This Is One of the Most Underrated Road Trips in the U.S.

• Stretching nearly 500 miles, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail follows the shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River through New York and Pennsylvania.
• The route passes charming waterfront towns, Gilded Age castles, historic landmarks, and natural wonders like Niagara Falls.
• An ideal choice year-round, the trail offers everything from fall foliage drives to summer boating adventures.

Stretching nearly 500 miles along the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail is among the most scenic drives in the U.S.

This National Scenic Byway traces a path through charming waterfront towns and quiet stretches of shoreline, with most of it winding through New York State. Whether you embark from Massena, New York, or Erie, Pennsylvania, the route offers endless opportunities to discover local history, experience unique cultural attractions, and soak in breathtaking lakeside views.

Starting in Massena, travelers can explore the region’s Indigenous heritage through cultural programs and exhibits offered by the Mohawk Nation at Akwesane, then head to the nearby St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center for a front-row view of ships navigating the Eisenhower Lock. In Ogdensburg, New York, the Frederic Remington Art Museum celebrates the works of one of America’s most renowned Western artists, while in Alexandria Bay—the gateway to the Thousand Islands—travelers can enjoy the River Walk, sailing excursions, and tours of Gilded-Age landmarks like Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, and the estates of Millionaires’ Row. 

A map of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

Nick Nolte

The Trail continues through Clayton, which has a vibrant arts community showcased at venues like the Thousand Islands Arts Center and the Clayton Opera House. Just down the road are Sackets Harbor and Oswego, home to beautiful waterfront communities, marinas, and the Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, and the Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse. Several state parks are within easy reach, including Chimney Bluffs State Park, known for its sculpted bluffs and easy-to-moderate beachside and wooded trails. 

In Rochester, visitors can dive into hands-on fun at The Strong National Museum of Play, learn about science and the constellations at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and experience thrilling rides at Seabreeze Amusement Park. The city’s renowned craft beer scene has award-winning spots like Strangebird brewery, which serves 24 rotating taps, creative bites, and a curated drink list. Continue west to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, Niagara Falls. From Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S., established in 1885, visitors can ascend the observation tower and board the Maid of the Mist to experience the falls up close. 

A short drive to Buffalo reveals a city rich in cultural venues and unexpected histories. A new free waterfront exhibit, Waterway of Change, highlights the stories of the workers and communities connected to the Erie Canal. The recently restored Michigan Street Baptist Church, once a stop on the Underground Railroad, is an anchor of the city’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, along with the WUFO Black Radio History Collective, the only museum in the country focused on Black radio’s legacy. You can’t come to Buffalo without trying the city’s signature food, and the Buffalo Wing Trail is a fun way to sample several variations of the classic. Conclude the journey with a scenic drive along Lake Erie to Erie, Pennsylvania, where you can explore Presque Isle State Park and the Erie Canal, which recently celebrated its bicentennial anniversary.

The best time to experience the Great Lakes Seaway Trail depends on the kind of adventure you seek. Summer is perfect for warm-weather adventures, from boating to beach days. Fall is perhaps the most spectacular season for scenic drives, with crisp air and fiery foliage. Spring brings wildflowers and quieter trails, while winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing and photography. However, if you plan to visit during winter, exercise extreme caution as road conditions can be hazardous. For a comfortable pace, spend at least five days on the Trail, and pack layers of clothing to adapt to the shifting lakefront weather. Be sure to confirm operating hours and dates, as some attractions are seasonal.