New York might be famous for the city, but once you get outside of NYC, there’s a world of waterfalls, mountain trails, small towns, and hidden spots waiting to be explored.
This road trip takes you from the busy streets of Manhattan to one of the most stunning waterfalls on Earth, with plenty of surprises along the way.
You’ll drive through the Catskills and the Finger Lakes, visit places that seem out of a movie, and even explore underground for a totally unexpected adventure.
Whether you’re into hiking, history, great food, or just an epic drive, this route has something for you—so get ready and let’s go!
1. NYC
New York City is a giant, fast-paced maze of skyscrapers, food carts, and yellow taxis.
You’ve got world-famous spots like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, plus endless pizza joints, bagel shops, and rooftop bars to check out.
For anyone visiting, a trip to the Statue of Liberty or a Broadway show is a must, but if you live here, you already know this is just scratching the surface.
This city has way too much to fit into a few sentences, so let’s hit the road and discover what else the state has to offer.
2. Roscoe
A few hours north of the city, Roscoe is a small town in the Catskills known as “Trout Town, USA” because of its famous fly-fishing spots.
If you’re into fishing, this place is a dream, with the Beaverkill and Willowemoc Rivers full of brown and rainbow trout.
Even if you’re not into fishing, you’ll find breweries, hiking trails, and classic diners serving up the best upstate breakfast you could imagine.
It’s a total change of pace from NYC, and a perfect spot to slow down before heading deeper into the state.
3. Corning
Next up is Corning, a small city in the Finger Lakes region known for its glass.
The Corning Museum of Glass is the main highlight, with amazing glassblowing demos and exhibits that range from ancient Roman glass to modern art pieces.
You can even try making your own glass ornament or paperweight, though it’s way harder than the pros make it look.
Beyond the glass, Market Street is lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, perfect for a stroll before getting back on the road.
4. Watkins Glen State Park
Not far from Corning, Watkins Glen State Park is a stunning sight, with a winding gorge, 19 waterfalls, and stone bridges.
The Gorge Trail is the main event, leading you through the canyon, behind waterfalls, and up more stone steps than you’d expect—but it’s totally worth it.
If you’re visiting in the summer, expect some crowds, but early mornings or late afternoons are usually quieter.
After the hike, you can cool off with a wine tasting at one of the many Finger Lakes wineries or grab a bite in the town of Watkins Glen, which also happens to be famous for its racetrack.
5. Letchworth State Park
Next up is Letchworth State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
The Genesee River flows through cliffs, creating three waterfalls: Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, including the 107-foot Middle Falls, which looks even more dramatic when it’s lit up at night.
You can hike along the rim, or for a bigger adventure, book a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the whole park from the sky.
It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just stare for a while, but don’t get too comfy—there’s still lots to see on this road trip.
6. Eternal Flame Falls, Chestnut Ridge Park
Before reaching Niagara Falls, there’s one last detour worth taking—Eternal Flame Falls in Chestnut Ridge Park, just outside Buffalo.
This isn’t just any waterfall, behind the rushing water, a small natural gas leak keeps a tiny flame burning inside the falls.
The hike to get there is short but can be muddy, so wear good shoes unless you’re cool with slipping around a bit.
It’s a cool and unusual sight—water and fire in the same spot—and a fun stop before the big attraction ahead.
7. Niagara Falls
Next up is Niagara Falls, the most famous waterfall in the country and the perfect way to experience nature’s power.
The falls are impressive, with over 3,000 tons of water rushing over the edge every second, creating a mist you can feel from blocks away.
For the best view, head to Goat Island, take the Cave of the Winds tour to stand right next to Bridal Veil Falls, or hop on the Maid of the Mist boat and get completely drenched.
It’s loud, it’s massive, and no matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing beats standing right there and watching it in person.
8. Fort Niagara State Park
Next up is Fort Niagara State Park.
Here you’ll find the historic Fort Niagara and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario.
