Ready to hit the road for a brief and scenic getaway? We’ve got you covered. These road trips are among those within New York that offer stunning views and unique landscapes, according to the
World Atlas,
a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.
Here are the most scenic roadways in the Empire State.
Interstate 88
The road runs from just north of Binghamton to Schenectady. The 118-mile road passes through numerous villages with farm-to-table restaurants and lesser-known museums.
According to World Atlas, the most stunning part of the route lies between Oneonta and Rotterdam, which is a lively yet compact town within Schenectady County. Additionally, not far from the path, in Schoharie County, you can find
Howe Caverns
, the biggest hidden cave system in the northeastern region.
The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway
The
Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway
Follows alongside the Mohawk River, the historical Erie Canal, and the New York Barge Canal. Commence your journey in Waterford Village within Saratoga County—the nation’s oldest continuously chartered community—and continue onward towards Schenectady City. Discover the area’s history at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, stroll through the Harmony Mills Historic District, and marvel at Cohoes Falls, an important site for the Iroquois people.
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
The 19-mile-long
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
extends along the southeastern edge of Seneca Lake. It traces New York State Route 414 and originates close to Watkins Glen in Schuyler County, which is renowned primarily for being home to one of the most frequented
unique state parks
In the Finger Lakes region, it extends to Lodi Point State Marine Park located in Lodi within Seneca County. Along this path, you’ll encounter Hector Falls, a striking waterfall by the road, alongside multiple wineries, breweries, and distilleries where visitors can taste local flavors. There’s also ample opportunity for dining stops. The journey features numerous hiking trails and parks, offering various activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, or biking.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
Spanning 88 miles, the
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
Surrounding the northern Shawangunk Mountains as it traverses the Rondout and Wallkill valleys, numerous picturesque towns embellish this region. Among them is the artistically vibrant town of New Paltz, located close to the historically significant Mohonk Mountain House resort. For those who love outdoor activities, keep an eye out for places like Beacon Hill, Gertrude’s Nose Loop, or the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. The Shawangunk Scenic Byway offers its finest experience during spring or autumn when nature displays her most vivid hues.
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Situated within a two-hour drive from Manhattan, this 52-mile route adheres to New York State Route 28, branching off onto state Routes 42 and 214 as it traverses the central part of the Central Catskills region. Detours can be made from here for additional exploration.
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
boast numerous delightful dining options, historic sites, and art galleries. Some particularly enticing locations include Phoenecia, a quaint village nestled in the Catskills known for its charming countryside appeal, Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, and Palmer Hill Trail, which offers scenic vistas at a pleasant overlook spot along the road.
Seven Lakes Drive
Though it spans only around 18 miles, this scenic route through the Hudson Valley may easily consume half your day. Starting from the village of Sloatsburg in Rockland County, which marks the south entry point of Harriman State Park, you’ll journey all the way to Stony Point—a town also located within Rockland County along the western banks of the Hudson River. This picturesque drive lives up to its title as it winds past seven stunning lakes, notably Lake Sebago, which happens to be the biggest lake in New York’s Harriman State Park.
Hawk’s Nest Drive
The Hawk’s Nest Roadway should definitely not be overlooked. However, the route stretching from just north of Port Jervis in Orange County all the way to Hancock in Delaware County offers some breathtaking views and is often referred to as the Hawk’s Nest Highway. This scenic drive forms part of New York State Route 97, meandering alongside the Delaware River. The highway primarily runs slightly above the boundary between New York and Pennsylvania, passing through quaint yet vibrant hamlets and communities.
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
The
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
Features such as breathtaking canyons, lush grapevines, and intricate wetlands—including the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at the northern tip of the lake—highlight this journey. Spanning 87 miles, the route forms a circular path around Cayuga Lake, which is the longest among the Finger Lakes, and consists primarily of smaller state roads. On the west shore, visitors should not miss seeing Taughannock Falls within Tompkins County. Meanwhile, the town of Aurora in Cayuga County provides an idyllic ambiance along the eastern edge of the lake.
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
A tollhouse signifies the beginning of the 5-mile stretch.
Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
The route leads travelers to the pinnacle of New York’s fifth highest mountain, which stands tall at 4,867 feet. This journey includes an exhilarating section characterized by sharp switchbacks and several breathtaking sights. Upon reaching the summit, one can enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of the Adirondack range. For those inclined towards further exploration, a brief alpine nature path near the endpoint offers access to the peak of Whiteface Mountain.
Take Route 9 to Sleepy Hollow, New York.
U.S. Route 9 extends from the George Washington Bridge in Manhattan all the way down near the Canadian border, which makes it the longest north-to-south U.S. highway within New York state. However, one mustn’t overlook the approximately 26-mile segment leading up to Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County. This route begins as an active urban thoroughfare alongside the Hudson River. As you move further north, you’ll encounter various historical landmarks such as the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park located in Dobbs Ferry. The journey offers panoramic vistas of the river. Before reaching your destination in Sleepy Hollow, you’ll traverse through Tarrytown. In Sleepy Hollow itself lies the eerily picturesque Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, serving as the eternal home for notable figures including Andrew Carnegie, William Avery Rockefeller, and Washington Irving.
The article initially appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Top 10 new New York road trip routes: Many of these can be found in the Mid-Hudson area.
