Waterfalls, Lakes & Mountains – A Road Trip through Upstate NY

Niagara Falls has a special place in many Americans' hearts. Its gorgeous and massive falls – visible from both the U.S and Canadian sides of the Niagara River – have been attracting tourists and honeymooners for hundreds of years. A visit to Niagara Falls is a mesmerizing experience. There is so much to explore and enjoy from the amazing view of the falls from both sides of the border, taking a boat ride on the famous Maid of the Mist, trying out an Adventure Pass for access to all major attractions, visiting Bird Kingdom or Clifton Hill for fun activities, attending dinner shows or exploring the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Marineland. It's a great place to spend time with family and friends or even alone, and offers something unique for everyone! Let AdventureGenie help you plan the perfect RV road trip to Niagara Falls!

Note: If you want to visit the Canadian side you will need a passport. The Canadian side offers more amenities. AdventureGenie does not (yet) have campgrounds in Canada, but you can stay on the American side and visit the Canadian side (if you bring your passport).

Imagine steep waterfalls cutting through rocky gorges. Add freshwater lakes, history, charming towns, an abundance of world-class state parks, and you have the Finger Lakes! Located a few hours’ drive from Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes are a series of 11 beautiful glacial lakes and are one of the best destinations for outdoor activities in the state. With lush rolling hills, forests, and waterfalls, this area provides plenty of options for hiking, camping, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Picking which of these gorgeous lakes to stop at is a conundrum for sure! Enjoy a relaxing boat ride across these tranquil waters or take a scenic drive on its many picturesque roads to explore interesting attractions like Watkins Glen State Park with magnificent gorges and 19 waterfalls. The region is rich in cultural heritage with historical sites like Seneca Falls, offering unique insight into the past. Whether you are looking for adventure or leisurely escapes, this captivating place will not disappoint! While you can’t go wrong with any of the Finger Lakes, we have chosen the Watkins Glen State Park area on Seneca Lake – but feel free to change stops in our Trip Planner after you select “Take this Trip.”

Cooperstown, New York, with its Baseball Hall of Fame, is an iconic stop on an American road trip. Most folks don’t know that Cooperstown also has an historic diamond mine, caverns, a picturesque lake, and an utterly charming town. Even those who aren’t avid baseball fans will enjoy Cooperstown

About 200 miles northeast of the Finger Lakes (and 100 miles northeast of Cooperstown) is another long, thin and beautiful lake in the Adirondack Mountains on the border of Vermont and New York State. Lake George is popular as a vacation playground – with boating, fishing, hiking, dining, and loads of natural beauty. Accommodations range from ultra-posh to rustic, and everything in between. Plenty of campgrounds and state parks make this an ideal spot on your RV road trip to Lake George and Upstate New York. Be sure to check out the lovely town of Saratoga Springs (just south of the village of Lake George) with its famed thoroughbred horse racing track and outdoor performing arts center. Starting in 1864, the track has hosted the Travers Stakes, the oldest major thoroughbred horse race in the United States. The track is open July – September annually. The town of Lake George is busy during the summer months but does offer loads of amenities. Bolton Landing and Diamond Point are also great lakeside towns.

About 90 minutes north of Lake George is another charming mountain lake town. Lake Placid is famous for hosting both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and is a great winter sports destination. But Lake Placid, much like Lake George, is a wonderful playground in the summer and stunning when fall colors are gleaming. Adirondack Park’s 6.1 million acres (larger than Yellowstone, Glacier and Everglades National Parks combined!) are ready to be explored with great hiking, rivers, streams and wildlife. The Olympic Center and Museum showcase the area’s Olympic legacy and the 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” when the underdog U.S. Men’s Hockey Team triumphed over the U.S.S.R. The town of Lake Placid actually sits on the shores of Mirror Lake, just north of its namesake lake. Spot some of the Adirondack Great Camps which were constructed during the Gilded Age by the wealthy to blend into the natural environment. The mountain lake vistas and fresh mountain air will delight, no matter when you visit. Let AdventureGenie help you plan the perfect RV road trip to Lake Placid and the Adirondacks!