If you’ve ever experienced the exhilarating thrill of riding a motorcycle, you’ll understand the magnetic pull of the open road. But what if that road twisted upwards into soaring mountain passes? Envision the breathtaking vistas, the adrenaline rush of elevation, and the enigmatic allure of the ascent. Are you ready to conquer the heights and traverse some of New York’s most spectacular landscapes? Dust off your helmet and prepare for the climb! Here are ten remarkable mountain passes within New York neighborhoods, complete with all the information you need for your next adventure.
1. Kancamagus Highway
Location: Lincoln, NH (just a short ride from New York)
Address: Kancamagus Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251
Contact: (603) 536-6100
Website: White Mountain National Forest
While this iconic highway is technically located in New Hampshire, its proximity to the New York border makes it a prime mountain pass for New York bikers. This 34.5-mile stretch boasts stunning fall foliage, rugged mountains, and serene rivers. Emerging from the pines, the breathtaking views at height will fill your soul with wonder and your heart with joy. Pack your camera; every mile is a photo op!
2. Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway
Location: Wilmington, NY
Address: 5024 NY-86, Wilmington, NY 12997
Contact: (518) 946-2223
Website: Whiteface Lake Placid
Short and steep, this highway ascends the magnificent Whiteface Mountain, offering unparalleled sights of the Adirondack High Peaks. The road is an exciting challenge with winding curves and dramatic drop-offs. Just imagine screeching tires, the wind in your face, and the world unfolding beneath you! The summit’s elevator takes you an additional 423 feet higher, where panoramic views await.
3. Mount Marcy Access Road
Location: Keene, NY
Address: Mount Marcy Trailhead, Keene, NY 12942
Contact: (518) 576-2081
Website: Adirondack Experience
Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York, features an access road sure to challenge even seasoned riders. With its twisting turns and gravelled patches, this route is more than just a commute—it’s an odyssey. The area is rife with stunning vistas and lush forest trails. You’ll find yourself entranced by nature’s tranquility juxtaposed against the rush of your motorcycle’s engine.
4. Route 87 through the Catskills
Location: Catskill Mountains, NY
Address: NY-87, Catskill, NY 12414
Contact: (518) 623-1200
Website: Catskill Center for Conservation and Development
Nothing can compare to cruising along Route 87 amid the towering Catskill Mountains. This highway is cradled by rolling hills and vivid foliage, and it’s home to hidden gems like Kaaterskill Falls and charming villages. As you weave through this enchanting landscape, you may come across unexpected encounters, perhaps a wild deer or a hidden diner. Are you up for the challenge of collecting these memories?
5. Route 17 Scenic Byway
Location: Sullivan County, NY
Address: NY-17, Monticello, NY 12701
Contact: (845) 794-3000
Website: Scenic Route 17
Following the seeming contours of the land, Route 17 provides a banquet of stunning views and a delightful riding experience. The byway climbs through verdant valleys and pristine rivers, creating a blend of adventure and scenic marvel. Keep your senses attuned along this route: you never know when the landscape will twist and unveil a hidden waterfall or a quaint farm.
6. Hudson Valley’s Taconic State Parkway
Location: NY-82, LaGrangeville, NY
Address: Taconic State Parkway, LaGrangeville, NY 12540
Contact: (845) 677-0130
Website: New York State Parks
Winding through the beautiful Hudson Valley, this parkway offers an amazing combination of rolling hills and serene vistas. The Taconic State Parkway is meticulously designed, ensuring riders can revel in the scenery without distractions. Glide alongside the picturesque landscape, spotlighting wildflowers, expansive meadows, and the majestic Hudson River. The journey feels almost ethereal as you reach newer elevations.
7. Route 9W – The Palisades
Location: Rockland County, NY
Address: Route 9W N, West Nyack, NY 10994
Contact: (845) 365-2200
Website: Palisades Parks Conservancy
Cutting through the scenic Palisades region, Route 9W is a must-ride for any motorcycle enthusiast looking to experience exhilarating curves and enchanting views of the Hudson River. The stunning cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, making it impossible not to pause. Can you resist the temptation to stop, inhale deeply, and take in the views at the breathtaking turn-offs?
8. Blue Ridge Road
Location: Lake Placid, NY
Address: Blue Ridge Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Contact: (518) 523-2445
Website: Lake Placid Visitor Bureau
This quaint road wraps around the still waters of Lake Placid, providing a blissful ride framed by towering peaks and serene lakes. Encounters with local wildlife are not uncommon here; from majestic moose to playful foxes, every ride feels alive with nature. Venture beyond the usual and find the road less traveled, where serenity and thrill coalesce.
9. Route 73 – The High Peaks Scenic Byway
Location: Keene Valley, NY
Address: NY-73, Keene Valley, NY 12943
Contact: (518) 576-2081
Website: Adirondack Journey
As a hidden treasure within the Adirondacks, Route 73 takes you through ethereal landscapes of towering mountains and expansive valleys. This road paints the perfect picture of what high-altitude motorcycling should be—every turn gifts you another mesmerizing view. How can one resist the magnetic draw of nature’s artistry on this journey?
10. Beartown State Forest
Location: Great Barrington, MA (close enough for an adventurous day trip from NY)
Address: Beartown State Forest, 20 W Main St, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Contact: (413) 528-0330
Website: Massachusetts DCR
This forest offers a challenging ride through unspoiled terrains and offers scenic views of wooded hills. Be sure to stop at the stunning lakes that dot the area, where the reflection of the mountains plays on the water’s surface. Can you navigate this scenic labyrinth and emerge triumphant on the other side?
Embrace the windswept roads, the caress of the sun on your face, and the thrill of the climb. Every notch in the road tells a story, holds a secret, and offers a challenge that awaits your motorcycle’s tire tracks. So gear up and hit the road; these mountain passes in and around New York are beckoning you to jump on your bike and revel in the splendor of high altitudes.
