You can make New York to Pine Bush in about 1.75 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 85 miles on I-87 and NY-52, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable in sightings country.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving New York
Aim to clear New York before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 65 miles to Newburgh.
The headline stop on this route is Pine Bush UFO sightings country. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Newburgh, the last stretch
Newburgh sits about 65 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Shawangunk Ridge is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Rolling into Pine Bush
The final 20 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for New Paltz and the Hudson Valley; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Pine Bush UFO sightings country, Shawangunk Ridge and New Paltz and the Hudson Valley, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Pine Bush or New Paltz, NY is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-87 and NY-52 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
