10 Easy Road Trips from Glens Falls, NY: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Warren County
If you’re based in
Glens Falls, New York and you’ve already hit all your favorite local spots, it might be time to hop in the car and cross that county line. The good news? You’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful and historic places in upstate New York.
In this guide, we’ll explore
10 short out-of-county road trips to nearby spots in
Essex County, Hamilton County, Saratoga County, and Washington County. All of these are outside Warren County, but still close enough for an easy day trip or a relaxed weekend.
1. Lake George’s Big Brother: Schroon Lake (Essex County)
Looking for a lake vibe that’s a little quieter than the big-name spots? Head about an hour north to
Schroon Lake in Essex County.
Here you’ll find:
- A long sandy public beach with mountain views
- Calm water that’s great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming
- Small-town main street with diners and ice cream stands
On a hot July afternoon, this place feels like a classic summer postcard. I once spent an entire day here doing nothing more than swimming, grabbing a burger, and watching the sunset. No schedule, no stress.
Why go from Glens Falls?
You get that Adirondack lake experience without the crowds you sometimes find closer to home.
Approximate drive: About 55–65 minutes north.
2. High Peaks Adventure in Lake Placid (Essex County)
If you want a day trip with a little more “wow” factor,
Lake Placid is hard to beat. This former Winter Olympics host town in Essex County is packed with outdoor fun and cool history.
Things to do:
- Walk Main Street with its shops, cafes, and lake views
- Visit the Olympic Center and see where the “Miracle on Ice” happened
- Ride the gondola or drive to nearby viewpoints for sweeping mountain scenery
Even if you’re not a big hiker, just strolling around Mirror Lake and grabbing a coffee can make for a perfect low-key day.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It feels like a mini vacation in the mountains, but you can still be home by bedtime.
Approximate drive: About 1.5–2 hours northwest.
3. Scenic Drive and Mountain Views on Whiteface Mountain (Essex County)
Want a “top of the world” feeling without a full day hike? Head to
Whiteface Mountain in Essex County.
Highlights:
- The Veterans’ Memorial Highway (seasonal toll road) that winds almost to the summit
- A short walk or elevator ride (depending on conditions) from the parking area to the top
- Panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks that go on for miles
On a clear day, you can see lakes, mountains, and tiny towns below. It’s the kind of place where you suddenly forget about your phone and just stare.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s one of the best scenic drives near Glens Falls and a great way to introduce friends or family to the Adirondacks without a tough climb.
Approximate drive: About 2 hours northwest.
4. Quiet Woods and Wild Waters in Speculator (Hamilton County)
If you’re craving peace and quiet,
Speculator in Hamilton County is a wonderful escape. This area is more spread out, with fewer people and a whole lot of forest.
What you can do:
- Explore nature trails near Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lake
- Go canoeing or kayaking on calm waters
- Enjoy a slow picnic by the shore
Hamilton County is one of the least populated regions in New York, and you can feel it in the best way. You might drive for a while without passing many cars, just trees and water.
Why go from Glens Falls?
When Glens Falls feels busy, Speculator gives you room to breathe and reset.
Approximate drive: About 1.5 hours west.
5. Raquette Lake & Historic Great Camps (Hamilton County)
For a mix of nature and history, head to
Raquette Lake in Hamilton County. This area is famous for its old “Great Camps” built by wealthy families in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
What to check out:
- Boat tours on Raquette Lake (seasonal) with stories about the historic camps
- Kayaking or canoeing along quiet coves and inlets
- Simple lakeside snacks and sunsets you’ll remember
If you like stories about old New York, rustic lodges, and life “back in the day,” this area has a lot of charm.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s a relaxing day trip that feels like you stepped into a different era of Adirondack history.
Approximate drive: About 2 hours northwest.
6. Spa City Charm in Saratoga Springs (Saratoga County)
When you’re in the mood for something livelier—restaurants, shops, and maybe a little nightlife—
Saratoga Springs in Saratoga County is a classic choice.
