The Adirondack Mountains are spectacular. Take a New York Adirondacks road trip to see these majestic landmarks. These mountains cover nearly 5,000 square miles and they are more than 5 million years old. Since 1892, the area they cover has been designated as Adirondack Park and is a protected area, but 200,000 people live in it seasonally, and 132,000 live there year-round.

As you can imagine or may already know, there is much to explore on an Adirondack road trip. It's a great place to visit for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest draws is its stunning natural beauty. Many people underestimate the Adirondacks, but after visiting, they find that they have fallen in love with the scenery and the environment. Once you've tried it, we are sure you will agree that this mountain trip is one of the best road trips in New York.

Adirondack Park is the largest park in the contiguous United States. Its 9,375 sq. mile area is 1/3 of New York state; it's bigger than Vermont. It's impossible to see it all, but this 250-mile road trip will give you a great overview of the region and its incredible beauty.

For directions, use this Adirondacks scenic drive map.

There are so many sights and views in the Adirondacks that will amaze and excite you. Between the mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests, there's something for everyone to love. You'll see all of these things and more.

1. John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Park - Wells

This road trip begins in Wells at the John Van Alstine and Caroline Ramersdorfer Sculpture Park. Stroll near interesting, large-scale, modern art pieces by the park's namesakes on eight acres along the Sacandaga River.

Although this art is man-made, the way it is placed in the sculpture garden invokes much connection with the natural world. This is a great place to start for this very reason, as you move away from the hustle and bustle of your life and into the serenity of these mountains.

2. Prospect Mountain - Lake George

Take Route 30 north to Route 8 to Wevertown and then head south on Route 28 to Lake George. Here, you can drive to the top of Prospect Mountain for great views of the lake.

3. Bolton Landing - Bolton

From there, drive north on Route 9N along the western shore of Lake George. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state at any time of the year. Once you arrive at the gorgeous Bolton Landing, you will see some truly mind-blowing views.

4. Fort Ticonderoga - Ticonderoga

You'll continue to follow Route 9N all the way along the edge of the lake until you get to Ticonderoga at the top. Here, you can visit historic Fort Ticonderoga. This fort was built by the French in the French and Indian War and was later used in the Revolutionary War, too.

5. The Wild Center - Tupper Lake

Next, take Route 74 west to I-87 north, then take 28N west to NY-30 north to Tupper Lake to visit The Wild Center.

This natural history museum on 115 acres has informative exhibits about the Adirondacks. The biggest draw here, though, is the Wild Walk. It's 1,000 feet of bridges and platforms that allow guests to get above the trees on foot for incredible and unique views.

6. Lake Placid

Now take NY-30/State Rte 3 E to Lake Placid. This mountain town was the home of the 1980 Winter Olympics. There are two lakes, actually. Mirror Lake is small and still and reflects the mountains around it. It's the lake the town is primarily built around. Larger Lake Placid is more active and recreational, but also quite breathtaking.

7. Ausable Chasm

Finally, on one of the most scenic road trips in New York, you'll take NY-86-E to NY-9N north to Ausable Chasm. This incredible sandstone gorge is a surprising sight in New York. It was created by the Ausable River. It's privately owned so you'll have to pay for entry, but you can walk the trails or take a raft or tube through the canyon if you'd like for an additional fee.

You'll be amazed at all the magnificent sights that you'll see on this Adirondacks road trip. This one-of-a-kind road trip is a great way to explore the stunning sights you will find in our beautiful state. Adirondack Park is a remarkable scenic drive in New York and it's likely that you'll want to come back time and time again. It's different and special in all seasons, so visiting this area is well worth it no matter the season or month of the year.

From the fall's fantastic autumn foliage to the summer's lush greenery and winter's snowy wonderland, there is so much to love all year long. Share the fun with your family and friends to really make some unique memories, and be sure you bring your best camera to capture all the lovely vistas all around you. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Adirondack road trip today! If you need some ideas of what to pack, check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide. That way, you will be extra prepared for all the fun you're going to have.