The CMSB follows the Esopus Creek, which originates on the flanks of the Catskills highest peak (4200-foot Slide Mountain), and the East Branch of the Delaware River. Both are fabled trout fishing streams. A ride on 28 offers pristine mountain views and access to the wildlands of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The route traverses much of the Catskill Park, a tapestry of public and private lands, and passes Belleayre Mountain Ski Center at the boundary of Ulster and Delaware Counties. A stunning panorama of numerous peaks awaits the traveler atop Palmer Hill (the highest point of elevation on the byway) in the Andes near the Byways western end.

A stunning panorama of numerous peaks awaits the traveler atop Palmer Hill (2200 elevation) in the Andes near the Byways western end. Venture up winding Route 214 for a Byway two-fer: CMSB meets the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway at the Ulster-Greene County line in this narrow mountain pass known as the Stoney Clove. Another side jaunt features Route 42 along Bushnellsville Creek in rugged Lexington.