This Adirondack Mountains Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

The Lakes to Locks Passage is a 234-mile scenic byway in upstate New York, stretching from the town of Waterford, at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, in the south to Rouses Point on the Canadian border at its northern end. Following a variety of historic trade and transportation routes, the corridor connects a series of waterways, including Lake George, Lake Champlain, and the Champlain Canal, linking communities across the eastern Adirondacks and Champlain Valley.

This route is definitely appealing to history buffs and sightseers alike, tracing centuries of settlement from early Indigenous pathways to colonial trade routes and 19th-century industrial operations, while preserving the region's natural landscapes and several notable examples of historic infrastructure.

Along the route, you'll encounter a mix of canals, locks, covered bridges, and towns whose architecture showcases New York’s evolution from a frontier settlement to a global industrial center. The route also passes through rolling farmland, dense forests, and along the shores of deep, glacial lakes, offering up unbeatable views of the area’s unique topography.

These days, you are free to navigate the byway by car or even boat, with multiple river and lake launches, trailheads, and pull-offs for exploring a plethora of the route's best attractions. Above all, the Lakes to Locks Passage offers a truly layered experience, as it provides both a pathway across the physical landscapes of the Adirondacks and an educational journey through New York's storied past.

Must-Visit Stops on the Lakes to Locks Passage

From the lush countryside near Quebec to the heavily forested mountains of the Adirondacks, the waterways of the Champlain Valley, and the suburbs of Albany, the state capital, here is a handful of recommended landmarks for you to check out along the way. Whether you are looking for an adventure outdoors, an informative museum experience, or simply want to stroll around a cozy small town or two, there should be something for everyone on this sizable scenic byway.

Saratoga National Historical Park

Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the site of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, a turning point in the American Revolution. It covers more than 3,400 acres of fields, forests, and trails, allowing you to explore both the historic battlefield and the natural beauty of its surrounding landscapes.

Key attractions here include the visitor center, which houses a variety of exhibits, and the observation tower overlooking the battlefield. Furthermore, a network of maintained walking trails follows troop movements and offers access to monuments commemorating the commanders and regiments who took part. Seasonal ranger programs are also available in the park to provide a deeper context on military strategy, the daily life of the soldiers, and the broader significance of the conflict.

Saratoga National Historical Park also features picnic areas and its own interior driving routes, allowing you to take a tour, making it a suitable stop for a relaxing break along the Lakes to Locks Passage and an educational excursion.

Skene Manor

Skene Manor, situated atop Skene Mountain near the town of Whitehall, offers expansive views of the Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain. Built in the 1870s, the mansion is a staple of the area’s 19th-century history and architecture, including walking paths around the grounds and exhibits pertaining to the nearby canal system, which historically linked communities along the Hudson and Champlain waterways. For a small fee, you can explore the exterior and interior of this ornate, stone building and enjoy guided tours during various special events throughout the year.

Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Ticonderoga, located on the western shore of Lake Champlain, is yet another key historic site for you to explore up close. Constructed by the French in 1757 during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War), the fort later played a critical role in the American Revolution, including the capture of its cannons by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen in 1775.

Its star-shaped fortifications, meticulously restored buildings, and plethora of museum exhibits offer all who come a detailed look at 18th-century military life, with other sights and sounds including gardens, a barracks, and artillery demonstrations.

Accessible by car and boat, Fort Ticonderoga offers regularly scheduled interpretive programs and guided tours, typically open to the public from early May to late October.

Crown Point State Historic Site

Crown Point State Historic Site, situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Champlain, looks after the ruins of two 18th-century forts, one French and one British, both constructed to control the vital waterway. The site now offers expansive views of the lake and nearby Vermont, highlighting its strategic importance during various historic conflicts.

While here, take a look at the crumbling remains of masonry walls, cannon batteries, and earthworks, each of which provides a look into early military engineering. Moreover, keep an eye out for the park's interpretive signs and be on the lookout for occasional guided programs that visitors like you can participate in.

Easily accessible from the Lakes to Locks Passage, a quick detour to Crown Point allows you to also see the nearby Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, Lake Champlain Bridge, and across the water, Chimney Point State Historic Site.

Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is a top-tier natural attraction near the Ausable River in Keeseville. Carved from sandstone over millions of years, the chasm stretches nearly two miles and drops up to 150 feet deep in places. It is flanked by the pristine forests of the Adirondack Mountains, ranking among the best outdoor destinations in upstate New York due to its diverse geography and activities.

You can explore it via the chasm's adjacent foot trails, schedule a rafting trip, or sign up for a guided adventure that combines scaling the canyon walls with tubing, making it accessible to a wide range of interests and fitness levels. Scenic lookouts on the way overlook Rainbow Falls, fast-flowing rapids, the Rainbow Falls Hydroelectric Plant, and more cool points of interest. Just steps away, you will also be able to access the North Star Underground Railroad Museum for an extra bit of regional history.

Point Au Roche State Park

Point Au Roche State Park, situated just north of Plattsburgh, is a significant stop for those seeking easily accessible recreation and natural scenery that the whole family can enjoy. Spanning over 1,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and sandy Lake Champlain shoreline, it provides ample space for hikers, picnickers, and, notably, birdwatchers. For newcomers, an assortment of signage in the park also highlights local flora, fauna, and the ecological importance of the Champlain Valley as a whole.

Trails range from short lakeside walks to longer woodland routes, while the beach area allows swimming and water-based activities in the summer months. Several boat launches can also be found nearby, including the Point Au Roche Boat Launch, Monty's Bay Marina, and Treadwell Bay Marina & Resort.

Experience the Adirondacks on the Road

Regardless of the season, a road trip down the Lakes to Locks Passage is a fantastic way to see the many wonders of the Adirondacks and its surrounding landscapes in upstate New York up close. From old forts that bleed fascinating history to remote state and national parks, cozy rest areas, and more, we have only scraped the tip of the iceberg in terms of all the things you can see and do along the way. With that, it is now up to you to experience it for yourself and see why this 230+ mile stretch of highway has been recognized as an "All American Road."