Discover the most breathtaking scenic highways, winding roads, and coastal drives, perfect for unforgettable road trip adventures through picturesque landscapes and panoramic vistas. New York offers renowned scenic byways and roads that make for the perfect escape, from Long Island’s Gold Coast to the Finger Lakes wine region to the idyllic Catskills. Explore routes that showcase the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and charming small towns, perfect for a scenic road trip this year.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the most breathtaking scenic drives in New York for unforgettable road trip adventures
- Explore renowned byways and roads that showcase the state’s natural beauty, rich history, and charming small towns
- Experience panoramic vistas and picturesque landscapes along coastal drives, mountain routes, and countryside driving tours
- Uncover hidden gems and photography hotspots on scenic road trips through the Finger Lakes, Catskills, and Long Island
- Plan the perfect scenic driving getaway this year to explore New York’s mesmerizing landscapes
Unravel the Beauty of New York’s Scenic Byways
Discover the mesmerizing landscapes that await along New York’s scenic byways, where each turn in the road unveils a new panoramic vista or charming small town. From the serene lakes and winding mountain roads of Harriman State Park to the rustic farmlands and coastal vistas of Long Island’s South and North Forks, these captivating drives offer a chance to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Empire State.
Seven Lakes Drive through Harriman State Park
Winding through the stunning landscapes of Bear Mountain and Harriman state parks, the 18-mile Seven Lakes Drive is a must-visit for lovers of scenic lake drives and winding mountain roads. The route passes by seven glistening lakes, including Lake Sebago, Lake Kanawauke, and Silver Mine Lake, providing breathtaking glimpses of the region’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Long Island’s South Fork, 27 East
Seeking a balanced blend of rustic charm and coastal allure? Head to Long Island’s South Fork and explore the winding backroads of Montauk Highway (NY-27 East). As you leave the Sunrise Highway behind, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rolling farmland drives and quaint villages of the Hamptons, with the option to hop off at any point to discover coastal routes and charming towns.
Long Island’s North Fork Trail Scenic Byway
For a taste of Long Island’s easygoing, rural charm, take the North Fork Trail Scenic Byway from Southold to Orient Point. This 36-mile route winds through charming hamlets, past expansive farms and wetlands, offering ample opportunities to stop and savor the region’s wineries and coastal views. In summer and fall, you can even pick up fresh produce directly from the source along the side of the road.
City Island: New York City’s Coastal Gem
It may come as a surprise, but New York City is home to a delightful New England-style fishing village. Accessible via a quick trip off I-95, City Island in the Bronx is a 1.5-mile gem offering a chance to discover coastal towns and enjoy urban exploration just minutes from the heart of the Big Apple. Whether you drive or wander on foot, you’ll be captivated by the island’s quaint charm and beautiful views of Long Island Sound.
Upstate New York’s Breathtaking Drives
Sleepy Hollow, the one from that creepy tale of the Headless Horseman, actually offers a beautiful view as you drive into it on Route 9. The Upstate New York scenic drives route showcases forest, wildflowers, rustic churches and quaint storefronts. Just off the route, you can find the Rockefeller Estate, Kykuit, as well as the historic routes of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where famous people are buried including Washington Irving, who wrote “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Don’t leave without crossing today’s version of the headless horseman bridge.
Palisades Parkway to Bear Mountain
No matter what season it is, a drive on the Palisades Parkway offers incredible views of the Hudson River Valley. The drive stretches 42 miles from the George Washington Bridge to Bear Mountain Bridge and shows off the Palisades cliffs and the river below. Pack a picnic lunch and drive to a few points along the way, including Roosevelt Lookout and the Englewood picnic spots.
