11 of New York’s Stunning Scenic Byways to Explore this Fall

Take the scenic route this fall in New York State! The changing leaves make for a backdrop unlike any other, as the colors of autumn paint the state’s most magnificent landscapes in yellows, oranges, and reds. From breathtaking routes through the Adirondack Mountains to peaceful drives along the ocean on Long Island, there are all kinds of paths to explore this fall. If you’re ready to hit the road, read on for 11 of the state’s stunning scenic byways and start planning your next fall escape in New York State. 

Great Lakes Seaway Trail (Various regions)

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Spanning a total of 518 miles from New York to Pennsylvania, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail follows a gorgeous route along the border of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. 454 miles of this scenic byway runs through New York, starting in Massena and ending in Ripley (the official end is in Erie, PA) where you’ll cruise past amazing water views, quaint villages, rolling farmland, 26 lighthouses, harbors, and more, all surrounded by unforgettable fall foliage.

Things to do along the Great Lakes Scenic Byway:

• Explore a variety of vibrant towns and cities like Alexandria Bay, Clayton, Sackets Harbor, Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. 

• Walk in the footsteps of history at sites like Sackets Harbor Battlefield and Fort Ontario State Historic Site.

• Marvel at magnificent museums like the Frederic Remington Art Museum, Antique Boat Museum, George Eastman Museum, Strong Museum of Play, and Buffalo AKG Art Museum.

• Soak up breathtaking natural beauty at Chimney Bluffs State Park, Niagara Falls State Park, and  Tibbetts Point Lighthouse.

• Walk the halls of luxurious historic castles like Boldt Castle (until October 13, 2026) and Singer Castle (until October 18, 2026), accessible via Clayton Island Tours.

Adirondack Trail (Adirondacks)

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Consistently rated as having some of the best fall foliage in the country, a scenic drive through the Adirondacks is a must. The Adirondack Trail is the perfect way to soak up views of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, which is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks combined! This 188-mile byway goes straight through the park where you’ll pass by glacial lakes and ponds, magnificent mountain views, and natural beauty galore. 

Things to do along the Adirondack Trail:

• Meander through the peaceful mountain towns of Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.

• Hike to new heights at Panther Mountain (Saranac Lake Wild Forest) and Rock Lake Trail (Blue Mountain Wild Forest). 

• Hit the water on a paddling excursion at Upper, Middle, and Lower Saranac Lake or the St. Regis Canoe Area. 

• Learn the history of the region at museums like Adirondack Experience Museum, Paul Smiths College VIC, and the Wild Center & Wild Walk.

Route 20 Scenic Byway (Various regions)

Rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and quaint towns await along the 108-mile Route 20 Scenic Byway. Part of the 3,300-mile historic Transcontinental US Route 20 highway, the New York Scenic Byway portion of Route 20 runs from Duanesburg in Schenectady County to LaFayette in Onondaga County, passing through gorgeous fall scenes in the Capital-Saratoga, Central New York, and Finger Lakes regions.

Things to do along the Route 20 Scenic Byway: 

• Plan to stop at must-visit attractions like Howe Caverns, Lorenzo State Historic Site, National Baseball Hall of Fame, and Fly Creek Cider Mill.

• Wander through charming small towns like Sharon Springs, Cherry Valley, Cazenovia, and Cooperstown.

• Dive into outdoor adventure at Cazenovia Lake, Erie Canal Cruises (Herkimer), and Glimmerglass State Park.

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (Catskills & Hudson Valley)

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Follow the Delaware River along the New York border for an autumnal drive that’s sure to leave you spellbound. Often coined as one of the most beautiful drives in the east, this 70-mile portion of NY Route 97 stretches from Port Jervis up to Hancock, where you’ll uncover stunning foliage-lined river views, historic hamlets and small towns, dramatic cliffs, sweeping vistas, and impressive rock formations. 

Things to do along the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway:

• Stroll friendly towns and hamlets like Port Jervis, Barryville, Narrowsburg, and Callicoon.

• Travel back in time at historic sites like Fort Decker, Minisink Battleground, and Fort Delaware

• Go birdwatching at the Barryville Eagle Observation, Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, and Tusten - Ten Mile River-Mountain Trail (requires some hiking).

• Plan a paddling adventure on the Delaware River.

Seneca Lake Scenic Byway (Finger Lakes)

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If you’re looking for a shorter scenic drive that has no shortage of breathtaking fall beauty, the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway is the drive for you. This 19-mile drive connects Watkins Glen, Hector, and Lodi on NY Route 414, showcasing the region’s natural beauty at stops that include hidden gem waterfalls, caverns, and gorges, vibrant wildlife, lush forests, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Historic sites and sprawling vineyards also line the route, a must-stop this time of year. 

Things to do along the Seneca Lake Scenic Byway:

• Wonder at dazzling waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park, Hector Falls, Templar Falls, or the Excelsior Glen Waterfall.

• Spend time out on the water with Seneca Lake Kayak, True Love Schooner, and Captain Bill’s Seneca Lake Cruises.

• Soak up stunning fall views on a hike to the Sugar Hill Fire Tower, through the Finger Lakes National Forest, or Sampson State Park. 

• Get a taste of the Seneca Lake craft food and beverage scene at more than 60 restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and breweries.

Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway (Hudson Valley)

Just 90 miles north of New York City will land you in the majestic Shawangunk Mountains, home to awe-inspiring fall hues, small town vibes, and mountain views galore. Affectionately known as “The Gunks” to locals, this 88-mile scenic byway encircles the northern Shawangunk Mountains, traveling through the beautiful Roundout and Wallkill Valleys. 

Things to do along the Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway:

• Go biking or hiking at the Mohonk Preserve or along Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.

• Experience amazing fishing on the Wallkill River or Rondout Creek.

• Soak up fall farm fun at Kelder’s Farm or Dressel Farms

• Explore idyllic small towns like New Paltz, Rosendale, or Gardiner.

Lakes to Locks Passage (Adirondacks & Capital-Saratoga)

History lovers looking to experience fall splendor should follow the 230-mile Lakes to Locks Passage. This storied byway follows the interconnected waterway of the Upper Hudson River, Champlain Canal, Lake George, and Lake Champlain leading you through six New York counties packed with stunning scenery, charming towns, tranquil landscapes, mountain and lake views, and outdoor adventure. Pair your journey with a lesson about the area’s rich history with the Lakes to Locks Passageports, immersive audio guides packed with history, travel tools, music, drama, pictures.

Things to do along the Lakes to Locks Passage: 

• Don’t miss scenic must-stops like Ausable Chasm and the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island.

• Step back in time at historic sites including Fort Ticonderoga, Old Fort House Museum, Saratoga National Historical Park, Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site, and Crown Point State Historic Site.

• Plan an unforgettable outdoor adventure with activities like paddling along the Lake Champlain Blueway Trail or hiking at Point Au Roche State Park and Peebles Island State Park. 

• Explore walkable downtowns like Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, and Ticonderoga.

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Catskills)

Escape to the enchanting Catskill Mountains this fall with a relaxing drive along the 52-mile Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway. As you make your way through the heart of the Catskills, you’ll primarily follow NY Route 28, with short extensions along NY Route 42 and 214. Mesmerizing mountain vistas, sprawling farmland, and picture-perfect hamlets and villages await you on your drive. 

Things to do along the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway:

• Stroll charming mountain towns like Phoenicia, Fleischmanns, Margaretville, Olive, Shandaken, or Andes.

• Stretch your legs and get outdoors with a hiking, biking, paddling, or fishing adventure. 

• Experience amazing area attractions like Emerson Resort with an award-winning spa, the world’s largest kaleidoscope, and shopping, the Ashokan Rail Trail for a stroll or bike ride, or Belleayre Mountain for a scenic gondola ride through the mountains. 

North Fork Trail Scenic Byway (Long Island)

Foliage meets seaside splendor on Long Island along the 36-mile North Fork Trail Scenic Byway. From Southold to Orient Point, you’ll get to experience an array of landscapes from charming hamlets and villages and renowned wineries to gorgeous farmland and wild wetlands, all sprinkled with glimpses of the ocean and shoreline. Your journey concludes with an uninterrupted view of the Atlantic Ocean stretching into the horizon. 

Things to do along the Nork Fork Trail Scenic Byway:

• Soak up oceanside scenery at Horton Point Lighthouse and Orient Point County Park.

• Wander through adorable coastal towns like Southold, Greenport, and Orient.

• Tour local favorites like the East End Seaport Museum and Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. 

• Get a taste of Long Island Wine Country at Kontokosta Winery and Paumanok Vineyards. 

Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway (Greater Niagara & Chautauqua-Allegheny)

Take a beautiful fall drive along this 108-mile scenic loop that runs through the Greater Niagara and Chautauqua-Allegheny regions. Located just southeast of Buffalo, the Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway brings together a series of scenic highways that’ll lead you through the foothills of the enchanted Allegheny Mountains, and past quaint towns and villages, historic sites, and magical natural beauty. 

Things to do along the Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway:

• Stroll through vibrant towns like East Aurora, Ellicottville, and Springville. 

• Step out into the great outdoors at Chestnut Ridge Park, home to the Eternal Flame (pictured), Knox Farm State Park, and Sprague Brook Park.

• Make a stop at popular attractions like the Roycroft Campus, Griffis Sculpture Park, and Holiday Valley Resort for a scenic lift ride. 

Mohawk Towpath Byway, National Scenic Byway (Capital-Saratoga)

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An autumn drive along the Mohawk Towpath Byway never disappoints. Stretching from Waterford to the Stockade District of Schenectady, this 26-mile byway follows the historic Erie Canal and Mohawk River, telling the story of the canal and the role of local communities in the Industrial Revolution and westward expansion of the country. Dramatic waterfalls, diverse wildlife habitats, classic architecture, and beautiful vistas also sprinkle the historic road. 

Things to do along the Mohawk Towpath Byway: 

• Dive into the byway’s rich history at Van Schaick Island, Waterford Flight of Locks, and Mabee Farm Historic Site.

• Get to know historic towns and cities like Albany, Waterford (the eastern gateway to the Erie Canal), and Schenectady. 

• Embark on an amazing outdoor adventure at Peebles Island State Park, Mohawk Landing Nature Preserve, or Cohoes Falls (pictured), perfect for biking, hiking, paddling, fishing, and birding. 

• Go apple picking at Riverview Orchards.

Don't forget to post photos of your New York adventures on Instagram and X with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!