Thursday, September 24, 2026

I will leave Saturday morning headed toward Syracuse.  Several stops planned along the way but the one im most interested in is the PA Grand Canyon. I'll review my route/others tops and give you an idea of what's in store....Several are places along the way to stop and see waterfalls, a couple of scenic drives in Syracuse.  On Sunday, I will head to Alexandria Bay, NY where I  have a reservation on Uncle Sam Boat Tours at 10 am...its a 1.5 hour drive.  I'll play by ear my stops after that, make a decision on visiting Bolte Castle,  a few other options....then the drive back to Syracuse.  Monday morning will be Green Lake and an approach from north Adirondacks enroute to Caroga Lake.  Tuesday I'll explore Caroga and the area close by.  Wednesday driving to Lake Placid with 3-4 big drives and sites to see, staying over for one night and then Thursday doing Olympic site and other downtown-ish areas before returning to Caroga.  Friday-Sunday is totally up for grabs but probably Loon Lake, Lake George, drive south of Albany.....TBD.  I may well need a day to catch my breath!!  Lol!!  Departing Monday for return drive to home.  Unknown if there will be any stops.  That's basically it.  I'll keep you updated on my plans.

The most scenic and pleasant drive from Syracuse to Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, NY is via Erie Boulevard East transitioning to NY-290 East (Manlius Center Road), offering a relaxed alternative to the highway. [1]
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Route Overview & Highlights
  • Starting Point: Downtown Syracuse, NY
  • Destination: Green Lakes State Park (7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066)
  • Estimated Drive Time: Approximately 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
  • Vehicle Entry Fee: Typically $10 per vehicle during the peak summer and early autumn season. [1, 2]
Recommended Turn-by-Turn Path
  1. Head east out of downtown Syracuse by taking Erie Boulevard East, which runs parallel to the historic Erie Canal corridor.
  2. Continue onto NY-290 East (Manlius Center Road), passing through quiet suburban stretches and scenic creek views.
  3. Turn onto Green Lakes Road (NY-290/Green Lakes Park Dr), which leads directly into the shaded, tree-lined canopy of the state park. [1, 2, 3]
Park Highlights at Your Destination

  • Meromictic Glacial Lakes: View the stunning, crystal-clear turquoise waters of Green Lake and Round Lake.
  • Walking & Hiking: Enjoy the flat, shaded 4.6-mile perimeter trail looping around the main lake. [1, 2]

RAREST😲 Lake in the WORLD: the Magical Green Lakes State Park | Things to do in New York State

The most scenic driving route from Green Lake (in the Town of Caroga, Fulton County or via Green Lake Rd) to Caroga Lake, NY follows NYS Route 29A West, winding directly through the heart of the southern Adirondack forest preserves and lake country. [1, 2]
Route Overview & Highlights
  • Primary Road: NYS Route 29A W
  • Scenery: Dense hardwood and pine forests, rocky streams, and classic Adirondack mountain vistas.
  • Key Sights Along or Near the Way:
    • Pine Lake & Canada Lake: Peaceful waterfront views as the road curves past sparkling glacial lakes.
    • Kane Mountain & Good Luck Cliffs: Excellent nearby spots for a quick scenic hike or panoramic forest overlook if you wish to step out of the car. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Flight over Caroga Lakes N.Y....10-12-15 DJI Phantom 3


 New York trip

The fastest and most direct driving route from Frederick, Maryland to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge) is via US-15 North, taking about 3.5 hours. [1]
Route Overview & Directions
  • Start: Frederick, Maryland
  • First Leg: Take US-15 North straight past Gettysburg and Harrisburg, crossing into Pennsylvania.
  • Connecting Highways: Follow US-15 N / US-11 N, transition onto I-180 West toward Williamsport, and then merge onto US-220 South.
  • Final Approach: Take exit 120 from US-220 S onto PA-44 North toward Pine Creek Township and Wellsboro, the gateway to the gorge. [1, 2, 3]
Travel Details
  • Estimated Driving Time: Roughly 3 hours and 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
  • Primary Highway: Primarily uses US-15 N and regional connecting expressways. [1]
Would you like recommendations for:
  • Best scenic overlooks (like Leonard Harrison or Colton Point)
  • Nearby lodging and dining in Wellsboro, PA
  • Top hiking trails inside the gorge
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The fastest and most efficient route from Pine Creek Gorge (the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon near Wellsboro, PA) to Syracuse, NY is via US-15 North/I-99 North and NY-14 North, which takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes to cover about 152 miles. [1]
Route Overview & Turn-by-Turn
  • The Start: Depart the Pine Creek Gorge area (typically starting near Wellsboro). Take Pearl Street to head east on US-6 East.
  • The Highway Leg: Merge onto I-99 North / US-15 North toward New York. Follow this past the state line into Corning, NY.
  • The Finger Lakes Cut-Through: Take Exit 46 from I-86 E/NY-17 E to jump onto NY-14 North. This scenic stretch takes you right up the west side of Seneca Lake.
  • The Final Stretch: Catch the New York State Thruway (I-90 East) and use I-690 East to bring you directly into downtown Syracuse. [1, 2]
Direct Route Comparison
Route OptionApprox. Travel TimeMileageKey Highlights / Characteristics
Fastest Route (US-15 to NY-14 to I-90 E)2 hours, 50 mins152 milesMost efficient; passes directly through Corning and the Finger Lakes. Includes some tolls on I-90.
Scenic Detour Route (via NY-414 N)3 hours, 10 mins155 milesSwaps to NY-414 North in Corning to take you past Watkins Glen State Park and up the east side of Seneca Lake.
Recommended Pit Stops Along the Way
  • Corning, NY: Home to the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass. It makes a great leg-stretcher exactly 45 to 50 minutes into your trip. [1, 2]
  • Watkins Glen / Geneva: If you take the slightly modified scenic route, a quick stop at Watkins Glen State Park lets you view iconic waterfalls inside a tight, beautiful gorge. [1, 2]
Are you looking to minimize driving time as much as possible, or would you like a fully customized scenic itinerary with specific restaurant and hiking recommendations along the Finger Lakes?
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 Great scenic drives just off Interstate 81 between Frederick, Maryland, and Syracuse, New York, include winding mountain passes, historic river valleys, and rolling farmland detours.

Recommended Scenic Drives Off I-81
  • US-15 North (Frederick, MD to Harrisburg, PA)
    • Route Details: Connects directly from Frederick toward the I-81 corridor near Harrisburg.
    • Scenery & Highlights: Winds past Catoctin Mountain foothills, historic farms, and crosses the Potomac/Susquehanna river basin approaches. Highly rated for fall foliage.
    • Cost: Free. [1]
  • PA-74 North / Wertzville Road (Cumberland Valley, PA)
    • Access off I-81: Exit near Carlisle or Harrisburg.
    • Scenery & Highlights: Runs parallel to the Blue Mountain ridge through rich agricultural farmlands and quiet PA Dutch country towns, offering stunning mountain backdrops.
    • Cost: Free.
  • PA-11 / Endless Mountains Region (Scranton to Binghamton border area)
    • Access off I-81: Exit around Scranton, PA.
    • Scenery & Highlights: Follows the historic Susquehanna River corridor through steep valley walls, rock cuts, and rural Pennsylvania landscapes before climbing north into New York.
    • Cost: Free.
  • US-11 through the Finger Lakes Gateway (Cortland to Syracuse, NY)

posted by robertoreg at 7:13 AM

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