Scenic Road Trips and Drives in the Catskills and Hudson Valley
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Catskills and Hudson Valley regions through a series of scenic drives and byways that showcase the area’s natural beauty and rich history. From winding mountain roads to pastoral countryside vistas, these routes offer an unforgettable journey through some of New York’s most captivating scenery.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
This 88-mile stretch passes by farmland, 30,000 acres of nature preserves and historic Dutch settlements flanked by the beautiful Catskills mountains. It begins about 90 miles north of NYC and winds around the Rondout and Wallkill valleys, offering stunning vistas that should sustain your cravings for nature.
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Follow this 52-mile stretch that takes you through Slide Mountain Wilderness, Indian Head Wilderness, Big Indian Wilderness, Shandaken Wild Forest, and Hunter-west Kill Wilderness. Look out your windows to see climbing mountains, shining water, rolling farmland and quaint villages. For an especially breathtaking route, take Route 214 to 23A to 32 and then to 20 for inspiring cascading waterfalls, streams, idyllic countryside and leafy forest.
Kittatinny Ridge
This route takes you alongside the Delaware River and around the Kittatinny Ridge, which is part of the Appalachian Trail. The drive includes access to the Kittatinny Point Visitors Center, Worthington State Fortest, Turtle Beach, Millbrook, High Point State Park, and ends in Newton, offering stunning views of cliffs, wildlife, and the natural landscapes of the region.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (NYS Route 97) includes access to the Tusten Mountain Trail, the French Woods State Forest Preserve, the Elks Brox Memorial Park, the Crystal Lake State Reservation and the Bouchoux Trail and more with the ability to stop in small towns along the way. The 70-mile route runs along the New York bank of the Upper Delaware River, which offers glimpses of cliffs and wildlife, and is nestled between the Catskills and the Poconos.
Coastal Cruising: Long Island’s Picturesque Routes
Venture along the stunning shoreline of Long Island and discover a tapestry of scenic drives that showcase its captivating coastal vistas and charming small towns. From the North Fork Trail to the Montauk Highway, these picturesque routes offer a delightful mix of panoramic ocean views, quaint villages, and rolling farmlands.
Embark on the North Fork Trail, a 36-mile stretch that winds through the rustic hamlets, wineries, and wetlands of Long Island’s North Fork. Marvel at the expansive Atlantic Ocean as you make your way to the easternmost point of the island. Along the way, stop to explore the region’s thriving agricultural heritage and sample the fresh, locally-sourced bounty.
For a more coastal-centric experience, hop on the Montauk Highway (NY-27 East) and journey through the Hamptons, a scenic wonderland of quaint villages, historic estates, and picturesque beaches. As you wind your way along this iconic highway, be sure to make stops in charming towns like Sag Harbor and East Hampton to soak up the seaside ambiance.
Whether you’re seeking panoramic ocean vistas, quaint fishing villages, or a glimpse into Long Island’s rich agricultural heritage, these scenic coastal routes offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty and uncover its hidden gems. So pack your bags, hop in your car, and embark on an unforgettable coastal cruising adventure through Long Island’s most picturesque landscapes.
Scenic Highways of Upstate New York
From the majestic Delaware River to the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley and the rugged Catskill Mountains, Upstate New York offers a breathtaking array of scenic drives that showcase the region’s natural beauty and rich history. One such captivating route is
Route 97: The Most Beautiful Highway in the East
.
Parallel to the Delaware River, this 53-mile stretch through Orange County in the Hudson Valley and the southern part of the Catskill Mountains is a prime example of nature’s splendor. Drivers can immerse themselves in the spectacular landscapes, filled with rich historical significance, as they wind through this picturesque corridor.
Venturing further north, the
Lakes to Locks Passage
extends over 200 miles, providing ample opportunity to experience the diverse waterways and landscapes of the
Capital-Saratoga
and
Adirondacks
regions. While the full passage may seem daunting, even a short drive can offer breathtaking views of the
Hudson River
,
Lake George
, the
Champlain Canal
, and the pristine
Lake Champlain
.
