Heading away from NY 32, the first mile (1.6 km) of the route traverses mostly wooded areas, although there are some open fields near the NY 32 intersection. The road soon begins to run along the south side of Kaaterskill Creek, and NY 32A follows the stream across the nearby Ulster–Greene county line and into the hamlet of Palenville.
Departing from NY 32, the initial mile (1.6 km) of the route passes through mostly forested areas, although there are some open fields near the NY 32 intersection. The road then begins to run alongside Kaaterskill Creek, and NY 32A follows the stream across the border between Ulster and Greene counties and into the hamlet of Palenville.