This road trip through Upstate New York is the ideal blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and historical interest. It'll lead you off the beaten path to experience New York's charm, which goes far beyond the bright lights of its famous city.
From the towering peaks of the Adirondacks to the shimmering waters of the Finger Lakes, this expertly designed 9-day itinerary will guide you through the very heart of New York State, unveiling diverse landscapes, a wealth of cultural experiences, and plenty of opportunity to mix adventure with relaxation.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Nearest airport: John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport in NYC or Albany International Airport (ALB) in Albany
Best time to go: In general, this road trip is best done between mid June - mid October for the best weather. Note that some things on this itinerary are seasonal and weather dependent, so double check updated information before you go.
May - July are the best time to visit for waterfalls.
Mid-June - early Sept is best for swimming, camping, and hiking
October is the best time to visit for fall foliage. Here's my guide on when/where to see the best fall colors in Upstate New York.
May - July is black fly season in the mountains. Black fly season typically lasts from mid-May to mid-July.
Read more on how to avoid/protect yourself from black flies here:
How to Survive Black Fly Season
How to get around: You'll be doing a lotttt of driving over these 9 days, so you'll definitely need to rent a car to complete this itinerary!
Alternatively, you could rent a campervan through Outdoorsy and search for campsites as you go using The Dyrt app (available for iOS and Android).
**ITINERARY OVERVIEW **
Day 1: Catskill Mountains
Day 2-3: Finger Lakes Region
Day 4: Central New York to Southern Adirondacks and Old Forge
Day 5: Central Adirondacks to Lake Placid
Day 6: Keene Valley
Day 7: Lake Placid and Northern Adirondacks
Day 8: Lake George
Day 9: Lake George to Hudson Valley
Total miles to drive over 9 days: 1110 miles (1770.3 km)
Total drive time over 9 days: 23 hours 24 minutes
Your journey begins in the Catskill Mountains and visit historic towns like Woodstock, with their vibrant arts scene and intriguing history.
From there, your path leads to the awe-inspiring Finger Lakes region. Known for their impressive gorges and scenic waterfalls, the Finger Lakes are also a paradise for wine lovers, with a multitude of vineyards dotting the rolling landscape.
Next, you'll ascend into the high peaks of the Adirondacks, an area rich with outdoor activities. Whether you're exploring a quaint mountain town like Lake Placid, hiking through verdant forests, or discovering the local wildlife, the Adirondacks are sure to leave you with memories to cherish.
Finally, unwind alongside the tranquil shores of Lake George. Here, days are filled with leisurely strolls through charming local shops, waterfalls, and evenings spent enjoying the peaceful lake views.
