12 Great Road Trips to Take in New York
Beyond the Big Apple and its glorious cityscape decorated with skyscrapers, there is a different world of open skies, mountain scenery, lake views, and wondrous nature in action. This breathable and charming scenery is best experienced on road trips across miles of scenic byways that crisscross upstate New York and the Adirondacks. From the Military Trail, which is full of history, to the High Peaks Scenic Byway, there are plenty of road trips in this state to enjoy. And while the visual pleasures are at every turn on the road, a boatload of adventures await in their backgrounds. With that said, here are 12 of the best road trips to take in New York.
Ithaca to Watkins Glen
Enjoy a scenic drive from Ithaca to Watkins Glen, a road trip of around 24 miles boasting around 30 stops and points of interest. This road trip is a full-fledged immersion into the great outdoors and a gateway to incredible culture, history, and scenic beauty. On the trip, visit Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca and proceed to Cornell Botanical Gardens to explore this beautiful flora park and its healing garden. Then, hit the remaining part of the route with interesting stops like towns where travelers can stretch their feet, eat, shop, and explore local attractions. These towns include Corning, Watkins Glen, Ithaca, Geneva, and Dundee. Attractions that shouldn’t be missed include Rockwell Museum, Corning Glass Museum, Watkins Glen State Park, Ravines Wine Cellar on Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and McGregor Vineyard.
Route 9 to Sleepy Hollow
For fans of the famous creepy movie Sleepy Hollow, notable for the headless horseman, this road trip will be a delight from the first mile on Route 9. The ride begins from Sawmill River Parkway in Tarrytown to Bedford Road along North Broadway in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Washington Irving, the author of the legend of Sleepy Hollow, was buried in the cemetery in this town, which is named after the legend. Tourists should endeavor to visit this cemetery and the Rockefeller Estate, which features gardens and ancient sculptures. These stops make the trip interesting, including crossing the modern version of the Headless Horseman Bridge, which is along the cemetery road. On the scenic side of the journey, the Hudson River parallels the route for the most part.
Indian Lake to Speculator
The ride from Indian Lake Village to Speculator is just 24 miles along Route 30 but promises some of the most visually enthralling views in the Adirondacks. Travelers ride along the western shores of Indian Lake, where its sparkling waters reflect the image of the mountains that frame it. These views endure for the almost 14-mile length of the lake, making it more of a scenic treat. There’s a panoramic State Overlook near Indian Lake on routes 28 and 30 to stop for a picnic and take in the scenic allure of the Adirondack scenery. The Pig Rock by the roadside is another point of interest as the pig-shaped rock courts the attention of travelers with its glaring white painting.
Southern Adirondack Trail
The Southern Adirondack Trail courses through the southern section of the Adirondack Park, taking travelers through a medley of captivating natural vistas. From Herkimer and Little Falls on Erie Canal, the trail weaves through mountains and lakes and cuts through the small communities of the Adirondack Mountains for 112 miles. Lakes along the route for brief stopovers, picnics, and sightseeing experiences include Pleasant, Wilcox, Henderson, Sacadanga, and Piesco Lakes. For those who would love to stop by pretty hamlets for unique dining experiences and a bit of cultural immersion, Alder Creek, Newport, Poland, Eagle Bay, and Indian Lake are great options to visit.
Plattsburgh to Ticonderoga
Relish the charming beauty of Lake Champlain and other dreamy vistas on a 68-mile drive from Plattsburgh to the historic town of Ticonderoga. The route parallels the lake for almost its entire length, which makes it appear like a coastal highway and an avenue to engage in water sports on the lake. Beyond the lake, travelers can behold the majestic views of the Ausable Chasm, the Adirondack's version of the Grand Canyon, featuring cliff walks and cable bridges over the Ausable River. Don’t also miss a visit to Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain, a former staging ground that played a critical role in one of America’s earliest victories during the Revolutionary War.
The Military Trail
Just like its name suggests, the Military Trail was mostly used by the military to convey troops and equipment between Lake Champlain and Saint Lawrence Seaway many years ago. Today, it’s a scenic byway that offers a stunning mix of history, scenic charms, culture, and adventure. The route begins from Rouses Point and runs for 84 miles to Massena near the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian border. Travelers will enjoy scintillating vistas of Lake Champlain, the St. Lawrence River, the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, and several rivers from elevations. The byway courses along five river watersheds: The Great Chazy, Salmon, St. Regis, Chateaugay, and Raquette rivers, featuring several small towns along these water bodies. Highlights and stopovers that are essential to the road trip experience include the 120-foot High Falls on Chateaugay River, Eisenhower Lock in Massena, and Wilder Homestead near Malone.
