New York State Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the beauty of New York State with a road trip through Albany, Fort Edward, Lake Placid, Rochester, Buffalo, and Ithaca. This 1683km journey is best experienced during the summer months when the days are long and the landscapes are lush. Enjoy the excellent road conditions, and take in the breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains, Finger Lakes, and the Niagara Falls. With 14 days to complete the trip, there is plenty of time to explore the many attractions and activities along the way. From the High Falls Gorge in Lake Placid to the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, you will be sure to create lifelong memories. Whether you are a novice or experienced driver, this road trip can be enjoyed by all. With a moderate budget, you can make this trip a reality.
14
number of days
1,683 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Albany
Distance 1,683 km
Driving time 23.8 h
Pace: fast
504.9 kWh
Airports
ALB
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Albany, a city in the state of New York, is the perfect starting point for the New York State Road Trip. Located on the east bank of the Hudson River, Albany is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.
One of the highlights of the city is the New York State Capitol building, a magnificent building designed by famous architect Henry Hobson Richardson. The building is open to the public and offers guided tours.
The Albany Institute of History is another great spot to visit, with its collections of fine art, manuscripts, and artifacts, it is sure to be a hit with all visitors. There are also several museums and galleries in the city to explore.
For those who are looking to get outside, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is one of the most popular destinations. It is a great spot for birdwatching and hiking, as well as a great place to relax.
For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Albany International Airport (ALB). There are several car rental companies located at the airport, making it easy to get around the city and on your way to the next destination.
Albany is the perfect starting point for any New York State Road Trip. With its rich history and culture, as well as its natural beauty, it is sure to be a hit with all visitors.
1
Albany
- Fort Edward
Distance 77 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
23.1 kWh
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip from Albany to Fort Edward! This 48mi stretch of road will take you less than 2 hours to drive and is one of the most interesting stages of a larger tour. Prepare to be amazed by the abundance of historical sites along the way.
Start your journey in Albany, the capital of New York State, and explore the many attractions it has to offer. Visit the New York State Museum, the Albany Institute of History & Art, and the Ten Broeck Mansion.
Continue your journey to Fort Edward, where you can visit the Fort Edward Historical Association and the Fort Edward Yacht Basin. Don’t forget to explore the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom for some fun family time.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Fort Edward - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Fort Edward
- Plattsburgh
Distance 189 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: modest
49.1 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Fort Edward to Plattsburgh! This 117 mile drive will take you less than 4 hours and is the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of this region.
Start your journey in Fort Edward and visit the Fort Edward Historical Society Museum, located in the former Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. Here you can learn about the history of the area and view artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Continue your journey and take a break in Whitehall. This small village is home to the Whitehall Canal Museum and the Whitehall Historical Society. Here you can view artifacts, photographs and documents related to the history of the region.
As you make your way to Plattsburgh, you'll pass through the historic town of Port Henry. Here, you can explore the Iron Center Museum, which features artifacts from the local iron industry.
Finally, arrive in Plattsburgh and explore the many attractions this city has to offer. Visit the Battle of Plattsburgh Historic Site, the Plattsburgh City Beach, and the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts.
For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Plattsburgh - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Plattsburgh
- Lake Placid
Distance 80 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
24.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Plattsburgh-Lake Placid stage of your road trip! This 50mi journey should take you less than 2 hours to complete, and you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the most interesting places in the area.
First stop, Plattsburgh. Here, you can visit the historical Battle of Plattsburgh Park, a site that commemorates the Battle of Plattsburgh, a decisive victory in the War of 1812. You can also explore the Saranac River Trail, a scenic walking path that follows the river.
Next, you'll head to Lake Placid. This picturesque village is home to a variety of attractions, including the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and the 1980 Winter Olympic Bobsled Run. You can also take a leisurely stroll along Mirror Lake and visit the Lake Placid Tower for stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. We hope you enjoy your Plattsburgh-Lake Placid road trip!
Lake Placid - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Lake Placid
- Sacketts Harbor
Distance 226 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: fast
67.8 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Lake Placid to Sacketts Harbor? This stage of your journey is only 140 mi long and can be covered in less than 3 hours.
Start your trip in Lake Placid and explore the sights of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic sites. Then, head to Whiteface Mountain and take the gondola ride to the summit for a breathtaking view of the Adirondack Mountains. After that, you can visit the Ausable Chasm, a deep and narrow gorge with spectacular views of the Ausable River.