Top things to do:
- Stroll Broadway with its boutiques, bars, and patios
- Sample the mineral springs in Saratoga Spa State Park
- Hit the Saratoga Race Course (in season) or a summer concert at SPAC
If you’ve never tried the mineral water, be prepared: the taste is, well, unique. But it’s part of the experience.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s one of the easiest and most popular road trips from Glens Falls for dining, concerts, and summer racing.
Approximate drive: About 30–40 minutes south.
7. History and Horses at Saratoga National Historical Park (Saratoga County)
Just a bit farther south in Saratoga County, you’ll find
Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of one of the most important battles of the American Revolution.
What to do:
- Drive the scenic tour road with lookouts and historic markers
- Walk easy trails through fields and woods
- Learn about the Battle of Saratoga at the visitors center
Even if you weren’t a history fan in school, visiting the actual battlefield brings the story to life. You’re walking where it happened, not just reading about it.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s a low-cost, educational day trip that’s great for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for something different.
Approximate drive: About 45–55 minutes south.
8. Classic Canal Town Vibes in Fort Edward & Hudson Falls (Washington County)
Cross the Hudson River east into
Washington County for a slower-paced trip through small canal towns like Fort Edward and Hudson Falls (remember, these are outside Warren County itself).
What you’ll find:
- Views of the Hudson River and old canal features
- Local diners and small shops where everybody seems to know each other
- Historic sites and markers tied to early American history
Take a walk, snap a few photos by the water, and grab a slice of pie at a local spot. It’s a simple day, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s an easy, low-pressure drive when you want to get out of town without planning a big adventure.
Approximate drive: About 15–25 minutes southeast.
9. Countryside Drives and Farm Stops in Washington County
If you love rolling hills, old barns, and farm stands, wandering the back roads of
Washington County is a great way to spend a Saturday.
Ideas for your drive:
- Follow quiet country roads between villages like Argyle, Greenwich, and Salem
- Stop at seasonal farm stands for fresh corn, apples, or maple products
- Look for local events like small-town fairs, flea markets, or craft shows
One of the best parts of this kind of trip is the surprise factor. You never quite know what little shop or overlook you’ll stumble on.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s ideal if you’re into photography, scenic drives, or just want a peaceful afternoon without crowds.
Approximate drive: 20–60 minutes depending on the route.
10. Art, Antiques, and Country Charm in Cambridge & Salem (Washington County)
For a mix of small-town charm, arts, and antiques, set your GPS for
Cambridge and
Salem in Washington County.
You can:
- Browse antique shops and small galleries
- Catch local theater or music events (check schedules, especially in summer and fall)
- Explore old village streets with historic homes and churches
This is a great choice if you like to combine a scenic drive with a bit of culture. You might come home with a vintage find or some local artwork.
Why go from Glens Falls?
It’s a relaxing, low-key cultural escape not far from home, perfect for a day date or a solo wander.
Approximate drive: About 45–60 minutes southeast.
Tips for Planning Your Glens Falls Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Glens Falls even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check the season: Some attractions (like scenic highways, boat tours, or race tracks) are seasonal.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, a light jacket, and maybe a picnic blanket go a long way.
- Start early: Especially on summer weekends, getting on the road by mid-morning can help avoid traffic.
- Have a backup plan: If one spot is crowded or closed, drive on to the next town—there’s always something else nearby.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Glens Falls?
These 10 out-of-county road trips from
Glens Falls, NY are just a starting point. From the mountains of Essex County to the quiet lakes of Hamilton County, and the busy streets of Saratoga Springs to the farms of Washington County, there’s a lot to explore within just a couple of hours.
Have you tried any of these drives?
Do you have a favorite hidden spot you always take visitors to?
- Share your go-to road trip route in the comments.
- Tag a friend who needs a weekend escape idea.
- Share this post on social media to help other Glens Falls locals discover new adventures just beyond Warren County.
The next time you’re wondering what to do near Glens Falls, just pick a direction, cross that county line, and see where the road takes you.
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