Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway
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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
4.4/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway worth booking?
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway is a 8-hour experience in The Catskills, United States, from $17 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (10)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $17 per person
Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Catskill Mountains road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically, all based on your lo
What you get
About this experience
Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Catskill Mountains road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including the world's largest kaleidoscope, a scenic gondola ride that offers fantastic panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains, and a large reservoir known for its beautiful panorama and recreational opportunities. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. - Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location - Travel at your own pace - Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed - Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use - Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates - Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.
What's included
Included
- Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
- Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
- Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
- Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide.
- Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
- Trip Planners: In-app and web
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 72 Points
- Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
Not included
- Entry Fees, National Park Passes, Reservations
What you'll see and do
As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.
480 minutes here
Ashokan Rail Trail
Running along the northern shore of the Ashokan Reservoir, the Ashokan Rail Trail offers picturesque views of the reservoir and the Catskill Mountains from multiple vantage points. This crushed gravel trail is accessible to most bikes, and is also great for walking and trail running.
60 minutes here
Ashokan Reservoir
Located on the eastern end of the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, the Ashokan Reservoir is a vital source of drinking water for New York City. Visitors are drawn to this large reservoir for its beautiful panorama and recreational opportunities - making it an ideal spot for hiking, biking, birdwatching and simply enjoying the surrounding mountains.
60 minutes here
This scenic gondola ride offers fantastic panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains in every season, from the lush greenery of summer to the vibrant fall foliage. The Belleayre Mountain Gondola is a must-visit attraction and allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Catskills from a remarkable and easily accessed vantage point.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
This colossal kaleidoscope housed inside an old grain silo provides a unique blend of art and entertainment, and allows visitors to immerse themselves in an unique sensory journey. The world's largest kaleidoscope is a must-see attraction for those who enjoy odd and unusual sights.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Margaretville
The neighboring towns of Margaretville and Arkville are known for their welcoming communities, vibrant arts scene, lively local shops, and excellent dining options. It's well worth dedicating at least an hour or two to park and explore these towns on foot. Also of potential special interest is the Water Discovery Center - sounds boring but it's actually very interesting - and the heritage Delaware & Ulster Railroad.
120 minutes here
Catskills Visitor Center
Located at the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, the Upper Esopus Fire Tower is just a short hike from the parking area and offers visitors fantastic panoramas of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great chance to learn about the role fire towers played in early forest fire detection.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
The Catskills
From Andes, join Route 28 and drive eastbound. If approaching from the north on Route 28, the introduction may begin a few minutes before Andes. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” download over Wi-Fi/cell, then preview the route in the app.
Meeting point
The Catskills
Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so there is no need to meet an in-person guide. From West Hurley, join Route 28 westbound. The first audio plays as you approach town. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.
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
- GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
- Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
- Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
- Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
- Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
- Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
- Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
- Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
- Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
- Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
- Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
- The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very good self guided...
Very good self guided tour app! It was very accurate and provided clear directions related to what was coming up and when to make turns. My family and I really enjoyed using this app from the comfort of our car.
Response from the operator: Hi Tabitha, thanks for taking our Catskills Scenic Byway audio tour. We’re so glad the app was accurate, easy to follow, and helpful with upcoming stops and turns. It’s great to hear your family enjoyed exploring from the comfort of your car. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Viator
Pretty drive
The tour went exactly as planned with interesting commentary. Soon the scenery is pretty much the same so we did not finish it:
Response from the operator: Hi there, thanks for taking our Catskills Scenic Byway audio tour. Thank you for sharing your experience — we’re glad the tour went smoothly and that you enjoyed the commentary along the way. Since your audio tour is valid for lifetime use, you can always pick it back up again anytime if you decide to explore more of the route. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great info tour
We enjoyed the audio tour. We only live 45 minutes from the Catskills, but other than passing through, had never gone to the Catskills. This was great to learn about the area! One suggestion which would be nice is if we were better directed on where exactly to turn. We missed on of the turns because it said you turn up ahead when you see signs for ...We did not see those signs - they may have been taken down? If we were given the directory of You'll make the next left or next right - then we may not have missed it. One or two of the turns did say to turn onto such and such a road, but that one turn there were multiple roads from when it said turn up ahead and before the next info clip started. We also thought when we were on our return trip it would mention it and we could hit it then - but that wasn't mentioned.
Response from the operator: Hi Kendra, thanks for taking our Catskills Scenic Byway audio tour. Thank you for sharing your experience — we’re glad you enjoyed learning more about the area and found the tour helpful overall. We’re sorry that one of the turns was harder to follow, especially if the sign was removed. If you remember where that was, please let us know so our team can look into it and improve the directions. Your audio tour is valid for lifetime use, so you can revisit the route anytime. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Viator
Wouldn’t do again
It was a waste of money - we’ve done a few driving tours and have enjoyed them, but this one was lackluster to say the least.
Response from the operator: Hi Victoria, We’re sorry to hear that you didn’t have a positive experience with the Catskills Scenic Byway tour. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback on this tour from other travelers, and we would love to understand where you think the content could be improved to help our content team review the tour. Please reach out to us with your suggestions for improvement, and we’ll be happy to exchange this tour for another audio tour of your choice to make sure you have a 5-star experience next time. We hope to hear from you.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful!
Loved the history and specifics about the area. Great directions and suggestions for stops. Timing was really good too. Liked that it picked up wherever you started/stopped.
Response from the operator: Hi Karen, thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with our Catskills Scenic Byway audio tour. We're delighted to hear that you loved the history and appreciated the great directions and suggestions for stops. It's great to know the tour’s timing worked well and that it picked up seamlessly wherever you started or stopped. We hope to join you on the road again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 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
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for The Catskills.
How much does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway 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 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 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 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway?
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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 Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway 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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