Catskills Scenic Byway: Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

Drive the Catskills at your own speed, with stories that play as you go.

A self-guided audio driving tour of the Catskills Scenic Byway with 72 stops, GPS-triggered commentary and flexible routing — download the GuideAlong app, start whenever you want, and explore offline without cell service. Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location; you control the pace and choose which stops matter to your day. One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle and never expires.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Catskills Scenic Byway highlights

• Download and start audio tour
• Drive along Ashokan Reservoir northern shore
• Walk or bike Ashokan Rail Trail
• Visit Ashokan Reservoir for views and recreation
• Ride Belleayre Mountain Gondola
• See the world's largest kaleidoscope
• Explore Margaretville and Arkville towns
• Hike to Upper Esopus Fire Tower

The Experience

The Catskills Scenic Byway runs along the northern shore of the Ashokan Reservoir, a vital water source for New York City that draws visitors for its panoramic views and recreational access. The audio tour guides you through 72 stops across the route, with commentary that plays automatically as your GPS detects where you are. You can follow the suggested itineraries for a half-day, full-day or multi-day trip, or build your own route by pausing and resuming whenever something catches your interest. The tour works entirely offline once downloaded, so you don't need cell service or WiFi while driving.

The route connects the neighboring towns of Margaretville and Arkville—known for local shops, dining and an active arts scene—with several standout attractions. The Belleayre Mountain Gondola offers panoramic views of the mountains in every season; the world's largest kaleidoscope sits inside an old grain silo near the route; and the Upper Esopus Fire Tower, a short hike from the parking area at the Catskills Visitor Center in Mount Tremper, provides views of the surrounding peaks and a look at how fire towers worked in early forest fire detection. The Ashokan Rail Trail, a crushed gravel path along the reservoir, is accessible for biking, walking and trail running if you want to step out of the car.

After booking, you'll receive an email with a link to download the GuideAlong app using your Apple or Google account. Download the tour over WiFi or cellular data before you leave, and it stays on your phone with no expiry or date restrictions. Connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to hear the commentary through your stereo, and the app's map displays on your phone. The support team is available by toll-free phone, chat and email if you hit any technical snags, and the tour includes free updates whenever they're released.

What’s included

• 72 audio stops with location-triggered commentary.
• offline GPS navigation with no cell service required.
• flexible routing with suggested half-day, full-day and multi-day itineraries.
• in-app and web trip planners.
• toll-free phone, chat and email support.
• free updates for life.
• one-time purchase with no expiry date or time restrictions.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

Is this one for you?You get a full day of exploration without building an itinerary or hiring a guide—the audio tour handles the directions and stories while you decide where to linger and which stops to skip. Download it once and it's yours to use whenever the Catskills call, on any device, with no subscription or renewal.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What is the world's largest kaleidoscope and where is it on this tour?

The world's largest kaleidoscope is housed inside an old grain silo along the Catskills Scenic Byway route. It's a unique blend of art and entertainment designed to give visitors an immersive sensory experience, and the audio tour will guide you to it and explain what you're looking at.

Can I download this tour and use it without cell service?

Yes. Once you download the GuideAlong app and the tour file over WiFi or cellular data, the entire tour works offline using your phone's GPS chip. No internet or cell service is required while you're driving and listening to the commentary.

How long does this self-guided audio tour take to complete?

The tour is flexible and works for half-day, full-day or multi-day trips depending on which stops you choose and how long you spend at each one. You control the pace entirely—start, stop and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.

What is the Ashokan Reservoir and what can you do there?

The Ashokan Reservoir is a large body of water on the eastern end of the Catskills Scenic Byway that supplies drinking water to New York City. Visitors come for hiking, biking, birdwatching and scenic views of the Catskill Mountains; the Ashokan Rail Trail runs along its northern shore and is accessible for walking, trail running and most bikes.

Does one purchase cover multiple people in the vehicle?

Yes. One purchase of the audio tour covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore the Catskills together. The tour never expires and includes free updates, so you can use it on future trips as well.

What do I need to bring to use this tour in my car?

Bring a USB-C car charger to keep your phone powered and ensure easy sound connectivity. Make sure your device is fully charged before you start, and connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to hear the commentary through your stereo.