Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Catskills Scenic Byway

About this activity

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.

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 480 min

   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.

2. Ashokan Rail Trail · 60 min

   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.

3. Ashokan Reservoir · 60 min

   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.

4. Stop 4 · 60 min

   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.

5. Stop 5 · 60 min

   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.

6. Margaretville · 120 min

   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.

7. Catskills Visitor Center · 60 min

   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.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: 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.

Good to know

• 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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