Scenic Fall Drives

The Adirondacks are crisscrossed by backcountry roads and rural routes, passing through small villages offering hidden gems of culinary satisfaction or distilled spirits perfect for a pumpkin spice hot toddy. So, put the top down on your car or let out the clutch on your motorcycle, and head to these top scenic drives for autumn to experience the blurring colors of autumn as you whizz by.

• Blue Ridge Road starts in the town of North Hudson. After you've toured through the Stone Bridge and Caves and, popped into Fort Ticonderoga, head west on Blue Ridge Road toward Newcomb. This remote road cuts right through the northern section of the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest. At one point, you'll drive through a golden tunnel of fall leaves. In Newcomb, continue on Route 28N to Long Lake and stop at Hoss's Country Corner Store for snacks and some shopping. This route is 26 miles from North Hudson to Long Lake.

• Seaway Trail starts in Massena near the Canadian Border and travels around Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River for over 100 miles. Follow the Scenic Byways signs with footprints and waves on them, driving to Alexandria Bay and take a boat tour to Heart Island for a sightsee through Boldt Castle. From Alex Bay, as it's called, head to Clayton and Cape Vincent, stopping at any one of the small fishing towns for a traditional Shore Dinner. In Cape Vincent, tour the Tibbets Point Lighthouse and continue on to Henderson Harbor for some great fall foliage photo opps.

• Black River Trail traverses over 100 miles from the Canadian Border to the city of Rome, but we suggest hopping on in Lowville, home of the annual Cream Cheese Festival held the third Saturday in September. After eating your fill of cheesecake, cheese Danishes and bagels and lox, head south on route 26 driving through rural farm country. Stop at Whestone Gulf State Park to hike along the ridge of the gulf for some really unique photos, and continue south to Turin for a bite to eat at Steak N' Brew.

Put the top down on your car, find your own scenic drive, and head out with your best buddies for a day of exploring.