Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway

Experience the unique beauty of the Shawangunk Mountain region. Pronounced SHON-gum, the region is outlined by the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, a New York State Scenic Byway by the state legislature and the governor in the fall of 2006. An alternate route through Gardiner was added in the fall of 2009.
The now 88-mile byway encircles the northern Shawangunk Mountains and travels through the Rondout and Wallkill valleys, linking communities that have a common relationship to the northern Shawangunks and forming a distinct region of the state with its own special character.
The state awarded designation based on the significance of the scenic, natural, historic and recreational resources in the region and merit of the Corridor Management Plan (available at mtnscenicbyway.org).
In 2010 the DOT installed signs visually identifying the route. And, in 2015, the scenic overlooks along Route 44/55 in Gardiner and Rochester and Route 52 in Ellenville were completely overhauled. The scenic overlooks create a user-friendly parking area that emphasizes the beauty of the Wallkill and Rondout valleys and distant Catskills views.There are also kiosks that display a map of the region and photos that depict places to see and things to do in the area.
During the first six years of planning the byway, the nine towns and two villages included in the region realized commonalities and created an intermunicipal partnership to implement a corridor management plan. The plan's goal is to help improve transportation systems, and to advance mutual goals of gaining economic growth through tourism while helping to preserve the important resources of our region.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore both valleys and to experience the richness and character of the entire Shawangunk Mountains Region.
The Shawangunk Mountains Regional Partnership of the towns of Crawford, Gardiner, Marbletown, Montgomery, New Paltz, Rochester, Rosendale, Shawangunk, Wawarsing and the villages of Ellenville and New Paltz is the management organization for the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway.