Conditions for Harrisburg, PA at 9:56 pm EDT

Current Conditions:
Fair, 54 F

Forecast:
Mon - Clear. High: 63 Low: 39
Tue - Sunny. High: 64 Low: 43

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Taconic Parkway Moose Ahead

This is a ride Ive done a dozen times and with as many variations. This design uses the Taconic Parkway to expedite the mileage north. If youre going to slab away miles, theres no better road to do it on other than the Taconic. Its scenic, smooth, and truck free!

The starting point is the Dunkin Donuts on Rt. 17 just south of Sloatsburg. Load up on caffeine because the first leg is much more fun with the tingle of a caffeine boost rushing through your veins. Heading north on Rt. 17 you get off onto Rt. 6 for a race up the extremely twisty mountainside to Seven Lakes Drive. Be warned that this is state park land and you DO NOT want to have to pay for a speeding ticket through park property.

With that adrenaline pumping section behind you, you can sit back and relax for the ride to the beginning of the Taconic. Youll cross over the ever popular Bear Mountain Bridge and continue north on Rt. 9 to Snake Hill Road. Sounds a lot more ominous than it is but its still a fun road. This will take you onto Rt. 301 and through Clarence Fawnstock State Park and onto the Taconic for a great trip straight north.

Once you get to the end you begin the route west to cross the Hudson River using the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Theres a fuel stop with a snack shop about 6 miles after you cross the bridge. Heading North on Rt. 28 you will soon be turned off onto Rt. 28A where the fun really begins. As a side note, if you stay on Rt. 28 for another mile or so, you will see the Hobo Deli on the right. This is a great place to pick up sandwiches for later in the trip.

TRt. 28A takes you around the Southern side of the Ashokan Reservoir and onto Peakamoose Road. This road is so good on so many levels. Tree lined twisty road with great lofting rises and sharp disappearing turns that through your body around like youre riding your favorite roller coaster. Justbe careful as there are some tight turns that have a dropping turn after a rise that can cause a loss of traction at high speeds. Soon youll climb up to Red Hill Road where your reach elevations in excess of 2400 feet ASL and see some amazing views.

TFrom here youll begin the leg back to the starting point. Nothing but scenic twisting secondary rural rods packed full of fantastic views, twisting, and challenging road conditions.