The Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway is divided into four sections: the Northern Loop, Routes 44/55, the Southern Route, and the Wallkill Valley Route. You can explore these individually or combine several into a longer trip. Whether you explore one or many, you’re sure to find beautiful views and interesting places to visit.
The Northern Loop
The Northern Loop section starts in the Wallkill Valley town of New Paltz on the eastern edge of the Byway. It loops west over the Shawangunk Ridge, following Routes 44/55 to Kerhonkson in the Rondout Valley, then northeast towards Stone Ridge and Rosendale at the northern end of the Byway, and finally back to New Paltz following the Wallkill River. Read more about the Northern Loop »
Routes 44/55
The Routes 44/55 section runs east/west through the center of the Byway. Following NY Routes 44/55, it passes through lovely hamlets, offers stunning views of the famous Shawangunk Cliffs, and climbs over the Shawangunk Ridge. It passes through the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park, then offers panoramic views west towards the Catskill Mountains before descending to the pastoral Rondout Valley on the western edge of the Byway. Read more about the Routes 44/55 section »
The Southern Route
The Southern Route section covers the southwestern side of the Byway. From Kerhonkson south through the Rondout Valley, enjoy views of the ridge as you travel to Ellenville. The route then turns eastward and ascends the ridge with wonderfaul views along the way. You’ll pass the gorgeous Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Sam’s Point Area and the hamlet of Cragsmoor. Your descent from the ridge leads through the hamlet of Walker Valley and the towns of Shawangunk and Pine Bush before turning southward through the lovely farmland around Thompson Ridge and into Bullville. Read more about the Southern Route »
The Wallkill Valley Route
The Wallkill Valley Route covers a fertile region of farms and orchards with breathtaking views of the Ridge. Starting in Pine Bush in the south, you’ll head east through the Towns of Montgomery and Wallkill and then northward through the Wallkill River Valley as you parallel the Shawangunk Ridge, enjoying the wonderful views to your west. At Ireland Corners you’ll pass the turnoff to the Route 44/55 section of the Byway and continue north to New Paltz, or loop back across the ridge on Rt. 44/55 toward Kerhonkson. Read more about the Wallkill Valley Route »