Scenic Byways
The Adirondacks by Car
The Scenic Byways are an exclusive system of 14 scenic driving tours that continue to be an Adirondack attraction for many looking to take in the scenery from a unique perspective. A Scenic Byway is a road with a story to tell. Whether you're looking for a shimmering blue lake with majestic mountain views, a historic fort to explore, or a charming hamlet, all roads lead to fresh experiences and gorgeous scenery in the Adirondacks.
History
The byways each represent a different theme: scenic, natural, recreational, cultural, historical or archaeological. New York state boasts two National Scenic Byways and an All-American Road, the latter passes through the Adirondacks and holds the nation's highest designation.
Travel the route of Vice President Teddy Roosevelt the night he learned that President McKinley had been shot in Buffalo, enjoy a rush from the bobsled track in Lake Placid or learn about the history of the Adirondacks at the museum in Blue Mountain Lake.
And if your into Adirondack motorcycling, the byways are the perfect way to explore the beauty and magnificence of region. A Scenic Byways isn't just a road - it's history, excitement and culture.
Adirondack Byway Maps
This site also features an online interactive Scenic Byways Map. This online map can be used to help you decide which Byways to explore and to find nearby accommodations. The online Scenic Byways maps are not meant to be used for navigation. Please purchase road maps or an atlas for navigation. You can also download the Byways Map.
Browse the scenic byways below for an Adirondack adventure like no other:
Seaway Trail
From Ripley to Messena
New York's Seaway Trail stretches across the state for more than 450 miles, connecting the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and the legendary Niagara Falls. Featured here is the 160 - mile section between Lake Ontario and the 1000 Islands.
Black River Trail
From Rome to Ogdensberg
Running from historic Rome to Ogdensburg's gateway to Canada, the Black River Trail runs for 111 miles along the western edge of the Adirondack wilderness. The scenery is amazing and the opportunities for outdoor recreation are virtually unlimited.
Olympic Trail
From Sackets Harbor to Keesville
Reaching from one great lake to the other, the Olympic Trail is 170 miles long. Beginnings in Sackets Harbor on Lake Ontario, the route passes through Lake Placid - site of two Olympic Winter Games, ending up in Keeseville on Lake Champlain.
Military Trail
From Rouses Point to Massena
The 84-mile Military Trail follows the route traveled by thousands of soldiers during several wars. Linking the St. Lawrence Seaway to great Lake Champlain, the trail runs east to west between the Canadian border and the northern edge of the Adirondacks.
Southern Adirondack Trail
From Scotia to Lake Placid
The Southern Adirondack Trail carries travelers from historic Herkimer and Little Falls, on the Erie Canal, past mountains and lakes and into Adirondack hamlets. Hiking, boating, cycling and fishing are just a sample of the outdoor activities available along the trail. Chances are that visitors will catch sight of some wildlife along the way.
Lakes To Locks Passage
From Waterford to Rouses Point
Visitors may find it difficult to imagine that this pristine, beautiful region has served as a periodic theater of war for hundreds of years. Strategically located Lake Champlain has been the source of many battles through the French and Indian War, the War for Independence and the War of 1812. A portion of the route parallels the Champlain Canal, which has served as both a vital trade route and a recreational route. In addtion to a vivid history, visitors enjoy boating, camping, ferries, cycling, lighthouses and watching for a glimpse of a lake monster named "Champ."
Central Adirondack Trail
From Rome to Glens Falls
The spectacular 140-mile Central Adirondack Trail begins in Glens Falls. The trail runs northwest through the heart of the Adirondack Mountains and proceeds south through dense wilderness to Rome.
Adirondack Trail
From Malone to Fonda
From the old Erie Canal near Fonda to the Ballard Mill Center of the Arts in Malone, the 188-mile Adirondack Trail runs through the core of the Adirondacks, skirting mountain ponds, wild forest areas, and beautiful lakes.
Roosevelt-Marcy Trail
From North Creek to Long Lake
Follow the route of Teddy Roosevelt's wild ride from Mount Marcy to the North Creek Train Station, where he was inaugurated as the 26th President of the United States. This 40-mile jaunt runs from North Creek to Long Lake.
Dude Ranch Trail
Lake George
This is the land of the Adirondack cowboy. Beginning and ending in the Village of Lake George, the Dude Ranch Trail is a 40-mile loop passing horse ranches, lakeside resort villages, and theme parks.
