Below are three road‑trip ideas that begin a few hours from New York City and end with rosy cheeks, photo‑filled phones and maybe a newfound appreciation for our state’s past.
Discovering Old Neversink
The Neversink Reservoir in Sullivan County holds more than water – it hides a town. Along Route 55 you’ll see the glint of ice on the reservoir, but what lies beneath is the 1798 village of Old Neversink. Before 1941 the hamlet had a two‑room schoolhouse, a covered bridge and a tidy main street. To create the reservoir, the Board of Water Supply flooded both Neversink and nearby Bittersweet. Today, visitors driving the loop road around the lake can pull over at small parking areas to read interpretive signs and imagine what life once looked like. Locals say that during drought years you can catch a glimpse of the old bridge peeking above the water – a detail that sparks kids’ imaginations. The shoreline path is quiet in winter, making it easy for families to explore, throw snowballs and share a thermos of hot chocolate. Afterward, stop in the nearby town of Neversink (now relocated uphill) for a warm meal at a local diner.
Skating on Otsego Lake and Warming Up at Ommegang
Three hours northwest of the city, Glimmerglass State Park near Cooperstown turns into a winter postcard. Frozen Otsego Lake becomes a natural skating rink; well‑marked trails invite cross‑country skiers, snowshoers and even snowmobilers. The white blanket covering the lake and surrounding hills makes everything look like a painting. Families can spend a morning gliding over the ice, then warm up in the park’s warming hut with snacks and stories. A short drive away, Brewery Ommegang offers its own cozy retreat. Parents can sample Belgian‑style brews while kids enjoy hot pretzels, poutine and live music. The cavernous barn and twinkle lights make it a perfect place to defrost and flip through photos of rosy‑cheeked kids on the lake. When it’s time to head back, drive through the charming town of Cooperstown for a quick peek at the National Baseball Hall of Fame before returning to your winter wonderland in New York City.
Mirror Lake, Dog Sleds and Whiteface Views
Lake Placid’s Mirror Lake may be the most iconic frozen playground in the Adirondacks. In mid‑winter the lake typically freezes solid, and a two‑mile track is cleared for skating and cross‑country skiing. Free public hockey rinks invite spontaneous games, and there’s even a toboggan chute that sends riders more than 1,000 feet across the ice. For a memory straight out of a storybook, book a dog‑sled ride and let a team of huskies pull the kids across the snow. After all that action, wander down Main Street to visit boutiques and stock up on small‑batch cocoa at Adirondack Chocolates. If you’re still craving adventure, drive up to Whiteface Mountain for a gondola ride with 360‑degree views of the High Peaks, then indulge in sugar waffles and hot chocolate from the Waffle Cabin. Between the icy lake, snow‑capped mountains and warm cafes, Lake Placid feels like stepping into a winter movie.
Why These Trips Matter
Each of these road trips combines history, outdoor play and culinary rewards. Neversink teaches kids about sacrifice and resilience while giving them an eerie, beautiful landscape to explore. Glimmerglass balances frosty fun with the comfort of warm food and local music. Mirror Lake and Lake Placid mix Olympic history with simple joys like skating, sledding and sipping cocoa. Together, they show families that winter is not a season to hide from but an invitation to slow down and connect.
Before you head out, remember to check weather and road conditions, pack extra layers and make sure your vehicle is up for the journey. If you’re trying to decide whether a sedan or minivan suits your family, the experts at Drivo break down the pros and cons for New York road trips. For snowier destinations like Lake Placid, an SUV from Drivo’s winter‑ready lineup offers extra ground clearance and space for skates and sleds. Wherever you go, bring a thermos of marshmallow‑topped hot chocolate and a camera – winter memories fade faster than snowflakes, and these trips deserve to be savored.
