Most Scenic Road Trips in Albany, New York, United States
1. Adirondack Northway (I-87)
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Adirondacks on this scenic route that spans from Albany to Montreal.
- Mountain Views: Offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains.
- Lake Scenery: Passes by numerous pristine lakes and rivers.
- Canada Border: Ends at the Canadian border in the heart of Montreal.
2. Taconic State Parkway
A picturesque route that winds through Hudson Valley, offering views of hills, forests, and lakes.
- Hudson Valley: Passes through the scenic Hudson Valley region.
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by several historical landmarks and estates.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley region.
3. Thousand Islands Bridge
A scenic drive across the Thousand Islands region offering breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Thousand Islands: Passes through the famous Thousand Islands archipelago.
- St. Lawrence River: Offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Bridge Experience: Drives over two suspension bridges with panoramic views.
4. Route 28 from Saratoga to Lake George
A charming drive through picturesque towns and beautiful countryside leading to the scenic Lake George.
- Historic Saratoga: Passes through historic Saratoga Springs.
- Lake George: Ends at the picturesque Lake George.
- Charming Towns: Passes through several charming towns along the way.
5. Northway to Lake Placid
A scenic route that takes you through the Adirondacks, ending at the picturesque Olympic village of Lake Placid.
- Adirondack Mountains: Offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains.
- Lake Placid: Ends at the picturesque Lake Placid, site of the 1980 Winter Olympics.
- Olympic Venues: Passes by several Olympic venues.
6. Mohawk Trail (Route 2)
A scenic drive through the Berkshire Mountains, offering stunning views of hills, forests, and rivers.
- Berkshire Mountains: Passes through the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.
- Historical Sites: Passes by several historical sites and landmarks.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous scenic viewpoints to stop and take in the views.
7. Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Catskill Mountains, offering breathtaking views of hills, forests, and waterfalls.
- Catskill Mountains: Passes through the beautiful Catskill Mountains.
- Waterfalls: Offers several opportunities to see stunning waterfalls.
- Hiking Trails: Passes by numerous hiking trails for exploring the mountains.
8. Champlain Valley Coastal Byway
A scenic drive along Lake Champlain, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
- Lake Champlain: Follows the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain.
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites and landmarks.
- Charming Towns: Drives through several charming towns along the way.
9. I-81 Corridor
A scenic drive through rolling hills and farmlands, offering a glimpse into rural life in New York.
- Rural Landscapes: Passes through rolling hills and farmlands.
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites and landmarks.
- Small Towns: Drives through several small, charming towns along the way.
10. Finger Lakes Wine Country Byway
A scenic drive through the beautiful Finger Lakes region, offering views of vineyards, lakes, and historic towns.
- Finger Lakes Region: Passes through the picturesque Finger Lakes region.
- Wine Tasting: Allows for wine tasting at numerous vineyards along the way.
- Historic Towns: Drives through several historic towns along the way.
11. Route 9 from Albany to Hudson
A scenic drive that takes you through the Hudson Valley, offering views of hills, rivers, and historic towns.
- Hudson Valley: Passes through the beautiful Hudson Valley region.
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites and landmarks.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers numerous scenic viewpoints to stop and take in the views.
12. Long Island Sound Coastal Byway
A scenic drive along Long Island Sound, offering stunning views of the water, beaches, and coastal towns.
- Long Island Sound: Follows the shores of beautiful Long Island Sound.
- Beaches: Offers numerous opportunities to visit beautiful beaches.
- Coastal Towns: Drives through several charming coastal towns along the way.
13. Route 20 from Syracuse to Buffalo
A scenic drive through rolling hills and farmlands, offering a glimpse into rural life in upstate New York.
- Rural Landscapes: Passes through rolling hills and farmlands.
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites and landmarks.
- Small Towns: Drives through several small, charming towns along the way.
14. Route 30 from Schenectady to Saranac Lake
A scenic drive through the Adirondacks, offering stunning views of hills, forests, and lakes.
- Adirondack Mountains: Passes through the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.
- Lakes: Offers several opportunities to see stunning lakes.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Drives through several scenic viewpoints with breathtaking views.
15. Route 43 from Albany to the Berkshires
A scenic drive through rolling hills and farmlands, offering a glimpse into rural life in New York and Massachusetts.
- Rural Landscapes: Passes through rolling hills and farmlands.
- Historic Sites: Passes by several historic sites and landmarks.
- Berkshire Mountains: Ends at the beautiful Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts.