Top 10 scenic drives through the Southern Tier and the rest of NY, ranked by World Atlas

As we approach the warmest months of the year, you may be thinking of different ways you can soak it all in.

The Southern Tier has plenty of roadways that offer scenic views and ideal pit stops to make for the perfect quick road trip.

World Atlas made a list of the 10 Best Road Trips to take in New York, and several of them are right here in the Southern Tier.

So, if you're looking to take a local road trip filled with gorgeous scenery, here's where to start, according to World Atlas.

Interstate 88

Interstate 88 runs for 120 miles from just outside Binghamton to Schenectady.

The interstate was created on Dec. 13, 1968, when it was added to the Interstate System, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Construction was completed in 1989.

First it was the Susquehanna Expressway, but later it was named to honor the late State Sen. Warren M. Anderson, of Binghamton, who worked to get the highway built.

In taking the drive, you will pass through multiple peaceful villages, farm-to-table restaurants and museums.

World Atlas offers the Bundy Museum of History & Art as a great starting point, as it "chronicles the rise of global tech giant IBM and can set the tone for the entire trip."

If you get hungry, World Atlas recommends stopping at Brooks' House of BBQ in Oneonta, "known to serve the best chicken in the state."

Seneca Lake Scenic Byway

Visitors walk along the Gorge Trail and pass underneath the iconic Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen. The falls is one of two that visitors can walk underneath.

The Seneca Lake Byway is 19 miles long and runs along the border of Seneca Lake, starting near Watkins Glen.

It follows state Route 414 through some beautiful state parks, including Watkins Glen State Park and Lodi Point State Marine Park, and Hector Falls, so if you're looking to pull off for a quick hike, picnic, or to see a large, roaring waterfall, this drive is ideal.

World Atlas also suggests stopping at wineries and museums, so this road trip has a little something for everyone.

Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway

The view from the Falls Overlook at Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg.

According to World Atlas, the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is an 87-mile drive that has "spectacular gorges," and "verdant vineyards," and gorgeous views of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes.

While there is potential traffic outside of Ithaca, World Atlas says the rest of Route 34 is "sweet and easy, with rolling hills and smooth, wide-shouldered roads."

This road will take you through the peaceful town of Aurora and give you the opportunity to view Taughannock Falls, the "tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi," as noted by World Atlas.

If you're look to travel a little farther, here are some other drives that made the list.

Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway

The Mohawk Towpath National Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Mohawk River, the historic Erie Canal and the New York Barge Canal.

Start your trip from the village of Waterford in Saratoga County, which is the oldest continually incorporated village in the entire country — and proceed through to the city of Schenectady.

Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway

Mohonk Mountain Resort, a resort and spa in New York's Hudson Valley.

Spanning 88 miles, the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway encircles the northern Shawangunk Mountains as it passes through the Rondout and Wallkill valleys.

Numerous charming towns dot this stretch including the artistic community of New Paltz, which is near the historic Mohonk Mountain House resort.

Catskills Mountains Scenic Byway

A view from Route 97 in Port Jervis, NY, on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021.

Located less than two hours from Manhattan, this 52-mile road follows state Route 28, with short extensions along state Routes 42 and 214 through the heart of the Central Catskills.

Seven Lakes Drive

Although just about 18 miles, expect this drive in the Hudson Valley to effortlessly steal at least half a day. Take it from the Village of Sloatsburg in Rockland County, at the southern entrance to Harriman State Park, to the Town of Stony Point, situated on the west bank of the Hudson River.

As referenced by its name, the drive passes by seven picture-perfect lakes, including Lake Sebago, the largest lake in New York’s Harriman State Park.

Hawk's Nest Drive

New York State Route 97 Hawk’s Nest Drive

Hawk's Nest Roadway is not to be missed. But the distance starting from just north of Port Jervis in Orange County, to Hancock in Delaware County, is the most swoon-worthy stretch, known as the Hawk’s Nest Highway.

Hawk's Nest is part of state Route 97, a passage that snakes along the Delaware River, mostly just north of the border of New York and Pennsylvania and through small but mighty villages and towns.

Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

Whiteface Mountain has the steepest vertical drop in the East.

A tollhouse marks the start of the 5-mile Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway. The road takes visitors to the top of New York's fifth-highest peak at 4,867 feet.

There is a heart-stopping stretch filled with hairpin turns and numerous jaw-dropping moments. Once at the top, there are stellar panoramic views of the Adirondacks. There's a short alpine nature trail at the end of the road for those who wish to reach Whiteface's summit.

Route 9 Sleepy Hollow NY

A lighthouse restoration project shown May 31, 2023 in Sleepy Hollow's Kingsland Point Park. The lighthouse dates back to 1883 and can be viewed from RiverWalk.

U.S. Route 9 travels from the George Washington Bridge in Manhattan to just south of the Canadian border, making it the longest north-south U.S. Highway in New York.

The stretch to Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County is around 26 miles and is not to be missed. 

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Top 10 scenic drives through the Southern Tier and the rest of NY, ranked by World Atlas