Whether the sun is out and New York’s scenery is alive and full of color, or that fall foliage is hitting just right, NY’s seasonal bucket lists to keep us busy. But sometimes our residents just need to take a day where we hit the road and enjoy the beautiful views from the pavement. Windows down and sunglasses on, now is the perfect time to grab some road trip snacks and take a carefree drive on one of these beautiful scenic byways in New York:

1. Upper Delaware Scenic Byway
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, 585 NY-97, Sparrow Bush, NY 12780, USA
Firoz Ansari/Flickr
A truly breathtaking drive to take along the Delaware River, this 70-mile stretch of New York on Route 97 is something every resident should experience. The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway from Narrowsburg to Callicoon is particularly beautiful and should be included on your bucket list.
2. Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Inc., 121 E Court St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Nicholas Schooley/Flickr
This byway may be the most beautiful and exciting drive to appear on our list! Forming a nearly 90-mile loop around Cayuga Lake, the drive can be made in under 3 hours if you keep it strictly about driving. Our suggestion? Take an entire day to enjoy driving around the longest of New York's Finger Lakes. From wildlife refuge's to wineries and waterfalls, taking this scenic drive will forever amaze you.
3. Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway
Catskill Mountains, Shandaken, NY 12464, USA
rmbarricarte/Getty
If you've ever traveled along this 50-mile stretch of scenic byway than you'll know its tight and curving roads make it hard to forget. Bringing you right through the heart of the Catskills, the Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway will have you pulling over to soak in all of the views every chance you get! From gorgeous mountains to wonderful waterfalls, there's plenty to look at on this drive.
4. High Peaks Byway
New York 73, NY-73, Lake Placid, NY, USA
Andy KRAKOVSKI/Getty
Who's ready to ride the remarkably stunning Route 73? Taking you right through the Adirondack High Peaks region, this drive will have you surrounded by over 40 mountains with elevations of over 4,000 feet. Talk about beautiful scenery! A peaceful and remote area, the byway not only has you pass by beautiful mountains, but you'll also see picturesque lakes, ponds, and waterfalls! To enjoy the High Peaks Scenic Byway, get off the Northway at Exit 30, and spend the next hour enjoying the views of Route 73.

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5. Route 20 Scenic Byway
U.S. 20, US-20, Albany, NY, USA
NYroadside/TripAdvisor
108 miles of one of the best New York scenic byways, Route 20 is one of a kind. Running from Schenectady County to Onondaga County, this route takes you across the central region of our state where you'll be amazed by many of our attractions. Once the longest road in the country, this scenic byway is now loved for its quirky roadside attractions, historic places to visit, and beautiful landscape.
6. Durham Valley Scenic Byway
Scenic View Road, Scenic View Rd, Durham, NY, USA
Paul Constantin/GoogleReviews
Pictured above you can see one of the many amazing sights you'll come across on the Durham Valley Scenic Byway, Hull-O-Farms. Another beautiful byway in the Catskills, the Durham Valley Scenic Byway is a 21-mile stretch of scenic road that passes by the Five State Lookout and many other noteworthy areas.
7. Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, New York State
Shawangunk Mountains, Gardiner, NY 12525, USA
Thomas Jackson/Getty
One of the most thrilling places you can go rock climbing in our state, the Shawangunk region of New York is unforgettable. With over 80 miles of road to explore, this drive features beautiful lookouts and connects New Paltz with other rural routes like 208, 209, 44, 55 and more! While you're traveling the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, don't just ogle the beauty, though. Get out in it!
8. Palisades Scenic Byway
Palisades Interstate Parkway, Palisades Interstate Pkwy, United States
johnrob/Getty
A breathtaking byway we share with our wonderful New Jersey neighbors, this spot on our list is actually on the National Register of Historic Places! The national landmark began its construction back in the late 1940's, many parts of the original highway are still functioning. Roughly 20 miles of this road falls within New York territory, while the rest of it continues on beyond the state line.

Have you ever taken a trip down one of these scenic byways in New York? Share with us what other beautiful and scenic drives you enjoy taking in our state!

Of course, we know that some of the BEST spots in New York are found off the beaten path and well away from New York’s highways. For a relaxing day trip, why not sit back and sip in nature at one of the state’s prettiest vineyards? In fact, why not spend the whole weekend?? This vineyard farmhouse is the perfect spot to sip and stay!

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More to Explore

New York Scenic Byways & Related Info

Jennifer | August 16, 2023

Does New York have any scenic byways?

To be fair, the Empire State has so much natural beauty that ANY of our roads could be considered scenic! However, New York has 30 official scenic byways (both national and state), as well as numerous scenic roads and state parkways that crisscross every region of the state. Some of the scenic byways in New York include:

 

What are some of the most beautiful places in New York?

From fantastic waterfalls and canyons to lakes, geologic formations, parks, and man-made natural wonders, some of our favorite beautiful places in New York include:

 

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