Is This the Most Scenic Road in New York State?

There's a roughly 280-mile long road that winds through the Hudson Valley... and it might be the most beautiful road New York State has to offer.

Finding the "best" road in New York is a tall order. Portions of 44-55, especially as it winds over the Shawangunk ridge (below), is breathtaking, and even the most dangerous road in the state has its perks. So what makes this other state route so special?

44-55 is a beautiful route (above), but is it the MOST beautiful? (Google)

What Makes a "Great" Road?

There are a few factors to take into consideration regarding what makes a great road. Beautiful scenery is a must, but so is the quality of the route. Too many potholes and even the most scenic drive can turn into a nightmare.

One of the most scenic roads in New York State begins in the Hudson Valley and winds its way up to the Adirondack Mountains (Google)

Where Is the Best Road in New York State?

A great road should also have some great stops along the way. Finding hidden towns, restaurants, and other attractions is the backbone of any road trip. Luckily, this route checks all of the boxes.

NY-28 has many scenic views, including Canadarago Lake in Richfield Springs, NY (google)

Drive NY-28 in New York State

The road in question is New York State Route 28, a strip of pavement that takes drivers from Kingston, NY all the way to the Adirondack mountains (below). The route is not only scenic, passing through several mountain ranges as well as leading drivers past numerous lakes, but there are fantastic stops along the way.

New York State Route 28 begins in Kingston, NY and terminates in the Adirondack Mountains (andyarthur.org/)

New York State Route 28 in the Hudson Valley

In the Hudson Valley, NY-28 passes through Woodstock, Bellayre ski mountain, and the picturesque town of Margaretville (below). As the route turns north, drivers are taken to historic Cooperstown, NY as well as numerous parks and wilderness areas.

NY-28 begins in Kingston, NY before winding through Woodstock, Phoenicia, and Margaretville, NY (above) (Google)

Books and Websites Dedicated to NY-28

NY-28 is so popular that it has several websites dedicated to its path, as well as a travel book that highlights its numerous attractions. Feedback from drivers is equally positive, with the general consensus being that the road is spectacular, as long as you're not in a hurry.

The Best Way to Enjoy NY-28

"Rode 28 from start to finish, awesome route on a Harley. Don't be in a hurry to really enjoy take a few days plenty of campgrounds state and private", shared one New Yorker. Check out more local road trips below.

25 "Must See" Places On Your Next Upstate New York Road Trip. Very Cool!

Everybody loves a piece of trivia. A bit of unusual history. A fun factoid. Well, there are volumes of these in Upstate New York and we will visit many of them in the near future.

This is a list of 25 historic sites, roadside oddities, and amazing places that you will not want to miss on your next Upstate New York road trip. I mean, the only place you can actually drive under the Erie Canal? Really? Yes,. And if you feel like you are being watched as you drive along Rt. 28 in the Catskills, well, you are being watched. And what about a grave high up in the Adirondacks where one of the most famous American pop singers who was born in the south is buried. You want more? How about an authentic Egyptian mummy on display? We have it. What about the most famous "little red caboose" in America? Yup, in a Central New York college city. And how about the world's largest chair? Sounds weird doesn't it? But we have it representing a city that once was the second largest furniture making city in America.

All of these and so much more. This is a fun list!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Upstate New York Road Trip! 120 Miles Along Beautiful I-88

This roadtrip gallery takes us along the east-west Interstate I-88, which runs about 120 miles from just outside of Binghamton to just outside of Schenectady. This gallery highlights 16 places to mark down in your journey journal to check out. Places to eat, to enjoy, and to learn from. The trip goes (west to east) through beautiful areas of Upstate New York's mid-section, through parts of Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Schoharie and the edge of Schenectady Counties. Halfway through the trip you will go through the largest city along the highway, Oneonta, and several tiny villages like Afton, Bainbridge, and Unadilla. All have stories to tell.

All of these 16 stops are either on, just off, or no more than 10 miles from I-88. So prepare to take a little roadtrip along one of the Empire State's most beautiful highways, in all four seasons, the Warren Anderson Expressway, also known as I-88.