Driving across NY State is something I do often. I have taken various routes over the years, most often of course the Thruway, as it is the fastest and easiest.
However, from time to time I have found myself on various parts of the "Scenic Byway Route 20" and seen the signs indicating such. So recently I drove the whole Scenic Byway.
Its about 100 miles from the beginning to the end (US Route 20 is longer than that). It is part of the historic (1927) Transcontinental U.S. Route 20 highway, which is 3,300 miles in length, from the Atlantic Ocean in Massachusetts to the Pacific Coast of Oregon.
From the website:
"The Route 20 scenic byway corridor celebrates Central New York's diverse heritage, natural beauty, and agricultural vitality, and is defined by rolling hills and broad vistas framed in a working landscape, lakes, tranquil communities, and historical places. The visitor experience is a reflection of Americana, a slowdown of time from the stir of the city, a chance to imagine how travelers used the corridor through history and an opportunity to explore a working landscape."
If you find yourself with some time on your hands, this is a very nice drive on a nice weather day. I'm not sure I'd want to do it in a snowstorm or driving rain, its twisty, turny and one lane in areas. But on a nice day, its a great ride.
Through some smaller towns in NYS, the Montezuma Wildlife Preserve, a college town or two, all very quaint areas.
I am looking forward to having the time to do this route again soon. I encourage you to do it as well.
5 stars because its interesting, fun and a nice way to take a drive. read more