Next, you can drive to Old Forge, where you can take a boat tour of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, continue your journey to Sacketts Harbor and visit the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the history of the region.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Sacketts Harbor - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Sacketts Harbor
- Rochester
Distance 210 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: fast
63.1 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Sackets Harbor to Rochester! This 131mi journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete, so get ready for an exciting adventure!
Start your journey in Sackets Harbor, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Ontario. Here, you can explore the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site and the nearby Sackets Harbor Visitor Center. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Maritime Museum and the Sackets Harbor Brewing Company.
Continue your journey to Rochester, the third-largest city in New York State. Here, you can visit the George Eastman Museum, the Rochester Museum & Science Center, the Strong National Museum of Play, and the Seneca Park Zoo.
This is only one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s hit the road!
Rochester - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Rochester
- Niagara Falls
Distance 168 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
50.3 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Rochester to Niagara Falls? This journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and memorable spots in Upstate New York. At only 104 miles and less than three hours of driving time, you can easily make this trip in a day. Make sure to keep your eyes open for the historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and other attractions along the way.
Your first stop should be the Genesee River's High Falls in Rochester. This is the largest waterfall in New York State and is a great place to take some photos. After that, head to the Seneca Park Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with some amazing animals.
As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the towns of Batavia and Lockport. Be sure to take a few minutes to explore these quaint and charming places. When you reach Niagara Falls, you'll be in for a real treat. The breathtaking views of the Niagara River, the thundering roar of the falls, and the many attractions will make your trip unforgettable.
For more information on attractions, accommodations, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Now that you have the details, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Niagara Falls - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Niagara Falls
- Buffalo
Distance 38 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
11.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Niagara Falls to Buffalo? This 24 mile (38 km) journey will take you less than an hour and will be full of beautiful sights and interesting places to visit.
Start your journey in Niagara Falls, USA and take in the breathtaking views of the falls. Here you can explore the lush green parks, visit the observation tower, or take a boat ride to get a closer look at the falls.
Next, head to Buffalo, NY and explore the vibrant city. Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, take a stroll through the Elmwood Village neighborhood, and explore the Richardson Olmsted Complex, a National Historic Landmark.
Along the way, you will also get to see some of the historical sites, including the Buffalo Central Terminal, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and the Buffalo History Museum.
After your road trip from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, you’ll have a better understanding of the history and culture of the area. You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Buffalo - United States - North America - Road Trip - en.wikipedia.org
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8
Buffalo
- Seneca Falls
Distance 186 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: fast
55.8 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Buffalo to Seneca Falls, a distance of 116mi and a driving time of fewer than 2 hours.
Start your trip in Buffalo and make sure to visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the Buffalo Zoo, and the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Then, head to Seneca Falls to explore the Women's Rights National Historical Park, the National Women's Hall of Fame, and the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry.
For a unique experience, don't miss the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, a 19th-century canal system with a stunning view of the Seneca River.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the ride!
Seneca Falls - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Seneca Falls
- Ithaca
Distance 71 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: modest
18.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Seneca Falls to Ithaca? This 44 mile drive will take you less than 2 hours and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places of the area.
Start your journey in Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s rights, and visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. This is the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848 and a must-see spot for anyone interested in learning more about the history of women’s rights in the United States.
Continue your journey to Ithaca and explore the Cornell University campus, one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Take a walk through the gorgeous Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
On your way, don’t forget to stop at the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, a beautiful road that follows the lake’s shoreline and offers spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great trip!
Ithaca - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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10
Ithaca
- Downsville
Distance 199 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
59.6 kWh
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Welcome to the Ithaca-Downsville road trip! This 123-mile journey will take you fewer than 3 hours to complete and, along the way, you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in these two cities.
In Ithaca, you should definitely visit the Cornell Botanic Gardens and the Ithaca Farmers Market. Both of these spots offer an abundance of activities and attractions, so you won't want to miss them.
Downsville is a great spot for outdoor activities. You can go for a hike at the Downsville Dam, or take a stroll around the Downsville Reservoir. You can also take a break at the Downsville Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Downsville - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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11
Downsville
- Kingston
Distance 122 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
36.6 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your journey starts in Downsville, United States and ends in Kingston, a mere 76 miles away. With a driving time of less than 2 hours, this is a great opportunity to explore the area and take in the sights.
In Downsville, be sure to check out the Downsville Covered Bridge, a historical landmark that has been standing since 1884. You can also visit the nearby Downsville Dam and Reservoir, a great spot for fishing and bird watching.
As you make your way to Kingston, you won't want to miss the chance to explore the historic Rondout Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been standing since 1837 and is a great way to get a glimpse of the area's past. You can also check out the nearby Kingston Point Park which offers a great view of the Hudson River.