Black River Trail
The 94-mile Black River Trail offers a mix of river and mountainous landscapes alongside the quaint ambiance of historic villages. It starts in the city of Rome and ends in the village of Dexter and Black River Bay in Lake Ontario, winding through the Black River Valley Corridor between the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondacks. The Black River dominates the scenery along some parts of the route and presents plentiful opportunities for fishing, boating, picnicking, canoeing, and kayaking. Quaint communities for memorable stops include Black River, Watertown, Glenfield, Carthage, and Brownfield. In addition, points of interest, like the Canal Museum in Boonville and the Black River Canal, are worth a stop. Meanwhile, exploring Watertown is a must because the Black River courses through gorges along the downtown, setting the stage for delightful kayaking expeditions.
Hudson River to Blue Mountain Lake
The Hudson River to Blue Mountain Lake route runs north of the restless waters of the Hudson River for 48 miles to the town of Blue Mountain Lake. This trip is perfect for adventure seekers who want to combine a road trip with hiking, water sports, sightseeing, and hamlet stopovers to experience countryside life. The route bypasses towns like Wevertown, North Creek, and North River down to Indian Lake Village and proceeds Northwest to Blue Mountain Lake. Throughout the trip, road-trippers will be spoilt with views of mountains, woods, creeks, and lush forests. Travelers can stop by Indian Lake for water rafting, boating, and canoeing adventures. The Adirondack Museum is a must-visit on arrival to the town of Blue Mountain Lake to experience the history of the Adirondacks through exhibits, programs, photography, and more.
Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway
The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is beautiful in history and scenery across its 26-mile stretch. On the historical side, the byway traces the history of the Erie Canal and the role its host communities played in developing the country westward and in the Industrial Revolution. As for the scenic allure, the route courses along the magnificent Erie Canal from Waterford to the Stockade District of Schenectady, winding past the Mohawk River, where travelers can embark on boating adventures. Along the route, several towns like Colonie, Clifton, Niskayuna, Scotia, and Glenville all come alive, flaunting shops, restaurants, galleries, and other attractions for tourists to stop and indulge in. Other interesting sights include Cohoes Falls, Mohawk River Gorge, Flights of Lock in Waterford, and the Aqueduct in Niskayuna.
Roosevelt-Marcy Trail
There are scenic byways, and the exotic Roosevelt-Marcy Trail effortlessly blends iconic history, natural beauty, and amazing adventures in one road trip. It was on this route in 1901, specifically in Mount Marcy, New York’s highest peak, that Roosevelt was informed of the assassination of President McKinley. On hearing this news, he quickly descended and drove straight, through the dark morning, to the train station in North Creek, where he was informed that he would be the 26th President of the United States. This history attaches a peculiar vibe to travelers on this route. It begins in Long Lake and runs for 40 miles to North Creek with highlights like Overlook Park and Hudson River in Newcomb, Upper Hudson River Railroad, and North Creek Depot Museum. There is also a beach on Newcomb along the Hudson River and a picnic stand in the Overlook Park to relax and soak in the scenery.
Central Adirondack Trail
The Central Adirondack Trail is a scenic byway that curves like an arc for 153 miles through the center of the Adirondack Park from Glen Falls to Rome. It starts above the Hudson River in Glen Falls, with the charming river views offering the first scenic visual treat, and heads up north to the shore of Lake George. Some parts of the trail wind up the Adirondack Mountains, with panoramic views of valleys, ponds, and lakes. It courses along the Fulton Chain of Lakes and towns such as Raquette Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Indian Lake, Inlet, and Old Forge. These lakes and their host towns are fascinating stops for water sports, hiking adventures, culinary endeavors, and cultural immersions. The Adirondack Museum overlooking Blue Mountain Lake is also a critical stop, with trails to hike and boat ramps to explore the lake.
High Peaks Scenic Byway
The High Peaks Scenic Byway is a full-fledged visual indulgence and an adventure in itself. Across 30 miles on Route 73, this magnificent route cuts through some of the highest peaks in the Adirondack Mountains, winding up mountain passes and going down river valleys. It begins from the town of Underwood to Lake Placid, which is full of charming mountain views and peaks, most of which are above 4,000 feet. The byway is also the main gateway to the iconic Adirondack Park - the largest national park in the contiguous United States. Travelers will enjoy the visual spectacles of lush forests, quaint small towns, and scenic water bodies. Some of the finest lakes and water bodies along the route include Chapel Pond, Cascade Lakes, Johns Brook, and the 300-foot-tall Roaring Brook Falls, the highest in the Adirondacks. The route also bypasses some sections of the Ausable River where travelers can stop to enjoy picnics or embark on river adventures like rafting, boating, fishing, and canoeing.
Road trips are inspiring, naturally alluring, and packed with adventures at many stops. In New York, these road trips are beyond an exposure to the splendor of the beautiful landscapes surrounding New York City. They offer an escape from the chaos, traffic, and bustle of the Big Apple, serving as a means of relaxation from everything. Through quaint towns, enchanting lakes, and imposing peaks, each view inspires a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature. The numerous stops and adventures also make these trips super exciting, and memories created along each mile are everlasting.
