Hawk’s Nest is probably my favorite drive within 2 hours of Manhattan. Hawk’s Nest itself is a pleasant enough road, a section of 97 overlooking the scenic Delaware River and winding through a series of turns as it wends its way alongside the river before twisting up onto the bluff over it.
It’s a road that will surprise you. It is not as hard to find as it is to drive, that’s for sure. You pick it up on 97 outside Port Jervis, just off Interstate 84. From here you follow it north, climbing and twisting your way to Hancock, about 70 miles away.
This relatively short but excruciatingly winding road is far more fun than anyone could hope to have from a short drive. This section of Upper Delaware Scenic Byway in the southern part of the Catskill Mountains is perfect for sports cars or the Polaris Slingshot. The views from Hawk’s Nest on a clear day are spectacular.
Hawk’s Nest is in New York, in the Town of Deerpark, which is located on NY 97 in Orange County. The overlook occupies a breathtaking bend in the river where 97 twists out of the valley, just northwest of Port Jervis. But I find 97 in its entirety to be a wonderful stretch of tarmac. And it’s a great cure for anyone who has it in their head that twisties in the Northeast are thin on the ground.
That bend comes near the beginning of the whole of State Route 97. The road continues from Hawk’s Nest all the way to the little town of Hancock and the bigger road that runs through it, the New York State Route 17. The 70-mile stretch of roadway passes through Orange, Sullivan and Delaware counties. The whole drive takes about two hours.
Overlook Parking Areas
This is a narrow, winding road. The overlook parking areas are small pull-offs for three to eight cars on the river side. They are usually too narrow to pull in nose-first or to back in, so you’re better off reaching them heading south. Don’t park on the shoulder. And there are no trash cans - so whatever you bring, bring out with you again. Here in winter you may see bald eagles hunting in the valley.
Street Racing and Reckless Driving
The drive may seem to be flat-out racing from one turn to the next, but that is definitely not what you should be doing. On May 2, 2026, police personnel and equipment from the Town of Deerpark, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the New York State Police, and the Port Jervis City Police Department participated in a public safety initiative along the Hawk’s Nest section on State Route 97 against street racing and reckless driving, ending up with about 50 tickets. Police said future enforcement may include impounding vehicles. The local highway is not the place for wanna be racers.
Don’t try and set a personal best. And enjoy the scenery. It is a drive that takes some mental preparation and a few deep breaths. With the tight, twisting corners of the road, you need to drive with maximum concentration - even though all your instincts are going to tell you to look around you and take in the sights instead.
Renting Some of the More Expensive Vehicles
If you’re renting one of the more expensive vehicles for this drive, there is a sad truth to be told. Under New York law (General Business Law 396-z) the optional damage waiver on a car with MSRP over $50,000 has no fixed daily price cap; it must be tied to the vehicle’s fair market value as set by the rental company. Your liability for damage is limited to the lesser of reasonable repair cost or the car’s pre-damage fair market value. And there’s no charge for loss of use. The rules are in effect until June 30, 2028.
Hawk’s Nest and the surrounding area is well worth a look. There are photo opportunities all along the route. Obey the speed limit. Don’t need to go too fast, there’s always next time.
