This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through New York’s Harriman State Park, And It’s A Breathtaking Journey

New York State is full of so much beauty, and there are so many incredible and memorable places to visit. We're so lucky, too, to have such an extensive state park system - there are 180 of them in all. Harriman State Park is one of our state's largest parks. It's popular with outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, but one fun and easy way to experience the park is by driving along Seven Lakes Drive. This scenic drive in Harriman State Park covers 18 miles and, you guessed it, passes seven beautiful lakes. Read on to learn more about it.

Harriman State Park is one of the biggest state parks in New York; it's in Rockland and Orange Counties. In fact, it's our state's second biggest after Allegany State Park out in Cattaraugus County. It was established in 1910 and covers 47,527 acres.

Harriman State Park is very popular because it's so close to our state's biggest population center - New York City. It's only 30 miles north of The Big Apple.

There are over 200 miles of hiking trails in the park, but another great way to see it is by car. Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park actually begins (or ends, depending on which way you're headed) in neighboring Bear Mountain State Park, but it only passes through it briefly.

The majority of the route's 18 miles crosses Harriman State Park diagonally northeast to southwest. The Seven Lakes Drive starts in Highlands, New York, and ends in Sloatsburg.

Along the way, you'll pass seven beautiful lakes. Queensboro Lake, in Highlands, is the first one.

Next, you'll pass Silver Mine Lake in Woodbury.

Lake Tiorati is next. If the weather's nice, you can stop there for a swim!

The beaches here are phenomenal.

Just look at how calm that water is!

Lake Tiorati is partially in the town of Tuxedo. So are the next few lakes. This is Lake Askoti.

Lake Skannatati is the fifth lake you'll pass on this journey. Every lake on this list has some trails around it, so be sure to get out and explore.

Many of these trails are, of course, waterfront hikes... but you'll find yourself immersed in the trees too.

Lake Kanawauke is the last lake that lies within the town of Tuxedo, but it's not the last lake on this New York scenic route!

The last of the seven lakes on Seven Lakes Drive is Lake Sebago in Haverstraw.

The Seven Lakes Drive in New York is special and memorable, and it's also a very easy way to enjoy some of the incredible beauty that our great state has to offer, whether you pull over to hike and camp or just admire the beauty from afar. If you've been looking for scenic drives in New York, you're sure to love this one!

Are you looking for more scenic road trips in New York? We've got a full year of road trip itineraries already planned out for you. While you're out and about hiking and exploring, make sure you've got everything you need - a trail app included!