Motorcycle Touring Across the Catskills
Welcome to smooth roadways and winding mountain passes. Welcome to the open and winding road. Welcome to the Catskills.
Just two hours north of New York City, discover self-guided motorcycle tours including State Route 23, also known as the Mohican Trail, which travels past the Five State Lookout where, on a clear day, visitors can see the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Green Mountains of Vermont, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, and the Helderberg Mountains of New York and the Connecticut Valley.
Experience our three motorcycle touring routes highlighting the area's incredible scenery with smooth roadways, wide-open sweeping valleys and mountain curves.
For additional information about motorcycling routes, attractions, and lodging properties, the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County Travel Guide provides details, directions and more.
Mountain Clove Run
The Mountain Clove Run offers one of the most breathtaking and beautiful rides through the Great Northern Catskills. This 73.3-mile route takes you into the mountains where some of the highest peaks in Greene County rise above you as you ride. Throughout the ride, you are afforded incredible views of the landscape and access to scenic vistas such as the Kaaterskill Clove.
You'll pass through quaint towns offering great places to eat and shop at antique stores and boutiques. There are gas stations in Leeds, Catskill, Palenville, Haines Falls, Hunter, Windham and Cairo in case you need to fill up.
Navigate curves and twisties that will test drive your skills on the rail, and enjoy your ride!
The Emerald Isle Tour
The Emerald Isle Tour travels through the Irish settled countryside where you'll encounter smooth roads and rolling valley views. Follow Rte 145 to East Durham, home of the Annual Irish Festival. Don't miss Gilboa Dam, Pratt Rock in Prattsville, and Windham Vineyards and Winery. Grab a bite to eat at the Inn at Leeds, Salon Steakhouse & Pub, The Shamrock House, or The Milk Run.
This 57.9-mile route offers motorcyclists the chance to experience Cochrane Road, one of the most scenic roads in Greene County. Navigate through twists and curves on Prattsville Road along the reservoir, County Route 10 and Cochrane Road. There are gas stations along the route located in Leeds, Cairo, and Durham.
Grand Tour of the Catskills
This 143.2-mile motorcycle tour is one you won't want to miss - traveling throughout the Catskill Mountains the Grand Tour guides you through the mountains and wide open valleys. Carve through the mountainsides to experience twists at elevations of 2,300 feet as you drive by babbling streams and brooks. Along the route you can expect to see it all - high peaks, rolling farmlands, and quaint communities along the creeks. Don't miss experiencing Bastion Falls, the painted village of Tannersville, and Hunter Mountain Resort. Hop off your bike and take the short hike to Kaaterskill Falls - NY's highest cascading waterfall. You won't be disappointed!
Dining options are abundant along the route in Greene County, and you'll find gas stations in Leeds, Catskill, Palenville, Haines Falls, and Hunter.
Routes Into Greene County
- From NYC and New Jersey – For the most scenic route, ride US 9W as it travels along the Hudson River, connecting to Greene County in the town of Catskill. Take Route 23 west along the Hudson River and continue the ride northwest into the historic town of Cairo for shopping and more.
- From Massachusetts – Ride through the Berkshire Mountains and into the Catskills on Route 22 South into New York and connect to Route 23. Wind south to Palenville and continue on 23A to Haines Falls, home of the highest cascading waterfall in New York State.
- From Connecticut – Travel north into Massachusetts's Berkshire Mountain Region into the Hudson River Valley, passing through Springfield and Stockbridge before continuing west into the Catskills. Enter Greene County in Coxsackie, continuing into the town of Durham, home to a thriving Irish cultural heritage.
- From Vermont – Head south through the Green Mountains, passing through the college town of Middlebury and the horse-racing capital of Northern New York, Saratoga Springs along Route 9 into Greene County. Continue on Route 385 via 9W along the Hudson River waterfront and explore the rich history of the Hudson River Art Trail.
- From Philadelphia – Ride north from the city on rural country routes or via I-287, passing through New Jersey before continuing north into Greene County via 214. Explore the Hunter Mountain area's attractions, including the New York Zipline Adventure Tour, which boasts the second largest zipline in the world.
Motorcycle Events + Festivals
Join in the fun at the annual Catskill Mountain Thunder Festival, experience colorful fall foliage at the Colors in the Catskills festival during Oktoberfest, or experience the Diamondback Motocross Series throughout the summer and fall.
