Craving cool mountain air and river views? The Catskills are a perfect 2–3 hour escape from New York City—and the easiest way to reach trailheads, swimming holes and farm stands is by car. Use this quick‑start plan to pick up in the city, follow scenic byways, and park smart once you arrive.
Pick‑up in the city, not the terminal
To avoid airport detours, many travelers start in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Begin your comparison with New York airport car rental deals and check if a neighborhood location suits your plans. If you prefer in‑town convenience, compare NYC car hire options near your hotel. A compact SUV balances luggage space with easy parking on narrow village streets.
Scenic byways worth the detour
- Palisades Parkway & Seven Lakes Drive: Dramatic Hudson River overlooks and lake pull‑offs for coffee and photos.
- Route 28 to Phoenicia: Smooth curves, river towns and plenty of food stops for a relaxed first day.
- Route 23A to Kaaterskill: Waterfall access and steep grades—arrive early for parking and respect closure signs.
Parking, permits and small‑town etiquette
Bring a card for meters and trailhead lots. Many popular lots fill by mid‑morning on weekends; always pin a Plan B lot in your maps. Park fully off the road, avoid blocking driveways, and use marked spaces in village centers. Pack out all trash and keep noise down after dark.
Fuel, weather and safety
Top up fuel before you leave the interstate, as smaller towns can be spread out. Mountain weather changes quickly—pack layers and consider spare water and a flashlight for late hikes. Hola Car Rentals’ All‑Inclusive+ coverage adds peace of mind on rural roads with maximum liability protection on selected itineraries.
Helpful links
- Brand pages for flexible returns: Avis JFK and Hertz JFK.
- Returning via New Jersey? See Hertz Newark availability.
Classic town hops
- Kingston → Woodstock → Phoenicia: Cafés, galleries and river views with minimal backtracking.
- Hunter → Tannersville → Windham: Mountain skyline drives and quick trail access for families.
- Narrowsburg → Callicoon: Delaware River overlooks and farm stands perfect for a slow lunch.
Seasonal notes
Fall foliage weekends are popular—start at dawn for trailhead parking and book lunch or dinner ahead in small towns. In winter, check conditions and pack a scraper and gloves; shaded roads can stay slick after storms.
Why Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- No additional fees—clear, transparent pricing.
- Maximum liability coverage on selected itineraries.
Sample 2‑day loop
Day 1: Depart NYC early via the Palisades Parkway, breakfast around Nyack, then continue to Woodstock and Phoenicia for riverside walks. Overnight near Hunter or Tannersville. Day 2: Take Route 23A toward Kaaterskill in the morning, stop for scenic overlooks, then meander south via Kingston for dinner along the waterfront before returning to the city.
Leave‑no‑trace checklist
- Pack out all trash and food waste.
- Stay on marked trails to protect vegetation.
- Use restrooms where provided; never dispose of waste near streams.
- Share narrow roads—slow down for cyclists and yield with a friendly wave.
Ready for fresh air? Book with Hola Car Rentals and set your own pace from NYC to the Catskills.
