Most Scenic Road Trips in Rochester, New York, United States
1. Thousand Islands Scenic Boat Tour
Cruise through the picturesque Thousand Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Marvel at magnificent mansions and breathtaking landscapes.
- Natural Beauty: Abundant greenery, pristine islands, and diverse wildlife
- Historical Sites: Vintage castles and historic landmarks dot the landscape
- Unique Viewpoints: Unparalleled vistas of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding islands
2. Letchworth State Park Loop
Drive through New York's 'Grand Canyon of the East,' exploring stunning waterfalls, deep valleys, and lush forests.
- Scenic Waterfalls: Three major waterfalls along the park's length
- Rugged Terrain: Vast canyons, cliffs, and gorges provide breathtaking vistas
- Hiking Opportunities: Trails through diverse ecosystems for hikers of all levels
3. Niagara Wine Trail
Sample award-winning wines at family-owned wineries nestled among picturesque vineyards along the Niagara Escarpment.
- Wine Tasting: Taste unique blends and learn about wine production
- Scenic Vineyards: Grapevines sprawl across rolling hills and valleys
- Local Cuisine: Pair wine with regional dishes at on-site restaurants
4. Genesee Valley Greenway
Bike or hike the longest off-road trail in New York, passing through charming towns and breathtaking landscapes.
- Outdoor Activities: Biking, hiking, or walking on a peaceful trail
- Historic Towns: Explore small-town charm along the way
- Nature Observation: Observe diverse wildlife and flora throughout the journey
5. Canandaigua Lake Scenic Byway
Follow this picturesque route for stunning views of Canandaigua Lake, vineyards, and historic sites.
- Lake Views: Stunning vistas of the shimmering lake
- Wine Country: Pass through picturesque vineyards and wineries
- Historic Landmarks: Visit landmarks like the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion and the New York Wine & Culinary Center
6. Finger Lakes Loop
Traverse the breathtaking Finger Lakes region, taking in scenic views of lakes, vineyards, and historic sites.
- Scenic Lakes: Discover the beauty of the twelve pristine Finger Lakes
- Wine Tasting: Taste award-winning wines at family-owned wineries
- Historic Sites: Explore charming towns steeped in history and culture
7. Robert Moses Parkway
Enjoy ocean views, beautiful beaches, and historic sites along the Robert Moses Parkway.
- Ocean Views: Breathtaking vistas of Lake Ontario
- Beaches: Relax on pristine beaches along the parkway
- Historic Sites: Visit landmarks like Old Fort Niagara and Artpark
8. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Follow the historic Erie Canal, learning about its role in shaping American history while enjoying scenic landscapes.
- Historic Significance: Discover the rich history of the Erie Canal and its impact on American settlement
- Rural Scenery: Enjoy peaceful landscapes dotted with farms, forests, and locks
- Boat Tours: Take a boat tour to experience the canal from a different perspective
9. Western New York Farm Trail
Embark on a journey through rural Western New York, visiting family-owned farms and sampling fresh produce.
- Farm-to-Table Experiences: Taste fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products
- Rural Landscapes: Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, farms, and pastoral landscapes
- Educational Opportunities: Learn about sustainable farming practices and agricultural traditions
10. Niagara Scenic Parkway
Drive along the Niagara River and marvel at breathtaking views of Niagara Falls from various vantage points.
- Niagara Falls Viewpoints: Discover unique perspectives of the thundering falls
- Historic Sites: Visit historic sites like the Whirlpool State Park and Old Fort Niagara
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy activities such as hiking, boating, or helicopter tours
11. Chautauqua-Allegheny Scenic Byway
Drive through the scenic Allegheny Mountains and Chautauqua Lake region, taking in views of quaint towns, vineyards, and forests.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains
- Lake Views: Take in stunning vistas of Chautauqua Lake
- Historic Towns: Explore charming towns like Mayville and Jamestown
12. Seneca Lake Wine Country
Tour picturesque vineyards nestled among the rolling hills of Seneca Lake, sampling award-winning wines and local cuisine.
- Wine Tasting: Taste unique blends at family-owned wineries
- Scenic Vineyards: Grapevines sprawl across rolling hills and valleys
- Local Cuisine: Pair wine with regional dishes at on-site restaurants
13. Taughannock Falls State Park Loop
Drive through this stunning park, taking in views of the breathtaking Taughannock Falls and surrounding forests.
- Scenic Waterfalls: Witness the awe-inspiring Taughannock Falls
- Rugged Terrain: Vast canyons, cliffs, and gorges provide breathtaking vistas
- Hiking Opportunities: Trails through diverse ecosystems for hikers of all levels
14. Keuka Lake Scenic Byway
Follow the meandering roads around Keuka Lake, taking in views of quaint towns, vineyards, and picturesque landscapes.
- Scenic Lakes: Discover the beauty of the finger-like Keuka Lake
- Wine Country: Pass through picturesque vineyards and wineries
- Historic Towns: Explore charming towns like Penn Yan and Hammondsport
15. Watkins Glen State Park Loop
Drive through the scenic town of Watkins Glen, taking in views of the breathtaking waterfalls and gorges within the park.
- Scenic Waterfalls: Witness the awe-inspiring Rim Trail waterfalls
- Rugged Terrain: Vast canyons, cliffs, and gorges provide breathtaking vistas
- Hiking Opportunities: Trails through diverse ecosystems for hikers of all levels