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New York State Route 5 Practically Runs Through All Of New York And It’s A Beautiful Drive

New York State Route 5 offers a scenic and historical drive across New York, passing through charming towns and picturesque landscapes.

Updated Apr 23, 2024

Written by 

Christy Articola

If you want to take a scenic drive in New York that will take you almost all the way across the state, try New York State Route 5. Anyone who has driven across New York on I-90 will agree that that route is the fastest way across, but will also tell you that it can be brutal. Route 5 runs parallel to I-90 but instead of boring, interstate driving, it passes through dozens of quaint small towns and through pastoral, picturesque farmland. In fact, this was the route that people took across the state before the interstate was built. Every New York resident today should give it a try. Read on to learn more about it. It starts at the Pennsylvania border on Lake Erie and ends in Albany at I-787, and you'll love the things you see along the way.

1. Chatauqua County

A serene beach scene with two people standing by the water, reflecting sunlight on the waves and a clear blue sky.
Christina Marsh/Google Local

Chatauqua County is where New York State Route 5 begins. There are many lovely small towns and views of Lake Erie along this section of Route 9. You might stop at Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk, pictured here, which is about halfway between the Pennsylvania border and Buffalo.

2. Buffalo

Aerial view of a city skyline featuring various buildings and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Saeed Ullah/Google Local

Buffalo is the largest city you'll pass through on Route 5. This city is known for many things, but much of the beauty here is found in the plethora of Art Deco buildings you'll find here.

3. Genesee County

A serene lake at sunset, reflecting vibrant colors and trees along the shore, with a clear sky above.
Jamie/Google Local

When you leave Buffalo, western New York becomes rural quickly. In the middle of the county, you'll pass through the town of Batavia, and you might stop at the Dewitt Recreation Area on your way out of town to visit Dewitt Lake.

4. Livingston County

A snowy landscape featuring a creek with a stone bridge in the background, surrounded by bare trees.
Paul Bunyan/Google Local

Livingston County is the next county you'll pass through on your journey east. You'll see the towns of Caledonia, Avon, and Lima on the way.

5. Ontario County

A serene seascape at sunset, with dark clouds and gentle waves reflecting the warm hues of the fading light.
Greg Q/Google Local

The next 30 miles on Route 5 will take you through Ontario County. Stop and stretch your legs on the shores of Canandaigua Lake.

6. Seneca County

Historic stone building reflected in calm water, with a chimney and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
Tina Mercer/Google Local

Seneca County is a very historical part of New York; Seneca Falls is the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement in 1848. You can visit many historical buildings here and the National Women's Hall of Fame shown here.

7. Cayuga County

A weathered wooden barn stands in a grassy field, surrounded by trees under a cloudy sky.
J B/Google Local

There are many historical sites in Cayuga County as well. As you pass through this county, be sure to stop in Auburn to visit the Harriet Tubman Homestead.

8. Syracuse

A city skyline featuring modern buildings and a historic church steeple against a clear sky.
DiLu 2021/Google Local

The city of Syracuse is in Onondaga County and it will be the largest city you've passed through since Buffalo.

9. Madison County

A lush green field stretches towards rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
Alex Aved/Google Local

Next up on your journey is Madison County. This county is full of scenic agricultural vistas.

10. Oneida County

A serene waterfall cascades over rocks, surrounded by trees and autumn leaves under a clear blue sky.
Evergray Lokadottr

Oneida County is best known for being home to the city of Utica. The rural areas offer many beautiful hiking spots, including Bartholomew Memorial Park in Vernon shown here.

11. Herkimer County

A green lift bridge spans a calm river, reflecting the structure and surrounding trees under a clear blue sky.
Horst Hermann/Google Local

Many people visit Herkimer County to mine for the area's unique Herkimer diamonds. Little Falls is a beautiful small town along the Mohawk River.

12. Montgomery County

Historic stone house with red shutters, surrounded by green grass and trees.
jim catalfano/Google Local

By the time you reach Montgomery County, you'll be almost all the way across the state. Old Fort Johnson in Fort Johnson, shown here, is a historic home that was built about 1749.

13. Schenectady County

A serene lakeside view with lush greenery and tall grasses under a cloudy sky.
Nurali Virani/Google Local

The city of Schenectady in Schenectady County is famous because Thomas Edison began the company that would become General Electric there. The areas around Schenectady, such as Scotia, have many lovely natural areas.

14. Albany

A city skyline reflects on calm water, featuring modern and historic buildings under a clear blue sky.
Google Local

Finally, 370 miles from where Route 5 began, it ends in New York's capital city of Albany. The parks along the Hudson River here are excellent for walking and biking.

There's nowhere else in the world that's quite like New York. Driving across our great state on New York State Route 5 is a wonderful way to get to know our state a little better and to visit places that you've never been before. Plan your road trip across New York today - you'll be glad that you did!

Are you looking for more great road trips in New York? Check out the article below -- and don't forget to take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-york/incredible-road-trips-ny/

Love all things New York? Check out this amazing footage of Niagara Falls at night:

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