7 Best Catskill Motorcycle Routes for Your Next Ride
The best Catskill motorcycle routes do not feel like a straight shot from one attraction to the next. They roll through reservoir country, climb tight mountain passes, slip past farm fields, and put a good diner, a quiet overlook, or a backroad pull-off right where you need it. That is the Catskills at their best: less rush, more road.
For riders building a weekend around Masonville and the western Catskills, the right route depends on your bike, your comfort level, and how much time you want in the saddle. A loaded touring bike can eat up a long day around the reservoirs. A cruiser is right at home on the smoother state routes. An adventure bike opens up even more possibilities, but public-road rules still apply and forest roads can change quickly with weather and seasonal closures.
1. Pepacton Reservoir and Route 30 If you only ride one classic Catskills road, make it Route 30 along the Pepacton Reservoir. The sweepers are steady, the pavement is generally confidence-inspiring, and the views over the water make this a route that works for newer touring riders and experienced riders alike.
Start around Downsville or Margaretville and give yourself time to stop in the designated pull-offs. The reservoir shoreline is not a playground - respect posted access restrictions and do not cross into closed or private areas for a better photo. The road itself delivers plenty of scenery without needing to wander off it.
This is a strong choice for Harley-Davidson and Indian touring riders who want a relaxed, all-day cruise. It also pairs naturally with Route 28 for a bigger loop through the heart of the mountains.
2. Route 28 Through the Central Catskills Route 28 is one of the region's great connector roads. It is not the most remote route on this list, and that is exactly why it belongs here. It gives you broad mountain views, dependable pavement, fuel and food options, and easy access to towns including Andes, Arkville, and Margaretville.
Ride it west to east when you want a comfortable scenic day with choices. You can stay on the main road and enjoy the flow, or use it as a launch point for smaller roads that lead deeper into the mountains. Traffic can build on warm weekends and during leaf-peeping season, so leave room in your plan for slower cars, cyclists, and pedestrians in town centers.
For a short escape, Route 28 makes it easy to set a route length that fits the day. For a long weekend, it becomes the backbone of a multi-road Catskills ride.
3. Route 214 Over Stony Clove Notch Route 214 is the tighter, more technical side of the Catskills. Running through Stony Clove Notch between Phoenicia and Hunter, this road has elevation, close mountain walls, shaded curves, and a sense that you have truly gotten Off Da Beaten Path.
It is a rewarding ride, but it calls for attention. Sight lines can be limited, pavement conditions can vary after winter, and wet leaves in fall can turn a familiar curve into a sketchy one. Ride your own pace. There is no prize for chasing a faster rider through a mountain pass.
Experienced riders on cruisers, baggers, sport-tourers, and adventure bikes will all enjoy Route 214. If you are new to mountain riding, make it part of your day rather than the whole mission. Warm up on wider roads first, then ride the notch while you are fresh.
4. Route 23A and Kaaterskill Clove For dramatic scenery and a road that keeps your hands busy, Route 23A through Kaaterskill Clove is hard to beat. The climb through the clove carries you past steep slopes, waterfalls, trail access points, and the kind of forest cover that makes a summer ride feel ten degrees cooler.
The trade-off is traffic and activity. This is one of the better-known corridors in the Catskills, especially on peak fall weekends. Expect hikers, parked vehicles, sudden braking, and slow-moving traffic near popular outdoor destinations. A weekday morning is often the better call if you want to enjoy the road rather than stare at brake lights.
Keep your stops legal and your bike fully out of the travel lane. Popular does not mean careless. This route earns its place for riders who want a high-impact mountain experience and do not mind sharing it.
5. The Route 42 and Claryville Loop South of the higher-profile Catskills roads, Route 42 offers a quieter kind of mountain riding. Build a loop through Claryville, Grahamsville, and the surrounding valleys for shaded pavement, river views, and a more tucked-away feel.
This is a good route for couples or small groups who want to make the ride part of a cabin weekend instead of packing every mile into one marathon day. There are enough curves to stay engaged, but the pace is usually calmer than the busiest northern corridors. It is also a smart choice when you want to avoid the crowds around Hunter and Woodstock.
Fuel up before heading deep into the backroads. Services can be spread out, cell coverage can be inconsistent, and a late-afternoon detour can take longer than it looks on a map.
6. The Delaware County Backroads Loop The roads around Masonville, Deposit, Delhi, Andes, and Walton make a strong case for spending less time chasing famous names and more time riding. This corner of the Catskills and Delaware County has open farmland, ridge-top views, narrow valleys, and roads that invite you to keep rolling.
Build a flexible loop using Routes 10, 206, 30, and the smaller connecting county roads that are clearly open to public travel. The beauty here is the freedom to adjust. If a road feels especially good, keep going. If the weather turns, shorten the loop and point back toward the cabin.
ODBP Adventures makes a natural home base for this style of trip: stay in Masonville, choose your ride, and start the day without hauling your own motorcycle across the state. Premium touring, cruiser, and adventure bikes each bring a different personality to these roads, so pick the machine that fits your riding style rather than forcing a route to fit the bike.
7. Route 10 to Cannonsville Reservoir Route 10 toward Cannonsville Reservoir is a western Catskills ride with room to breathe. Long bends, rolling elevation, and reservoir views give it an easy rhythm that feels especially good on a big touring motorcycle. It is less about attacking corners and more about settling into the ride.
This route works well as a half-day outing from Masonville or as part of a larger loop that includes Walton, Downsville, and Route 30. Conditions can be cool in the mornings and change fast near the water, so pack a layer even in summer. In spring and fall, watch for sand, gravel, fallen branches, and wildlife near dawn or dusk.
How to Ride the Best Catskill Motorcycle Routes Well The Catskills reward riders who leave a little space in the schedule. Roads that look short on a map can take longer because of curves, slow traffic, photo stops, or a surprise farm stand that deserves a stop. Plan the route, but do not turn every mile into a deadline.
Before heading out, check four things: the forecast at both low and high elevations, your fuel range, road or seasonal closure notices, and your tire condition. A beautiful route is less fun when rain moves in over a mountain pass and your tread is near the wear bars.
Respect New York State Forest regulations, posted signs, hunting seasons, and private-property boundaries. Do not assume an unpaved road is open to motorized travel, and do not ride around gates or barriers. If you are riding during hunting season, wear visible gear when stepping away from the bike in forest country and stay aware of permitted activity around you.
The best day is rarely the one with the most miles. Pick a road that suits your bike, ride within your limits, and leave enough daylight to take the long way back to the cabin. Stay. Ride. Explore. Unplug.