Tracing the historic route of the Erie Canal, the
Mohawk Towpath Byway
in the
Capital-Saratoga
region invites visitors to explore the diverse
wildlife habitats
and
historic architecture
that line its scenic corridors. From Waterford to the Stockade District of Schenectady, this drive showcases natural wonders like the awe-inspiring Cohoes Falls.
Exploring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway
On one of the first roads in America to be designated as a National Scenic Byway, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail offers a captivating journey along the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the majestic St. Lawrence River. This 518-mile scenic driving route connects the stunning Niagara Falls to the enchanting Thousand Islands-Seaway region, showcasing a treasure trove of rolling hills, historic lighthouses, and natural wonders.
Explore the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse in Rochester, which has stood guard over Lake Ontario since 1822, and marvel at the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent, where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. As you wind your way through this remarkable byway, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Upstate New York.
Adirondack Adventures: Scenic Drives in the Mountains
From wild forests to mountain ponds and glacial bodies of water such as Tupper Lake, the Adirondack Trail spans 188 miles, which features short segments in Central New York and Capital-Saratoga. The trail also runs through the Adirondack Park, America’s largest wilderness park outside of Alaska, offering a breathtaking backdrop for mountain drives and glacial lakes.
| Adirondack Trail Highlights | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Wild Forests | Towering pines, lush foliage, and untamed wilderness |
| Mountain Ponds | Serene, reflective bodies of water nestled in the hills |
| Glacial Lakes | Tupper Lake and other pristine, pristine glacial formations |
| Adirondack Park | America’s largest wilderness park outside of Alaska |
Whether you seek the thrill of winding mountain drives or the tranquility of exploring glacial lakes, the Adirondack Trail through the Adirondack Park offers a truly captivating adventure in the heart of Central New York.
The Catskills: A Scenic Driving Paradise
Take a drive on part of the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, a 52-mile route that offers captivating views of the Catskill Mountains, tranquil waterways, and verdant farmlands. Absorb the breathtaking mountain scenery as you wind your way through this natural oasis.
Venture further into the heart of Central New York and explore the winding roads of the US Route 20 Byway. Defined by rolling hills, abundant agriculture, deep history, and serene lakes, this 108-mile byway is an integral part of the Transcontinental U.S. Route 20 highway. This scenic drive also offers opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the Capital-Saratoga and Finger Lakes regions.
Long Island’s Winding Roads and Coastal Vistas
From Southold to Orient Point on Long Island’s North Fork, take a small trip on part of this 36-mile scenic byway and experience views of farms, wild wetlands, wineries, and lighthouses, concluding with a spectacular look at the Atlantic Ocean.
Seneca Lake Scenic Byway
If you’re looking to escape the indoors for a shorter scenic drive with picturesque waterfalls, caverns, and gorges, the 19-mile Seneca Lake Scenic Byway is the right road for you. It’s rich with lush forests, with views of Finger Lakes vineyards and historic sites.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
This 88-mile byway runs through the Shawangunk Mountains, offering a great outdoor escape in the Catskills. Enjoy vistas and farmlands, over 30,000 acres of nature preserves, and historic sites dating to Dutch settlements, which can be seen from your car.
Conclusion
From the rugged natural beauty of Upstate New York to the charming coastal towns and villages of Long Island, the Empire State offers a wealth of scenic driving routes perfect for unforgettable road trip adventures. Whether you’re seeking mountain vistas, pastoral landscapes, or panoramic ocean views, these captivating drives showcase the diverse and breathtaking landscapes that make New York such a remarkable destination for scenic exploration.
So pack your bags, hop in your car, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through some of the most mesmerizing scenic drives in the country. From the serene lakes and winding mountain roads of the Adirondacks to the picturesque vineyards and charming hamlets of the Finger Lakes, New York’s scenic byways promise to transport you to a world of natural wonder and enchanting discovery.
Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time explorer, these captivating drives offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the state’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. So start planning your next scenic adventure and get ready to experience the beauty of New York like never before.
