Top 10 New York road trips: Several are in the mid-Hudson region

Ready to hit the road for a brief and scenic getaway? We've got you covered. These road trips are among those within New York that offer stunning views and unique landscapes, according to the World Atlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.

Here are the most scenic roadways in the Empire State.

Interstate 88

The road runs from just north of Binghamton to Schenectady. The 118-mile road passes through numerous villages with farm-to-table restaurants and lesser-known museums.

Howe Caverns lets you explore life underground, starting with a 156-foot descent and taking you along illuminated walkway through limestone corridors with rock formations believed to date back millions of years.

The most beautiful section, according to World Atlas, is between Oneonta and Rotterdam, a small but vibrant town in Schnectady County. Also just off the road in Schoharie Country is Howe Caverns, the largest underground cavern in the northeast.

The 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. Learn the story of the region at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, amble through Harmony Mills Historic District, and gasp at the Cohoes Falls, one of the Iroquois most sacred sites.

Seneca Lake Scenic Byway

The 19-mile-long Seneca Lake Scenic Byway runs along the southeast border of Seneca Lake. It follows New York State Route 414 and starts from near Watkins Glen in Schuyler County, best known for one of the most popular and unique state parks in the Finger Lakes. It goes through to Lodi Point State Marine Park in Lodi, Seneca County, and past Hector Falls, an impressive roadside cascade, as well as several wineries, breweries and distilleries and plenty of spots to grab a bite. Numerous hiking trails and parks are along the route - as are opportunities to swim, boat, fish or bike.

Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway

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. Outdoor enthusiasts should peel their eyes for venues such as Beacon Hill, Gertrude’s Nose Loop or the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. Shawangunk Scenic Byway is best experienced during spring or fall when nature puts on its best and brightest.

Catskill 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-long road follows New York State Route 28, with short extensions along state Routes 42 and 214 through the heart of the Central Catskills. side trips from the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway feature many delicious eateries, historical spots and art galleries. Among some of the more alluring spots are Phoenecia, an out-of-the-way Catskills town loved for its endearing rural charm, Belleayre Mountain Ski Center and Palmer Hill Trail, a nice roadside stop with lovely views.

Seven Lakes Drive

Kanawauke Road and Arden Valley Road, both off Seven Lakes Drive, will offer you sharp turns through wooded areas, while Seven Lakes Drive is a bit more straight.

Although just about 18 miles, expect this drive in the Hudson Valley to effortlessly steal at least half a day. One can take it from the village of Sloatsburg, Rockland County, at the southern entrance to Harriman State Park, to the town of Stony Point, Rockland County, 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 state’s Harriman State Park. 

Hawk's Nest Drive

Hawk's Neck Drive

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

Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway

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

The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway is a trip marked with stunning gorges, verdant vineyards and tangled marshes including the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge at the north end of the lake. The 87-mile-long loop circles Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes, and is made up of several two-lane state highways. Taughannock Falls in Tompkins County is a must-see on the western side of the lake and the village of Aurora in Cayuga County offers storybook charm on the east side of the lake.

Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

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 to Sleepy Hollow NY

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 state. But the stretch to Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County, is around 26 miles and is not to be missed. It starts as a busy urban commercial street, running parallel to the Hudson River. As you head north, you pass numerous state historic sites, including the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park in Dobbs Ferry, and take in sweeping views of the Hudson. It travels through Tarrytown before arriving at Sleepy Hollow, where you will find the hauntingly beautiful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the final resting place of people like Andrew Carnegie, William Avery Rockefeller and Washington Irving.