This Adventure-Filled New York Road Trip Will Take You To 5 Little Known And Unforgettable Destinations
By Lisa Sammons|Published August 31, 2021
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
Anyone who’s ever spent any time in the Empire State knows we’ve got some really incredible scenery. We have the Adirondacks and the Catskills, plus numerous waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and so much more. You could take a road trip every weekend and still not see all the natural wonders in New York! One of our favorite road trips is the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway that winds around the stunning Cayuga Lake. Not only does the trip have incredible views, but there are also some fantastic places to stop along the route. Get your playlist ready, fill up the tank, and get ready to hit the road, because you’re about to drive one of the most scenic roads in New York.
The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway wraps along Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. Cayuga has 91 miles of shoreline and this scenic byway will take you along just about every inch of it. The scenery in this area is beautiful no matter what time of year you take the drive.
We'll start our trip in the little hamlet of Jacksonville, towards the southwest tip of Cayuga Lake. This tiny spot is not too far from Ithaca, but starting here will allow you to hit up Bet the Farm Winery. One of many gorgeous wineries in the region, this spot offers up some delicious blends.
Bet the Farm Winery, 4204 Krums Corners Rd, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA
After enjoying the tasting room, hit the road again and continue following along Cayuga's shores. You'll drive through Ithaca, which is a great spot to fill up or sight see if you want to make this a longer trip.
Can't get enough stunning lake views? Stop by Beebe Lake in Ithaca. Located on the Cornell campus, there are lots of beautiful trails where you can get out and stretch your legs. This is an area with nutrient-rich soil that's filled with all kinds of plant and animal species.
Keep heading north along Cayuga Lake and you'll hit 1833 Kitchen and Bar in Aurora. This tasty spot offers a varied menu and incredible lake views. The farm-to-table restaurant has been around for nearly 200 years, and most of the food served comes from right here in the Finger Lakes region.
1833 Kitchen & Bar, 391 Main St, Aurora, NY 13026, USA
Now that you've had a bite to eat, let's go sight seeing! You'll continue along the lake heading north, enjoying exquisite farmland along the way. This is truly some of the most incredible scenery in all of New York.
Back on the road, at the very north tip of the lake, you'll find Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. This 10,000-acre preserve boasts incredible marsh scenery. There are several roads through the refuge, so you don't have to exit your car unless you want to. The refuge is home to hundreds of wildlife species, bird and mammalian alike.
Montezuma National Wildlife Reserve, Tyre, NY 13148, USA
You'll continue around Cayuga Lake heading south. This is prime New York wine country, and you'll pass a number of beautiful wineries as you continue your drive.
Your trip will end just above where you started, at the stunning Taughannock Falls State Park. The crown jewel of this attraction is its namesake, Taughannock Falls. The amazing 215-foot drop is the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
What are you waiting for? Fill up your car (preferably with off-road capabilities!), grab some snacks, and hit the Cayuga Lakes Scenic Byway for one of the most beautiful road trips in New York.
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