10 Best Road Trips to Take in New York
Going by the mind-bending scenery that defines most parts of the Empire State, including the scenic Finger Lakes Region, picking the 10 best road trips to take in New York is not going to be a stroll in the park. One can drop a pin on any region — and still have a high chance of hitting an incredibly scenic road. Some of the most scenic roads in New York cut through beautiful parks — such as the Letchworth State Park Road. Others connect scattered villages and peaceful hamlets. Individual tastes aside, discover below the 10 best road trips to take in New York. Just start revving your car’s engine.
Upstate New York's Interstate 88
This road runs for 120 miles from just outside Binghamton on the west — to just outside of the city of Schenectady on the east, in the process passing through many peaceful villages, farm-to-table restaurants, and some less-known museums in the state. Bundy Museum of Art and History chronicles the rise of global tech giant IBM and can set the tone for the entire trip. The most beautiful section, however, is between Oneonta and Rotterdam, a small but vibrant town whose seal is identical to that of its European namesake. Grab a meal at Brooks' House of Bar-B-Q at Oneonta, a long-running establishment known to serve the best chicken in the state. One will have to make a detour to Howes Cave, the site of the largest caverns in the Northeast.
The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway
Every road-tripper knows the feeling. Time seems to have stopped. One feels like she is entering another century. Every open bud is lively, and beautiful. On the distant horizon, hills peep over hills as the wind blows gently over peaceful hamlets and verdant valleys. The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway — which provides bits of such an experience — runs parallel to the Mohawk River, the historic Erie Canal, and the New York Barge Canal, whose success propelled New York City into a major commercial hub.
Start your trip from the Village of Waterford, the oldest continually incorporated village in the entire country — and proceed through to the City of Schenectady, where the inventor Thomas Edison founded what would later become the General Electric Company. Learn the story of the region at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, amble through Harmony Mills Historic District, and gasp at the Cohoes Falls, one of the Iroquois most sacred sites.
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
There are road trips that just end up being trips. On the flip side, there are road trips that transform themselves into stories, experiences, and memories. Seneca Lake Scenic Byway, a 19-mile wonder-stretch that runs along the southeast border of Seneca Lake — belongs to the last category. This heart-warming escapade follows New York State Route 414 and starts from near Watkins Glen, best known for one of the most popular parks in the Finger Lakes Region. It goes through to Lodi Point State Marine Park in Lodi. You will pass Hector Falls, one of the most impressive cascades in the Empire State; JR Dill Winery, a beautiful venue for slowing down with a Cabernet Sauvignon; and the two-story Brick Tavern Museum, whose history goes back nearly two centuries.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
Stretching for an impressive 88 miles, the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway encircles the northern Shawangunk Mountains, in the process passing through the picture-perfect Rondout and Wallkill valleys. Several charming towns dot this mind-bending stretch as well, including Gardiner, Rochester, and Marbletown. Others — many of which are a blend of the past and present — are Montgomery, Shawangunk, and New Paltz, a small community associated with the historic Mohonk Mountain House resort. Outdoor enthusiasts should peel their eyes for venues such as Beacon Hill, Gertrude’s Nose Loop, or the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Shawangunk Scenic Byway is best experienced during spring or fall when nature puts on its best and brightest. A good camera will come in handy here, especially since just about every moment is to be treasured like the most priceless pearl.
The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway is an asphalt corridor that spans more than 50 miles. For the most part, this byway follows New York State Route 28, the only road that goes through the middle of both Catskill Park and Adirondack Park. Sidetrips here include delicious eateries, historical spots, and art galleries — in an adventure that starts at Phoenecia, an out-of-the-way Catskills town loved for its endearing rural charm. Peel your eyes for Allaben Campground, a free, peaceful space near Shandaken; Peekamoose Restaurant, the best place to gouge on some wood-grilled octopus; and Belleayre Lake in Pine Hill. Other stand-outs along the road include the iconic Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, Palmer Hill Trail, a nice roadside stop with lovely views on every side; and Wayside Cider in the Andes, a cute open-air tap house with tasty ciders and an excellent selection of local beer.
