When it comes to travel, half the fun is in the journey. New York City lies about 400 miles south of Niagara Falls USA (about a seven-hour drive) — and between the two cities is a wealth of nature, exploration and culture.
This Scenic New York City to Niagara Falls road trip spans about 460 miles, which is around 7.5 hours of driving time in total. Driving along this route will give you the opportunity to visit one of the most vibrant cities in the world while also exploring the beautiful scenery of New York state. Here’s how to make the most of the trip:
Manhattan to the Mountains
Stop 1: Cold Spring
You will start in New York City, then take I-87 North to Cold Spring. Located 50 miles north of Manhattan on the Hudson River in a rural area steeped in history and rich in natural treasures, rolling hills, biking trails, babbling brooks, antique shops, clothing stores, coffee houses, and restaurants with outdoor dining. Please watch the following video for the glimpses, and overview of Cold Spring:
For more information, please visit Cold Spring, New York page.
Stop 2: New Paltz
From Cold Spring, you will get back on I-87 to head to New Paltz. Discover all the fun things to do in New Paltz! From historic Mohonk Mountain House to Main Street and beyond, there’s something for everyone to love in this funky Hudson Valley town.
Three things you can’t miss (The video is coming soon!)
1. Historic Huguenot Street: 10 acres of beautifully preserved 17th-century homes, buildings, and artifacts. Enjoy guided tours, reenactments and storytelling year-round, plus special candlelight ghost tours in October.
2. Mohonk Preserve: Experience the natural beauty of the Shawangunk Mountains with more than 70 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, biking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.
3. The Testimonial Gateway: View the massive, beautiful stone archway and tower that served as the formal entrance to Mohonk Mountain House from 1908 to 1935. Surrounded by 110 acres and lined with large oak trees, it’s an iconic Hudson Valley site.
Finger Lakes to Buffalo
Stop 3: Ithaca
Your next stop will be Ithaca, which can be reached by taking NY-17. Ithaca and Tompkins County are a great place in New York State to enjoy with the whole family. Between the Discovery Trail, the many parks, and other kid-friendly attractions. A perfect place to keep your waterfall momentum moving forward. Seek out Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca Falls or the towering Taughannock Falls, and then clean up for dinner at the waterfront Boatyard Grill. Watch the below video of some of the great scenic places to visit in Ithaca:
For more information, please visit Ithaca Falls page.
Stop 4: Watkins Glen State Park
After Ithaca, you will go to Watkins Glen by a 35 minutes drive along NY-79 W. Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. Watch the below video of Watkins Glen State Park:
For more information, please visit Watkins Glen State Park page.
Stop 5: Canandaigua
Your next stop will be Canandaigua, a 90 minutes drive via NY-14 N and US-20 W. A charming Finger Lakes town of Canandaigua (the video is coming soon!)
Three things to do in Canandaigua:
1. Kershaw Park
Kershaw Park features 9 acres of park land on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake. The park includes a sidewalk on both sides of Lakeshore Drive, lakefront walkways, beach area, bathhouse, children’s playground, small craft launch area, public dock equipped with a boat pump-out station, landscaping and shoreline protection. Picnic pavilions and an open air gazebo are available. You can take a lunchtime cruise aboard the Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a 19th-century paddlewheel boat at the northern end of Canandaigua Lake – just east of Kershaw Park. Park hours are 6:00AM-9:00PM from October 31-April 30 and 6:00AM-11:00PM from May 1-October 30.
2. Tour Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, Sonnenberg Gardens is a New York State Historic Park offering one of the few remaining estates with a Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion and formal gardens in America. Enjoy the relaxing nature and beauty of its gardens, and learn about the history of this unique place.
3. The Canandaigua Lady
The Canandaigua Lady is a 19th century steamboat replica and an authentic double-decker paddle wheeler operating on Canandaigua Lake. Enjoy a meal or just cruise into relaxation while listening to a captivating narration on their sixty-five ton Mississippi style paddle wheel boat. They offer Lunch, Dinner, and Excursion Cruises during their May through October season. There are tasting and themed cruises throughout the season.
Then it’s on to Buffalo, aka the Queen City.
Stop 6: The Mighty Niagara Falls
From Canandaigua, you will get on I-190 N to travel to your final destination of Niagara Falls. Watch the below video for how to spend a perfect 24 hours in Niagara Falls USA:
For more information, please visit Niagara Falls page.
Back to New York City
You’ve got about a 4- to 5-hour trip back to the city, depending on which way you venture. If you’re OK with taking the scenic route again, consider the following stops:
Stop 1. Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park located in western New York State, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. The park beauty is charming anytime of the year, especially in the fall. When each overlook becomes a masterpiece of its own. Watch the following video for the summer, and fall beauty of Letchworth State Park:
For more information, please visit Letchworth State Park page.
Stop 2. Bear Mountain State Park
Situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails. See below video of Sunset Hike in Bear Mountain:
For more information, please visit Sunset Hike in Bear Mountain page.
Stop 3: New York City
20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City: One of the greatest cities in the world, New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Many of the best places to visit in New York City are within walking distance of each other, or just a short ride away, making this city a delight for sightseeing. Plan your trip with this guide to the top attractions in New York City. Learn more.
Tips: Renting an SUV for your journey can be a convenient choice, as it will give you plenty of room to store any recreational equipment and can provide stability if you happen to be driving in rain or snow.
