From the center of Pine Bush travel east on Route 52. The scenery changes from commercial to rural countryside, with woods, open fields and the Shawangunk Mountains backdrop at Black Hawk Road.
There are more working dairy farms along this stretch of road than any other part of the Byway. The dairy farm on Fleury Road brings you into the Town of Montgomery.
The Byway turns left onto Route 14 north (Albany Post Road). Angry Orchard resides on a 60 acre orchard, offering tours and holding many community events. Pass by orchards and take in the wonderful mountain views north and west. At the border of Ulster and Orange Counties Route 14 turns into Route 9, before you reach the next Right onto Route 18 (Bruyn Turnpike).
There are three consecutive horse farms and several acres of pasture for grazing. Traveling east on windy Route 18 the mountains are behind you and open rolling fields and woods to the right and left. A fast moving Wallkill River suddenly appears on the left and you will quickly come up to the bridge that crosses into the Hamlet of Wallkill in the Town of Shawangunk.
Make a right at the stop sign onto Bona Ventura Avenue, the main street through the business district of Wallkill. Follow the road north as it bears left on Route 208. Notice Borden Library Park on the left and the Wallkill-Walden Rail Trail on your right across from the Police Station. Driving north, pass by Borden Road, widely known for Borden Condensery built by John G. Borden. After leaving the developed area of Wallkill, soon after Route 208 crosses Route 300, enjoy uninterupted views of the mountains and vast fields.
Take note of the New Hurley Reformed Church, built in 1835, on the corner of New Hurley Road and Route 208. Orchards and woodlands span the countryside from here to Ireland Corners, this is truly “Apple Country”. Be sure to stop at one of the farmstands as you travel this roadway; fruit, vegetables, garden plants and ice cream are all so fresh.
Continue straight at Ireland Corners, a small commercial area at the corner of Route 208 and Routes 44/55. Although the byway also continues left on 44/55 into Gardiner, this route continues ahead to New Paltz. About a 1/2 mile and you’re in the country again. Pass by Phillies Bridge Road with orchards along Route 208 on both sides. Kettleborough Schoolhouse (1832) and John A. LeFevre House (1772) are both along this route, followed by more rural countryside.
At Old Ford Road the landscape opens up with the most awesome views of the escarpment west/north that you’ll see along the Byway. Drive slowly so that you can take it all in.
Pass SUNY New Paltz on the right, where sports fields, tennis courts, and the track have a terrific view of the ridge. You are entering the quaint, busy village of New Paltz. Find a parking spot and enjoy something to eat, eclectic shopping, people watching or a hike along the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in this vibrant town.