10 Best Scenic Trips in New York
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New York State is not only the Big Apple. Away from noise, light and excitement, natural wonders abound in this region. From the scenic Catskills to the beaches along Long Island Sound or one of the state's many rivers, there's something to delight the eye at almost every turn. Take the time to see New York from a different angle than what you saw on the big screen or imagined in books while traveling the beaten path. Start your exploration with one of our favorite New York City scenic routes and you'll be well on your way to reshaping the state:
No. 10 - River Road
Start Location: Portageville, New York
Final location: Leicester, New York
Length: Mile 20
Best driving season: All
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This drive along the Genesee River and the fringes of Letchworth State Park may be short, but it's not without natural beauty. In fact, the area is referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East" and is a local favorite for outdoor recreation. There are several hiking trails to the falls, and anglers have been known to find honey holes along the banks of the river.
#9 – Route 10
Start Location: Walton, New York
Final location: Deposit, New York
Length: Mile 27
Best driving season: Vesna summer
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Just the right length to while away a lazy morning or afternoon, this Route 10 ride is full of stunning views of Cannonsville Reservoir and the Catskill Mountains on the horizon. Don't forget to fuel up before you hit the road and pack whatever you need, because there's nothing on the way between Walton and the Deposit but the cities that now lie underwater. However, there are some good places to stay by the water and enjoy nature.
No. 8 - North Shore of Long Island.
Start Location: Glen Cove, New York
Final location: Port Jefferson, New York
Length: Mile 39
Best driving season: All
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Don't be surprised if you feel like you're in The Great Gatsby or some other classic as you drive along the coast of Long Island Sound. The region once inspired great authors, including F. Scott Fitzgerald. With many picturesque waterfront towns and wineries to visit, it's easy to turn this relatively short trip into a solitary day or weekend getaway full of romance and relaxation.
No. 7 - Cherry Valley Turnpike
Start Location: Scanateles, New York
Final location: Cobleskill, New York
Length: Mile 112
Best driving season: Vesna
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Highway 20, once known as the Cherry Valley Turnpike, after which the route is named, passes through the other side of the state, full of farmland and gentle hills. Take a tour of the Ommegang Brewery just south of Milford for some time to stretch your legs and sample a hop sample. In Sharon Springs, you'll be transported back in time as you walk through the historic downtown, or indulge in a relaxing hot tub and massage at one of the many spas.
No. 6 - Scenic Mohawk Towpath.
Start Location: Schenectady, New York
Final location: Waterford, New York
Length: Mile 21
Best driving season: Vesna
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Winding and turning along the Mohawk River, where there was once a well-trodden Indian trail, this route passes through dense forests and quaint towns. Before heading out, be sure to check out the historic houses in the Schenectady Stockade area, as well as the restored Proctor's Theatre. The short hike to the 62-foot Kohuz Falls past the Vishera Ferry rewards those who go with great views and photo shoots.
No. 5 - Harriman State Park Loop.
Start Location: Doodletown, New York
Final location: Doodletown, New York
Length: Mile 36
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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Winding through the various lakes located in and around Harriman State Park, this route showcases a wooded wonderland. Take a break in The Arden to look into some of the historic buildings, including the site of the 1810 ironworks that produced the famous Parrott pistol during the Civil War. To enjoy swimming in the water to cool off or see if the fish are biting, Shebago Beach on Welch Lake is a good spot with plenty of picnic tables for your lunch break.
No. 4 - Sea trail
Start Location: Buffalo, New York
Final location: Cornwall, Ontario
Length: Mile 330
Best driving season: All
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With a picturesque start and end along the banks of the St. Lawrence River and Niagara Falls, the middle of this trip can make a lot of sense and won't disappoint travelers along the way. Stop in the village of Waddington to watch ships from all over the world pass by, or check out the specialty shops in the historic town centre. For those who love lighthouses, this itinerary will certainly delight 30 of them, including the 1870 Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse.
No. 3 - Cayuga Lake
Start Location: Ithaca, New York
Final location: Seneca Falls, New York
Length: Mile 41
Best driving season: Vesna summer
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Hugging the western shore of the largest of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Lake, this route is full of opportunities to enjoy the water all year round, from boating to fishing and swimming when the weather is right. Hikers will love the trail to the 215-foot waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park. There are also over 30 wineries along the way that offer tours and tastings.
No. 2 - Passage from the lakes to the locks
Start Location: Waterford, New York
Final location: Rose Point, New York.
Length: Mile 173
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This route between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains, mostly along the shores of Lake Champlain, is full of opportunities for recreation and photography. As such, travelers gain access to diverse terrain, from sandstone gorges to verdant forests, and there are several historic sites such as Saratoga National Park, where the tide of the Revolutionary War unfolded. Don't miss Keesville's unusual rock formations, which include one of the United States' first tourist attractions, the Ausable Chasm.
#1 - Catskills
Start Location: East Branch, New York
Final location: Shohari, New York
***Length: Mile 88
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Best Driving Season**: Spring
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This scenic route through the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York is full of stunning views from high altitudes and quaint, sleepy towns. Stop at Margaretville, the filming location of several feature films, to enjoy its historic buildings dating back to the 1700s and water recreation at Pepacton Reservoir. Railroad enthusiasts can enjoy a two-hour train ride in Arkville, while sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes of Mount Bellaire or hike to the Caterskill Falls in Palenville.
