Traveling by car in New York: 10 amazing routes

No words can describe a good road trip in New York State. Such adventures magically clear the mind and develop the imagination. Worldatlas highlights great starting points for exploring the state by car.

There are car rides that end up just becoming trips. On the other hand, there are automobile Travel, which turn into stories, impressions and memories. We offer 10 great routes that will help you have a great holiday.

Upstate New York's Interstate 88

This road stretches almost 200 km from Binghamton in the west to the city of Schenectady in the east. It passes through many peaceful villages, farm-to-table restaurants, and several of the state's lesser-known museums.

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The Bundy Museum of Art and History tells the story of the rise of global technology giant IBM. It can set the tone for the entire journey. However, the most beautiful section is between Oneonta and Rotterdam, a small but vibrant city. Grab a bite to eat at Brooks' House of Bar-BQ in Oneonta, a decades-old establishment. The restaurant is known for serving the best chicken in the state, so you'll have to make a detour to Howes Cave. Here are the largest caves in the northeast.

The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway

Travelers know this feeling. It seems that time has stopped. You feel like you are entering another century. Each blossoming bud is alive and beautiful. Hills loom on the distant horizon and the wind blows gently over peaceful villages and green valleys.

The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway adds to that experience. The route parallels the Mohawk River, the historic Erie Canal and the New York Barge Canal, the success of which turned New York into a major trading center.

Start your journey from the village of Waterford, the oldest in the whole country. Continue towards the city of Schenectady. Learn the region's history at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, stroll through the Harmony Mills Historic District, and gasp in awe at Cohoes Falls, one of the most sacred sites of the Iroquois.

Seneca Lake Scenic Byway

The Seneca Lake Scenic Byway, a 30-mile stretch of wonder, runs along the southeastern border of Seneca Lake.

Take New York State Route 414. Then begin your journey along the Miracle Road near Watkins Glen. The road passes through Lodi Point State Marine Park in Lodi. You'll pass Hector Falls, one of the most impressive cascades in the state. JR Dill Winery is a great place to unwind with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit the Brick Tavern Museum. Its history goes back almost two centuries.

Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway

Stretching an impressive 140 km, the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway skirts the northern Shawangunk Mountains. The route passes through the picturesque Rondout and Wallkill valleys. Several charming towns grace this dizzying stretch, such as Gardiner, Rochester, and Marbletown.

Outdoor enthusiasts should check out Beacon Hill, Gertrude's Nose Loop or Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Shawangunk Scenic Byway is best visited in the spring or fall. At this time, nature appears in its best and brightest light. This is where a good camera comes in handy.

The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway is a paved corridor that stretches over 80 miles.

For the most part, this road follows New York State Route 28. It is the only one that passes through the centers of Catskill Park and Adirondack Park. Here you can visit delicious eateries, historical sites and art galleries.

Your adventure begins in Finetia, a remote town Catskill.

Check out Camping Allaben. It's a free, quiet place near Shandaken.

Peekamoose Restaurant is the best place to enjoy grilled octopus.
Don't forget to visit the famous Belleayre Mountain Ski Center and Palmer Hill Trail, a pleasant roadside stop with beautiful views in all directions.

Seven Lakes Drive

With mountains, rivers and fabulous cities, the Hudson Valley is a top contender for Nature's Best Act Award.

This road is only 28 km long. But to enjoy all its beauties, you will need at least half a day.

You can follow it from the village of Sloatsburg at the southern entrance to Harriman State Park to the city of Stony Point, located on the west bank of the Hudson River.

The road passes seven scenic lakes, including Sebago, the largest lake in Harriman State Park. It is home to the Perkins Memorial Tower, which offers views of four states, particularly New Jersey and Connecticut, as well as the Manhattan skyline. Depending on weather, Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April to late November.

Hawk's Nest Drive

If you love the thrill of driving on a winding road, then Hawk's Nest Roadway is the right place for you.

The most exciting section is known as the Hawk's Nest Highway. It starts just 6 km north of Port Jervis. Hawk's Nest is part of New York State Route 97. This spectacular road winds along the beautiful Delaware River, mainly along the New York-Pennsylvania border. Its winding path has been used to film commercials for several brands of cars, including Porsche, Cadillac and BMW.

Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway

The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway drives past impressive gorges, especially on the southern section. Green vineyards on the hilly slopes and marshes decorate the landscape. The sensational views of Cayuga Lake completely overwhelm first-time travelers. The road extends approximately 140 km.

Historic landmarks include the Rogues Harbor Inn, which dates back 30 years before the Civil War. Don't miss Taughannock Falls, the tallest free-fall waterfall east of the Mississippi, as well as the many wineries in the area.

Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

Nearly 90 years ago, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came to Wilmington to open the new Veterans Memorial Highway. Today it is one of the most scenic road trips in the state. The adventure begins with a drive north on Route 86 to Wilmington, a charming mountain town in the Ausable River Valley.

Just outside of town is Santa's Workshop, America's oldest operating theme park. Choose a souvenir from the Castle Gift Shop to remember your adventure for a lifetime.

Route 9 to Village of Sleepy Hollow

Route 9 extends from the George Washington Bridge in midtown Manhattan to the Canadian border in Champlain. It is the longest north-south U.S. highway in the state.

However, the section to Sleepy Hollow is a short ride of only about 40 km.

The route parallels the Hudson River to Yonkers. The road passes Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site. It represents more than three centuries of Hudson Valley history. After this you will drive about 6 km before you discover Lenoir Preserve with amazing views of this river.

Check out the Henry Draper Observatory in Draper Park, site of the first astrophotography of the Moon. Stretch your legs at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park in Dobbs Ferry before heading to Irvington. The city is named after Washington Irving, who wrote The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In the city you will find a breathtakingly beautiful cemetery - the final resting place of Andrew Carnegie, William Avery Rockefeller and Washington Irving.