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.
The route departs from NY 32, initially traversing wooded areas with some open fields near the NY 32 intersection. It then follows Kaaterskill Creek's southern bank as it crosses the border between Ulster and Greene counties to reach Palenville.