Spring Lake NJ to Woodstock NY Road Trip Guide

This route from Spring Lake, NJ to Woodstock, NY covers about 140 miles, typically taking 3 to 3.5 hours of driving without stops. You begin at sea level on the Jersey Shore and climb into the Catskill Mountains.

The journey crosses the geological boundary of the Appalachian Trail near Harriman State Park. A historic quirk: Spring Lake's boardwalk was built in the 1920s using concrete from local sand, while Woodstock's fame stems from a 1969 music festival that actually took place 43 miles away in Bethel, NY.

For guidance on uncovering the best stops and hidden gems along any route, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Start by taking NJ-71 north from Spring Lake to the Garden State Parkway (GSP) at Exit 100. Head north on GSP until Exit 129 for I-287 West toward Mahwah.

Merge onto I-87 (New York State Thruway) northbound. Take Exit 19 for NY-28 toward Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge. Follow NY-28 west to NY-375 north into Woodstock.

• Garden State Parkway – toll road; accept cash or E-ZPass.
• New York State Thruway – toll road; E-ZPass recommended.
• NY-28 – rural two-lane highway through Catskill scenery.

The route transitions from coastal plains to the forested ridges of the Appalachian foothills. Near the Delaware Water Gap, you cross the Kittatinny Ridge, offering long views to the west.

• Harriman State Park – exit at Sloatsburg for short hikes to Lake Sebago.
• Bear Mountain State Park – iconic Perkins Memorial Drive for panoramic vistas.
• Wallkill River Valley – farmland and orchards near Kingston.
• Ashokan Reservoir – turn off NY-28 for stunning water views and the Ashokan Rail Trail.

Local commerce along the way includes farm stands, antique shops in New Paltz, and art galleries in Woodstock. The Woodstock area is known for its artisan food scene, with many farm-to-table restaurants and bakeries.

Road quality is generally excellent on interstates, but NY-28 can be narrow and winding, especially between Kingston and Woodstock. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk.

Recommended rest areas: Vince Lombardi Service Area on the New Jersey Turnpike (clean facilities) and the Plattekill Rest Area on the Thruway south of Kingston.

• Family-friendly: Kid-friendly stops include Tiny Town Miniature Golf in New Paltz and the Woodstock Playhouse.
• Pet-friendly framework: Many state parks allow leashed dogs; the Thruway rest areas have pet-walk areas.
• Fatigue management: Alternative scenic route – take Old Route 17 from Goshen to Harriman for a break from highway monotony.
• Hidden off-route spots: The town of Saugerties has a lighthouse on the Hudson River, and the Mohonk Preserve offers miles of carriage roads for hiking.