New York State: 10 Places to See on a 2,355 km Route
This 2,355 km route across New York State connects 10 major destinations including New York City, Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, and the Finger Lakes region. The itinerary spans from Buffalo's waterfront to the Catskills, Hudson River Valley, and coastal Fire Island, showcasing the state's diverse landscapes from urban centers to mountain parks and natural waterfalls.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- New York City
- End
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- New York City
- Buffalo — The second largest city in New York State, located on the edge of Lake Erie.
- Letchworth State Park — Known for its dramatic cliffs and over 50 waterfalls centered around the Genesee River's gorge.
- The Catskills — Mountain range featuring scenic hiking trails, artistic communities, and natural waterfalls that inspired 19th-century American landscape painters.
- Watkins Glen State Park & Finger Lakes — Gorge with cascading waterfalls and deep ravines surrounded by elongated glacial lakes renowned for wine production and outdoor recreation.
- Hudson River Valley — Extends along the Hudson River from Troy and Albany in the north through Westchester, north of New York City.
- Fire Island & Long Island — Barrier island and surrounding peninsula offering sandy beaches, charming villages, and seasonal communities popular with New York City day-trippers.
- Lake Placid — A year-round resort town nestled amidst the Adirondack Mountains.
- Woodstock — The most famous town in the Catskills, known for the iconic music festival of the same name and stunning landscapes.
- Watkins Glen State Park — Located in the Finger Lakes region at the southern end of Seneca Lake.
Useful for your trip
- Food
- Try delicious chicken wings in Buffalo's lively downtown, known for this iconic local food.
- Food
- Explore the Hudson River Valley's farm-to-table eateries opened by New York City chefs, featuring organic farms and artisan cheese makers.
- Tip
- Visit Letchworth State Park to see over 50 waterfalls, including three particularly impressive upper, middle, and lower falls reaching 550 feet.
- Tip
- At Watkins Glen State Park, walk a 1.5-mile stretch that passes 19 different waterfalls through a narrow gorge.
- Timing
- Visit Fire Island during summer months when beaches are open for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing, as most activities and hotels close in winter.
- Tip
- Take a boat tour at Niagara Falls to fully grasp the size and power of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
- Tip
- Explore Lake Placid for year-round outdoor activities including snow sports, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, and ice skating.
- Tip
- Take a boat tour through the Thousand Islands to see mansions and tour Bolt Castle in Alexandria Bay.
- Tip
- Visit the Catskills within an hour's drive of New York City for hiking, biking, camping, winter sports, wildlife watching, fishing, and rafting.
- Tip
- Explore Buffalo's revitalized waterfront and enjoy the craft beer scene alongside iconic tailgates at Buffalo Bills games or Sabers hockey matches.
- Where to stay
- At Watkins Glen State Park, many visitors prefer to relax at a local inn after hiking and sightseeing rather than use backcountry camping.
- Tip
- Visit Fire Island's historic sites including the old Fire Island Lighthouse and the atmospheric Sunken Forest.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in New York State - Travel Video