Seven Lakes Drive
Traversed with mountains, rivers, and story-book towns, The Hudson Valley is a top contender for Nature’s Best Act Award. Although just about 18 miles, expect this drive to effortlessly steal at least half a day. One can take it from the village of Sloatsburg at the southern entrance to Harriman State Park — to the town of Stony Point — situated on the west bank of the Hudson River. You only need to read its name to know that this drive passes by seven picture-perfect lakes, including Lake Sebago, the largest lake in New York State’s Harriman State Park. There is the Perkins Memorial Tower as well, which provides a view of four states, including New Jersey and Connecticut, and the skyline of Manhattan. Depending on the weather, Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through to late November.
Hawk's Nest Drive
If you love the thrill of driving down a wavy road, the Hawk's Nest Roadway is a certified fit-for-purpose. Although one will enjoy the whole stretch between Port Jervis and Hancock, the most swoon-worthy stretch, known as the Hawk’s Nest Highway, starts just four miles north of Port Jervis. Hawk's Nest is part of New York State Route 97, an evocative passage that snakes along the beautiful Delaware River, mostly along the border of New York and Pennsylvania. This twisting ride has been used to shoot ads for several vehicle brands, including Porsche, Cadillac, and BMW. Just so you appreciate its potential as a film setting, the Dr. Strange Marvel movie Lamborghini scene was filmed on the Hawk’s Nest.
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is a trip marked with spectacular gorges, especially on the southern stretch; verdant vineyards, on its rolling slopes, and tangled marshes, particularly along the northern parts. Sensational views of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes, often leaves first-time trippers completely blown away. The scenic byway comprises several two-lane state highways and spans about 87 miles.
Although Route 34 out of Ithaca can see heavy traffic, the rest of the ride is sweet and easy, with rolling hills and smooth, wide-shouldered roads. Historical markers include Rogues Harbor Inn, whose history predates the Civil War by 30 years. Trippers will pass through Aurora, one of the most peaceful towns on the Finger Lakes. Just don’t miss Taughannock Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi — and the many wineries on the stretch, including Montezuma, known for its signature Cranberry Bog.
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
“Surreal.” That is the word every tripper will be looking for. Nearly 90 years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt drove up to Wilmington to launch the new Veterans Memorial Highway. Today, it remains one of the most scenic road trips in the Empire State. The adventure starts with the drive north on Route 86 to Wilmington, a charming Adirondack mountain town in the valley of the West Branch of the AuSable River.
A hair out of town, one will find Santa's Workshop, America’s oldest operating theme park. Trippers will enjoy petting reindeer here briefly before proceeding to the tollhouse that marks the beginning of the 5-mile Veterans Memorial Highway. From the tollhouse, expect to be whisked from 2,300 feet above sea level to a staggering 4,602 feet at the Castle driveway through a heart-stopping stretch filled with hairpin turns and numerous jaw-dropping moments. Pick a souvenir from the Castle Gift Shop for lifetime memories of your adventure.
Route 9 to the Village of Sleepy Hollow
U.S. Route 9 travels from the George Washington Bridge in downtown Manhattan to just south of the Canadian border in the peaceful town of Champlain, making it the longest north-south U.S. Highway in the Empire State. However, the stretch to Sleepy Hollow is a short drive of just about 26 miles. It starts as a busy urban commercial street, running parallel to the Hudson River to Yonkers, where it passes Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, which embodies more than three centuries of Hudson Valley history. After this, you cover about 4 miles before discovering Lenoir Preserve, a peaceful, 40-acre space offering delicious Hudson River views.
From Hastings-on-Hudson, one notices how trees start getting taller and houses larger. Peel your eyes for the Henry Draper Observatory in Draper Park, the site of the first astrophotograph of the Moon. Stretch your legs at the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park in Dobbs Ferry before proceeding to Irvington, named for Washington Irving, who wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Proceed to Tarrytown before arriving at Sleepy Hollow, where you will find the hauntingly beautiful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of people like Andrew Carnegie, William Avery Rockefeller, and Washington Irving.
With the car stereo blaring at just the right volume, the outside weather cool and pleasant, and the rolling scenery, something straight out of a fairy tale — no words can describe a good road trip. Road trips often work like a charm, clearing the mind and firing the imagination. Fortunately, the Empire State, an expanse riddled with many picturesque spots, has its fair share of scenic road trips. If you are looking for specific recommendations, the options highlighted here are excellent starting points. With these, any tripper should start making travel plans.
