Catskills Scenic Byway Driving Tour
Catskills Scenic Byway Driving Tour
Looking for the best tour of the Catskills without planning a single stop yourself?
This self-guided driving tour takes you along the Catskills Scenic Byway, past fire towers, covered bridges, small-town diners, and the surprising story of the Borscht Belt, all with automatic GPS-triggered narration so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Along the way you'll discover:
- Upper Esopus Fire Tower
- Phoenicia Diner
- Empire State Railway Museum
- Big Indian Park
- Belleayre Lake and the Pine Hill Covered Bridge
- Fleischmanns and the Borscht Belt
- Margaretville
- Wayside Cider in the Andes Historic District
What will you see? Here are the tour highlights
- Upper Esopus Fire Tower
A free, seasonal fire tower with sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains, open April through November.
- Empire State Railway Museum
A small, free museum housed in a historic 1899 railroad station, packed with vintage train history.
- Phoenicia Diner
A beloved roadside diner famous for its pancakes, right along the byway.
- Belleayre Lake and Pine Hill Covered Bridge
A sandy swimming lake with a small per-car fee, next to a photogenic 1992 covered bridge spanning 72 feet.
- Big Indian Park
Home to the towering Big Indian statue and the legend behind the town's name.
- Fleischmanns and the Borscht Belt
The birthplace of comedy legends like Mel Brooks, Woody Allen, and Joan Rivers, once a beloved Jewish resort getaway.
- Margaretville
A small town renamed in honor of Margaret Lewis, a rare tribute to a woman in the 1800s.
- Wayside Cider
A working cidery in the Andes Historic District, producing craft hard ciders from Catskills-grown apples.
FAQ's
Do I need internet or data?
No! Download the tour once and it works completely offline.
Can multiple people use one tour?
Yes! Everyone in your group can listen on their own phone.
Can I start the tour anywhere?
Yes. Start at any stop along the route.
How long does the tour take?
The tour takes about 3-4 hours to complete.
Is this tour offered in multiple languages?
Currently this tour is available in English.
