Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

Shokan to Andes

Catskill Mountains · New York · United States

Key measurements

Distance

44.7 miles

Elevation gain

2,758 ft

Elevation loss

1,859 ft

High point

2,218 ft

Low point

625 ft

Net change

899 ft (700 ft to 1,599 ft)

Surface

Paved

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This 45-mile point-to-point route carries west across the central Catskill Mountains, connecting the lower Esopus Creek basin in Ulster County to the upland farming hills of Delaware County. Starting near Shokan at an elevation of roughly 625 feet, the road traces the Esopus Valley upstream, cutting a trench through the High Peaks region beneath towering ridges. After crossing the Catskill Divide near Pine Hill, the terrain transitions from steep river gorge to the broader agricultural bottomlands around Margaretville and Arkville along the East Branch of the Delaware River. A sustained climb out of the river basin leads to a summit elevation of 2,218 feet before descending into the historic village of Andes.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Upper Esopus Valley Canyon — Miles 0.0–24.5

Leaving the Shokan area, NY-28 heads northwest along the Esopus Creek corridor, flanked by steep, forested mountains. The highway ascends gradually through valley hamlets including Boiceville, Phoenicia, and Shandaken, tracing broad curves following the natural topography of the riverbed. The corridor narrows as it climbs toward the western rim of Ulster County, passing close to the bases of Mount Tremper and Panther Mountain before reaching the higher ground near Pine Hill.

Margaretville Valley Transition — Miles 26.1–27.3

Crossing into Delaware County, the terrain opens significantly into the East Branch Delaware River basin. Turning onto Main Street through Margaretville, the ride drops into a classic Catskill valley town set against wide floodplain pastures and rolling hillsides.

East Branch Valley Floor — Miles 27.4–28.9

Following Old Route 28 through the Arkville corridor, the road runs flat along the river valley floor. Timbered ridges border the open valley floor, framing a short, pastoral connection between local hamlets before rejoining the main arterial corridor.

Delaware County Upland Crest — Miles 29.1–44.5

Rejoining NY-28 west of Arkville, the highway leaves the river floor and begins a sustained ascent into the higher upland terrain of Delaware County. The road sweeps through dense forest and high farm country, reaching the trip's summit of 2,218 feet near mile 42.5 before dropping steadily into the valley settlement of Andes.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

The Catskills feature noticeable microclimatic changes along this route. High points near Pine Hill and the summit before Andes often run 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the lowland start in Shokan, with fog occasionally settling in high elevation gaps during autumn and early morning hours. Spring runoff can carry residual winter sand and gravel onto the roadway, particularly through sharp valley turns and river access pullouts. Autumn foliage peaks in late September and October, bringing heavy weekend visitor traffic to the NY-28 corridor.

Logistics & Services

Fuel, food, and supplies are concentrated in key valley settlements, including Shokan, Phoenicia, Margaretville, and Andes. Cell service is generally reliable through the major towns but can drop off in deep, narrow valley cuts along upper Esopus Creek. NY-28 is a heavily used state highway maintained year-round, though gravel buildup can gather on shoulders and outer turn lanes near rural junctions.

Important Considerations

Deer and turkey are common along forested margins, particularly near dawn and dusk throughout the Esopus gorge and Delaware County agricultural land. Be aware of slow-moving farm machinery on valley roads near Margaretville, as well as traffic slowing unexpectedly near public Esopus Creek access points.