Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour worth booking?
Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour is a 2-hour experience in The Catskills, United States, from $17 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (10)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $17 per person
Explore the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway with this self-guided tour. Only two hours from New York City, this 52-mile journey along State Route 28 takes you through charming villages and lush landscapes, showcasing spe
What you get
About this experience
Explore the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway with this self-guided tour. Only two hours from New York City, this 52-mile journey along State Route 28 takes you through charming villages and lush landscapes, showcasing spectacular mountain views and vibrant fall foliage. Each stop offers its blend of natural beauty and quaint rural charm, ensuring a picturesque and enjoyable adventure through the heart of the Catskills. After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
What you'll see and do
Andes
Andes Welcome marks the gateway to Boston’s vibrant South American community. It’s a lively spot that celebrates culture, connection, and the rich traditions of the Andes region. The tour is over 53 miles long, with more than 30+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
10 minutes here
Palmer Hill Overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rolling Catskill Mountains and lush valleys, making it a perfect spot for scenic relaxation and photography.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
The Catskill Watershed Center promotes the protection and sustainable use of the region’s vital water resources. It serves as a hub for education, conservation, and community programs supporting the Catskill-Delaware watershed.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Fleischmanns
Fleischmanns is a charming village in the Catskills, known for its rich history, Victorian architecture, and welcoming small-town vibe. It’s a great spot for exploring local shops, dining, and nearby outdoor adventures.
10 minutes here
Belleayre Mountain Ski Center
Belleayre Ski Center is a popular year-round destination in the Catskills, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter, plus hiking, biking, and scenic gondola rides during the warmer months.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Belleayre Beach
Belleayre Beach is a family-friendly spot at Pine Hill Lake, offering swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and relaxing on sandy shores surrounded by the beauty of the Catskills.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Rochester Hollow is a peaceful hiking trail in the Catskills, featuring serene forests, gentle streams, and historic stone walls. It’s perfect for a quiet nature walk and exploring the area’s rich history.
10 minutes here
Phoenicia
Phoenicia is a charming Catskill Mountain town known for its artsy vibe, local eateries, and outdoor adventures. It’s a gateway for hiking, tubing on the Esopus Creek, and exploring nearby trails.
10 minutes here
Phoenicia Diner is a beloved retro-style eatery in the Catskills, serving up classic comfort food with a modern twist. It’s a favorite stop for hearty breakfasts, local ingredients, and a laid-back atmosphere.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Bread Alone Bakery is a cozy, organic bakery and café known for its artisan breads, pastries, and farm-to-table meals. A local favorite in the Catskills for fresh, wholesome fare.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
The Ashokan Rail Trail is a scenic, flat pathway along the Ashokan Reservoir, perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Catskill Mountains.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
The Ashokan Reservoir is one of New York City’s largest water sources, surrounded by stunning mountain views. It’s a peaceful spot for walking, cycling, and soaking in the natural beauty of the Catskills.
10 minutes here
The Town of Woodstock is a vibrant arts community famous for its creative spirit, eclectic shops, galleries, and rich music history. Surrounded by the Catskills, it’s a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.
10 minutes here
West Hurley is a quiet hamlet in the Catskills, known for its proximity to the Ashokan Reservoir and outdoor recreation. It offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with easy access to nature and nearby historic towns.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
The Catskills
You can also begin the tour from 26731 NY-28, Andes, NY, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Eastbound and end in Westbound, or vice versa.
Meeting point
The Catskills
Begin from 555 NY-28A, West Hurley, NY 12491, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Drive with Action
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Didn't work well
There was no cell service driving through the Catskills so the app was usless. Very disappointed. When we got to the hotel we looked over the route to see what we missed
Response from the operator: Denise, I’m sorry the Catskills Scenic Byway self-guided audio tour didn’t work as expected during your drive! My audio tours are valid forever and work offline, but they need to be downloaded beforehand; once you reach the suggested starting point, the app should guide you from there even without cell service. I’m available daily from 9 AM to 6 PM EST for any help, so please feel free to reach out. Happy exploring!
via Viator
Scenic Drive Not to Be
Our experience was not good. The audio didn't make it clear where we were and when we should expect to see the next sight. After driving for miles with no audio telling us anything, we have up and went back to the hotel. Very disappointed.
Response from the operator: Lori, I’m really sorry to hear about your experience with the Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. Did you start from the designated start point and follow the route? If so, the audio should play automatically once you reach the start point. If this weren’t the case, more details about the issue would help me understand what went wrong. Please feel free to reach out—I’m available daily from 9 to 6 EST, and I’d be happy to offer a replacement tour or process a refund if needed.
via Tripadvisor
Definitely worth the price!
Downloaded the tour to my phone ahead of the trip. It played very well. The area is beautiful and there were lots of suggestions for getting out and exploring. As it was so hot, I did not take advantage of that, though.
Response from the operator: Barbara, I’m glad my Catskills audio tour downloaded easily and played smoothly for you. Downloading it in advance is a great tip for future travelers. It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the beautiful Catskills scenery and the exploration suggestions—maybe next time, when it’s cooler, you can fully take advantage of them, since my tour is valid for a year after booking. Check out my NYC Must-Sees at Your Pace: Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle for more NYC adventures. Explore Midtown Manhattan, Wall Street, and more at your own pace. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect companion!
What a perfect way to see the Catskills! It was so fun listening to the information at each stop and also the stories in between. I would absolutely recommend this auto tour when driving the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway.
Response from the operator: I'm so glad you enjoyed my Catskills Scenic Byway tour. It’s great to hear that the stories and information at each stop enhanced your experience. Check out my NYC Must-Sees at Your Pace: Self-Guided Walking Tour Bundle for more NYC adventures. Explore Midtown Manhattan, Wall Street, and more at your own pace. Happy exploring!
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour. Had a little bit of trouble getting started.
Getting started was a little hard. GPS took us to starting point and ap began speaking, but since we had no experience with the ap, we didn't realize we were going the wrong direction. Spent half an hour driving back and forth before we figured it out. Apart from that, everything was great.
Response from the operator: David, I’m glad you enjoyed the Catskills Scenic Byway tour once it started. The initial setup was confusing—I appreciate you sticking with it. The good news is, once you’re heading in the right direction, the audio takes care of the rest. If you’re planning more adventures around the state, check out my Ultimate New York Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour Bundle—it features iconic spots like Niagara Falls, Grand Central Terminal, Wall Street, and more!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for The Catskills.
How much does Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour cost?
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Prices start at $17 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in The Catskills usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in The Catskills is not rushed.
Is Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in The Catskills, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in The Catskills can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in The Catskills and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Catskills Scenic Byway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central The Catskills within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in The Catskills?
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The Catskills draws visitors for its landscapes, wildlife and guided outdoor experiences. Outty tracks every bookable tour here, scores it with the Outty Ranking, and shows what is worth your time, from full-day guided trips to short scenic outings. On Outty we rank every The Catskills experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston, Woodstock NY Rock and Roll Tour, Llama/Alpaca Hike and Farm Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit The Catskills?
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Late spring through early fall for full access and the widest tour availability, with quieter trails in the shoulder weeks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in The Catskills?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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