7 Most Scenic Drives in Upstate New York

Ready for a road trip down New York’s most gorgeous roads? The Scenic Byways in Upstate New York make for a great getaway to soak in the country’s nature while also discovering new cultures, learning about important historical events, trying outdoor sports, and more. There are a multitude of routes to choose from, depending on your interests, and a lot of these routes will take you through Canadian cities as well. Get ready to spend time on open roads, relax in small towns, and take in the breathtaking views of New York.

Adirondack Northway

Running from Albany to the Canadian border, the Adirondack Northway offers a direct route through the heart of the Adirondacks, passing through cities like Lake George and Glens Falls. The route passes through Adirondack Park, a protected, 6-million-acre area with a stunning lake, large mountains, and extensive woodland. There is a specific part of the route called the Adirondack Northway Scenic Highway that cuts through the Adirondack Mountain region. The journey on this highway starts in Plattsburgh, where you’ll be able to see where the Battle of Plattsburgh took place during the War of 1812, and ends in Queensbury, home to the famous Six Flags Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor. The scenic highway is lined with trees that spread towards the mountains, a particularly gorgeous view in autumn.

The Adirondack Northway connects to a lot of scenic byways like the Central Adirondack Trail, Olympic Trail, and Military Trail, all perfect routes to fully experience the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.

Finger Lakes

Located in central New York, the Finger Lakes region is defined by eleven long, narrow lakes, the largest being Seneca Lake. Driving along Seneca Lake is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Finger Lakes since you’ll be passing wineries, farms, and top-rated restaurants, making it a great location for a break from your drive. The Finger Lakes are known for their incredible beauty and scenic routes. With glimmering lakes and colorful plants, the Finger Lakes are a very popular destination to go to when visiting New York, and their natural beauty makes for a beautiful backdrop for pictures.

Canandaigua was named the “Chosen Spot” by Native Americans, and you’ll quickly understand why when driving alongside its breathtaking lake. Keuka Lake, specifically its west side, is another notable lake that is definitely worth a visit. All eleven lakes have their own special charm, and all are popular for a reason.

Seven Lakes Drive

As its name implies, Seven Lakes Drive is a scenic byway along seven lakes for 18 miles, running through Harriman State Park to Bear Mountain. Without stopping, it would take 30 minutes to finish the drive, but Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain have some of the best hikes in upstate New York.

The drive typically starts in the town of Sloatsburg, which has a variety of delicious restaurants like Sushiville and Character’s Restaurant (or ends there, depending on which way you’re going). Lake Sebago, the largest lake in Harriman State Park, is the first lake on this journey. One of the more famous lakes is Lake Tiorati, a favorite due to its camping areas. A swim in its calm waters is the perfect activity if the weather is right, and its beaches are nothing short of gorgeous. All seven lakes have beautiful trails to hike and explore, and there are a lot of natural water spots for a quick drink, so make sure to bring a water filter with you on your trip.

Route 20

Route 20 is the longest road in the US, passing through 12 states. The New York State Scenic Byway portion of the route is around 372 miles long, starting at the Pennsylvania state line.

It passes through the beautiful city of Albany, the perfect place to explore the Hudson River. Farther down the road, as you pass by Cooperstown, you’ll see the beautiful Glimmerglass State Park, which includes a gorgeous beach, wooded terrain home to different wildlife, and the Glimmerglass annual Opera Festival. The route also passes by the Finger Lakes along their northern points, making for a great 2-in-1 trip. Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region, experience a fragment of the Victorian era at the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. This 50-acre site has gardens, a 40-room Queen Anne-style mansion, a greenhouse, and the perfect view of Canandaigua Lake.

Lakes to Lock Passage

The Lakes to Locks Passage is a 255-mile route between Manhattan and Montreal, giving you a glimpse of lakes, canals, and rivers all along the route. This byway holds a lot of historical significance, and it played a crucial part in the French Indian War and in the Civil War.

There are numerous places to stop in and things to see as you drive past the glimmering bodies of water, places like museums, famous restaurants, parks, and art galleries. There are also a variety of water sports offered in most lakes, and the beaches are accommodating and perfect for a quick pit-stop.

Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway

This scenic byway runs from Schenectady to Waterford along the Mohawk River, named after the Mohawk Nation, and the Erie Canal. Mohawk Towpath is around 27 miles long with lots of historical sites and stunning riverside views. The byway is one of the first official scenic byways in the US, and it was a crucial trade route for the Mohawk People.

One of its more popular attractions is the Cohoe Falls, a 90-foot drop of water crashing down from the Mohawk River. The view is nothing short of jaw-dropping, and watching it during high water, where the water is most thunderous, makes it all the more exciting.

Great Lakes Seaway Trail

Stretching for 518 miles from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail. This Byway explores different cultures and allows the visitor to enjoy numerous activities, and most importantly, guarantees beautiful scenery all along the trail.

The Great Trail takes you to North America’s most iconic destination, Niagara Falls, and to other famous locations, like the Thousand Islands and Boldt Castle. Keep your eyes out for museums, art exhibitions, amusement parks, and delicious restaurants on your way. The trail is roughly a five-day trip to take in every view and enjoy all activities.

Upstate New York has a lot to offer, regardless of the destination, and its numerous Scenic Byways are sure to leave you speechless as you cruise along shimmering lakes, lush forests, and busy rivers, making every step and part of your journey special.