spring greenery just starting to bloom.
Don’t miss:
Hawks Nest overlook (a must-stop for photos)
Charming river towns like Narrowsburg
Local shops and cafés along the way
Casskell tip: This is especially dreamy on a cloudy or misty day—the fog over the river feels straight out of a movie.
🌸 2. Route 28: Kingston to Andes
This route takes you through some of the Catskills’ most charming towns, making it perfect for a slow, stop-filled day.
You’ll pass through Phoenicia and Margaretville, with mountain views that gradually soften into rolling hills and farmland.
Perfect stops:
Phoenicia Diner for brunch
Local vintage + antique shops
Small-town cafés and bakeries
Casskell tip: Pair this drive with a cozy playlist and take your time—this one is all about the journey.
🌼 3. Peekamoose Road (Route 42)
If you’re looking for something a little more tucked away, Peekamoose Road offers a peaceful, forest-lined escape.
This route feels quiet and intimate, with streams, mossy rocks, and early spring greenery lining the road.
Best for:
Nature lovers
A slower, more reflective drive
Pairing with a short hike or picnic
Casskell tip: Pack a blanket and stop near the water—early spring here feels especially serene.
🌷 4. Route 23A: Catskill to Hunter Mountain
This drive is all about dramatic scenery—waterfalls, mountain views, and winding roads that feel cinematic.
In April, melting snow often makes the waterfalls even more impressive.
Highlights:
Kaaterskill Falls (one of the most famous in the region)
Scenic overlooks along the way
Hunter Mountain views
Casskell tip: Go early in the day for a quieter experience and softer light.
🌧️ 5. Bonus: The Rainy Day Drive
Some of the best Catskills moments happen when the weather turns a little moody.
Rain brings out deeper greens, misty mountains, and that cozy, slow-travel feeling.
What to do:
Grab coffee before heading out
Let the rain set the pace
End your drive back at your stay—hot tub, porch, or a good movie waiting
🏡 Stay the Scenic Way
After a day on the road, there’s nothing better than coming back to a space that feels just as intentional as the journey.
At Casskell Stays, each home is designed to help you slow down—whether that’s a quiet morning on the porch, a glass of wine by the fire, or a soak under the trees.
Because sometimes, the best part of the drive… is coming back.
🌿 Plan Your Spring Escape
April in the Catskills is all about the in-between—soft, quiet, and just beginning to bloom.
So take your time. Follow the curves of the road. And don’t forget to take the scenic route.