At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Kingston, where you can visit the Senate House State Historic Site, the oldest surviving building in the city. You can also take a walk around the historic Stockade District, a great way to get a sense of the city's past.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Kingston - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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12
Kingston
- Albany
Distance 118 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
35.3 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Our journey begins in Kingston, a charming city in the state of New York. Here, you can explore the historic Stockade District, the first National Historic District in the US. You can also visit the Senate House State Historic Site, the first state capitol of New York.
From Kingston, our journey continues for 73 miles (117.4 km) to Albany. Along the way, you can stop at the Olana State Historic Site and admire the 19th-century estate of the renowned Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church. You can also visit the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, the home of General Philip Schuyler, a Revolutionary War hero and one of the state's founding fathers.
Once you arrive in Albany, you can explore the New York State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza, and the New York State Museum. You can also visit the Ten Broeck Mansion, the oldest surviving brick mansion in Albany, and the USS Slater, a World War II destroyer escort.
Remember to pay attention to the historical sites along the route. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Albany - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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Albany
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Albany, the capital city of New York State, is the perfect end to the "New York State Road Trip". It is located in the Hudson Valley at the junction of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, and is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do.
For a taste of history, head to the New York State Capitol building, which is the oldest continuously operating state capitol in the United States. You can take a tour to explore the building's architecture and learn about its history. The Empire State Plaza is another must-see and is home to the Corning Tower, one of the tallest buildings in New York State.
If you are looking for some outdoor activities, visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve. This 3,200-acre preserve is home to many rare and endangered species, and is a great place for bird watching, hiking, and biking. Or visit the John Boyd Thacher State Park, which features breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas.
For a fun day out, head to the Lark Street neighborhood, which has plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Or explore the Downtown Albany area, which is home to the Palace Theatre and the Times Union Center, great venues for music and theatre performances.
If you are flying into Albany, the closest international airport is Albany International Airport (ALB). From there, you can rent a car and take the scenic route to Albany, or take the bus or train. No matter how you get there, Albany is the perfect end to your New York State Road Trip.
New York State Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Albany
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End:
Albany
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Distance:
1,683 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Albany International Airport (ALB)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating Road Trip through New York State, starting from the historic Albany, winding through the enchanting Adirondack Mountains to Lake Placid, delving into the cultural richness of Rochester, and marveling at the grandeur of Niagara Falls near Buffalo, before concluding in the picturesque Ithaca, nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. Spanning approximately 1,683 kilometers (1,046 miles), this journey showcases the state's stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Albany: Explore the New York State Capitol, the Empire State Plaza, and the New York State Museum, delving into the rich political and cultural history of New York's capital.
- Fort Edward: Discover the area's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War by visiting historical sites like Rogers Island and the Old Fort House Museum.
- Lake Placid: Known for hosting the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, this mountain town offers a wealth of outdoor adventures, from hiking and skiing to exploring the Olympic Sports Complex.
- Rochester: Delve into the world of photography and film at the George Eastman Museum, the oldest photography museum in the world, and enjoy an array of festivals and cultural events the city is known for.
- Buffalo: Step into the vibrant atmosphere of New York's second-largest city, with architectural marvels like Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House and the art deco City Hall. Buffalo is also the perfect gateway to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, just a short drive away.
- Ithaca: Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, this lively college town boasts natural wonders such as the cascading Taughannock Falls and the serene Cayuga Lake, part of the majestic Finger Lakes.
Best Time to Go:
The summer months are the most popular time to visit, offering long days and warm weather that are perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The fall also presents a stunning display of foliage that can add a colorful backdrop to your journey.
Potential Risks:
- Weather in New York can be fickle, with sudden changes that may affect travel plans.
- Popular tourist destinations, especially Niagara Falls, may be crowded during peak season, and accommodations should be booked in advance.
- Caution is advised when driving through mountainous regions and rural areas with winding Roads.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- A moderate budget is generally sufficient for this Road Trip, with a range of accommodation and dining options available to suit various preferences.
- The route is friendly for drivers of all skill levels, with well-maintained Roads and clear signage.
- To fully immerse in the experience without feeling rushed, plan for at least two weeks, allowing time to explore each destination and enjoy spontaneous detours.
A good choice for:
A New York State Road Trip is a harmonious blend of exhilarating discovery and serene relaxation, presenting countless opportunities to create lasting memories amidst the state's diverse landscapes and rich cultural scenes. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of the arts, this journey has something special for every traveler.
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