Upstate New York is no stranger to epic road trips–but one sprawling scenic byway deserves way more attention than it gets.
Stretching 170 miles across northern New York, the Olympic Trail links the shores of Lake Champlain to Lake Ontario, cutting right through the heart of the Adirondacks.
It’s the kind of drive where every hour feels completely different–mountain peaks give way to farmland, Olympic villages turn into waterfront sunsets, and scenic overlooks seem to appear around every bend.
And somehow, it’s still flying under the radar.
One of New York’s most underrated scenic road trips
The Olympic Trail isn’t just about getting from point A to point B–it’s a full-on journey through one of the most historic and naturally beautiful regions in the state.
Running through the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park, the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous U.S., the route is packed with dense forests, alpine lakes, and charming small towns that feel frozen in time.
But what really sets this drive apart is its connection to the Winter Olympics.
The trail passes through Lake Placid–one of only a handful of places in the world to host the Winter Games twice–where you can still visit iconic venues and soak in that Olympic legacy.
Think of it as a road trip that blends national park-level scenery with real, living history.
What you’ll see along the way
With so much ground to cover, you can easily break this route into a few unforgettable stops–or tackle it as one long, scenic adventure.
Here are some highlights worth pulling over for:
🗻 Lake Placid & Olympic sites
Step into winter sports history in Lake Placid, where you can visit ski jumps, arenas, and training centers that still host athletes today.
Even if you’re not into sports, the surrounding mountain views are worth the stop alone.
⛰️ High Peaks region
As the route winds deeper into the Adirondacks, you’ll pass some of the tallest mountains in New York. This is prime territory for hiking, photography, and those jaw-dropping panoramic overlooks.
🚣 Adirondack lakes & waterways
From quiet ponds to expansive lakes, the trail is dotted with places to kayak, fish, or just take in the scenery. It’s a dream for anyone who loves being on the water.
⛲️ Charming small towns
Expect classic Adirondack villages with local shops, cozy diners, and that laid-back, unplugged feel that’s hard to find near the city.
🌊 Lake Champlain & Lake Ontario views
At either end of the route, the landscape opens up to massive bodies of water, offering everything from historic sites to peaceful shoreline views.
Why it’s worth the drive right now
As spring turns to summer, the Olympic Trail really comes alive. Wildflowers bloom, hiking trails reopen, and lakes become perfect for paddling and swimming.
It’s also far less crowded than some of New York’s more famous scenic routes–meaning you can actually enjoy the views without bumper-to-bumper traffic.
And while it feels like a faraway escape, it’s still a doable long weekend trip from New York City if you plan it right.
The route at a glance
- Route: From Lake Champlain to Lake Ontario
- Region: Northern New York / Adirondacks
- Best time to go: Late spring through fall
- Vibe: Mountains, Olympic history, lakeside towns, and wide-open scenery
How to get there from NYC
The Olympic Trail is most commonly accessed by heading north from NYC via I-87 (the New York State Thruway / Adirondack Northway) into the Adirondacks.
It takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours to reach the Lake Placid area–often considered the heart of the route–depending on traffic and stops.
The drive passes through Albany (about 2–2.5 hours from NYC) and Lake George (about 3.5–4 hours total) before you start hitting the mountain scenery of the Adirondack Park.
From there, you’re right in the Olympic Trail corridor, with access to Lake Placid and onward routes toward Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario.
If you’re looking for a road trip that combines bucket list views with a story to tell, the Olympic Trail might just be New York’s most underrated adventure.