The fort has stood at the edge of the Niagara River for over 300 years, changing hands between the French, British, and Americans, and you can still walk through its old stone buildings and underground casemates.
If you time it right, you might catch a musket demo or a reenactment, but even on a quiet day, the view of Lake Ontario stretching out to the horizon is worth the visit.
It’s a chill way to relax after the excitement of Niagara Falls, and on a clear day, you can even see Toronto in the distance.
9. Seneca Falls
If you’re looping back through New York, make a stop in Seneca Falls, a small town with a rich history.
This is where the first women’s rights convention was held in 1848, and you can visit the Women’s Rights National Historical Park to see where it all took place.
The town is said to have inspired “It’s a Wonderful Life“, so if you’re a fan of the movie, be sure to check out the “It’s a Wonderful Life Museum“, which celebrates this connection.
Between the history, the charming canalside downtown, and the nearby wineries along Cayuga Lake, it’s a quiet but interesting town that’s worth checking out.
10. Green Lakes State Park
Next on the list is Green Lakes State Park, near Syracuse, a cool little spot with two lakes that are so clear and colorful you won’t believe they’re real!
Both Green Lake and Round Lake are meromictic, which means their layers of water don’t mix, creating a bright, almost tropical-looking blue-green color.
You can hike the trails around the lakes, rent a kayak, or just chill on the beach.
It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs before moving on to the next stop on the road trip.
11. Cooperstown
Cooperstown is another great place to stop, especially if you’re into baseball, breweries, or small-town charm.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame is the big draw, full of memorabilia, legendary jerseys, and enough history to keep any baseball fan busy for hours.
Even if sports aren’t your thing, there’s Fenimore Farm & Country Village, a farmer’s museum with a working 19th-century village.
You can also check out ‘Brewery Ommegang’, where you can enjoy some food at the restaurant, try some Belgian-style ales at a tasting, or even have a go at some disc golf.
12. Howe Caverns
For something totally different, Howe Caverns takes you underground into a cave system that’s been hiding beneath upstate New York for millions of years.
A guided tour leads you through winding passageways, strange rock formations, and even a boat ride on an underground river.
The temperature stays a cool 52°F year-round, so bring a jacket unless you don’t mind being cold during the tour.
It’s a wild change from the rolling hills and lakes above ground, and a fun way to experience the trip with a little underground adventure.
13. Hudson
Heading back downstate, Hudson is a small riverfront city full of historic buildings, antique shops, and good food.
Warren Street is the main stretch, lined with unique boutiques, vintage stores, and cafés that make it easy to lose track of time.
If you’re into history, check out Olana, the former home of artist Frederic Church, which has amazing views of the Hudson Valley.
14. Hunter
We’re almost at the end now and Hunter is your next stop.
This is the place to be to enjoy the fresh mountain air of the Catskills.
In the winter, Hunter Mountain is all about skiing and snowboarding, but there’s still plenty to do the rest of the year.
You can hike to spots like Kaaterskill Falls or take the ‘Scenic Skyride’ which (if you’re lucky) gives you views of the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and the Green Mountains of Vermont.
15. New Paltz
Ok, the road trip is almost over.
I’m sad, you’re sad, but let’s enjoy this last stop before heading back to NYC.
New Paltz is a fun little college town where you can enjoy the outdoors and also experience some history.
If you’re into hiking, the Shawangunk Ridge (or “the Gunks”) has some of the best rock climbing and trails in the state, including the stunning Mohonk Preserve.
For a more relaxed experience, stroll down Huguenot Street, one of America’s oldest streets, lined with stone houses dating back to the early 1700s.
Before heading out, grab a bite at one of the town’s many farm-to-table restaurants or stop at a cider house for a drink with a view.
16. NYC
And just like that, the road trip comes full circle, back to the nonstop energy of NYC.
After all the waterfalls, mountains, small towns, and hidden gems along the way, the city might feel even louder and faster than when you left.
Whether you’re heading straight home or grabbing one last meal, this trip shows there’s more to New York than just the Big Apple.
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