10 Best Short Road Trips From Binghamton, New York (Broome County)

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10 Easy Road Trips From Binghamton, NY: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Broome County

If you live in or around Binghamton, New York, you know it’s easy to get stuck in the same routine. Same coffee shop. Same park. Same drive to work. But what if you could hop in the car, drive 30 minutes to 2 hours, and feel like you’re on a mini-vacation? This guide shares 10 short out-of-county road trips from Binghamton—all in nearby New York and Pennsylvania counties. No planes. No big planning. Just you, your playlist, and the open road. We’ll explore things to do in:
  • Chenango County, NY
  • Cortland County, NY
  • Delaware County, NY
  • Tioga County, NY
  • Susquehanna County, PA
  • Wayne County, PA
All of these are outside Broome County, but close enough for a relaxed day trip from Binghamton.

1. Norwich, NY – A Small Town with Big Surprises (Chenango County)

Drive about an hour north of Binghamton and you’ll reach Norwich, a laid-back small town in Chenango County that’s perfect for a slow day. Top things to do in Norwich:
  • Northeast Classic Car Museum – Even if you’re not a “car person,” walking through rows of vintage vehicles from the early 1900s to muscle cars of the ’60s is pretty cool. It almost feels like stepping onto a movie set.
  • Downtown Norwich – Stroll the main streets, browse local shops, and grab coffee or a bite in one of the diners or cafés.
  • Chenango County Museum & Historical Society – Learn how this quiet corner of Central New York grew over the years.
If you’re looking for a relaxed road trip from Binghamton with a little history, a little nostalgia, and no stress, Norwich is a solid pick.

2. Bowman Lake State Park – Woods, Water, and Quiet (Chenango County)

About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Binghamton, Bowman Lake State Park near Oxford, NY feels much farther away in a good way. Why go:
  • Over 100 campsites if you want to turn your road trip into an overnight stay.
  • Quiet wooded trails perfect for easy hikes or slow walks.
  • A small lake where you can paddle, fish, or just sit by the water.
If you’ve been craving some quiet time away from traffic, screens, and errands, this is the kind of place where you can hear the wind in the trees and your own thoughts again.

3. Cortland, NY – College Town Energy and Mountain Views (Cortland County)

Head about an hour northwest of Binghamton and you’ll land in Cortland, a lively college town in Cortland County. Things to check out in Cortland:
  • Downtown Cortland – Small shops, breweries, and local restaurants give it a friendly, walkable feel.
  • CNY Living History Center – A quirky mix of local history, Brockway trucks, and farm equipment. It’s more interesting than it sounds, especially if you like learning how people lived and worked years ago.
  • Parks & trails – Stop by local parks for short walks or a picnic with a view of the hills.
Cortland is a nice option if you want more things to do without a big-city rush. It’s an easy day trip from Binghamton with plenty of spots to grab lunch or dinner.

4. Greek Peak Area – Adventure in Every Season (Cortland County)

Just beyond Cortland, about 1 to 1.25 hours from Binghamton, the Greek Peak area is a fun destination almost any time of year. What makes it worth the drive:
  • Skiing & snowboarding in winter – A popular spot for downhill runs without the long drive to the Adirondacks or Vermont.
  • Mountain coaster & zip lines – In warmer months, there are adventure activities that are great for couples, families, or groups of friends.
  • Hiking & fall foliage – The hills around here glow in reds and golds in October. It’s one of the best short fall road trips from Binghamton.
If you’re tired of doing the same indoor activities every weekend, Greek Peak adds a little adrenaline to your life.

5. Delhi, NY – A Classic Catskills Gateway (Delaware County)

About 1 hour and 15 minutes northeast of Binghamton, you’ll come to Delhi in Delaware County, a town that feels like a postcard version of upstate New York. Why visit Delhi:
  • Charming main street – Old brick buildings, local shops, and cozy spots to grab coffee or a sandwich.
  • Courthouse Square – A pretty area to sit, walk, and take photos.
  • Hiking and country roads – Just outside town, you’ll find winding back roads, rolling hills, and scenic drives that are especially beautiful in summer and fall.
If you ever feel like you just want to “drive until things feel calmer,” Delhi is a good target on the map.

6. Margaretville & Pepacton Reservoir – A Scenic Drive Fix (Delaware County)

A little farther east in Delaware County, around 1.5 hours from Binghamton, you’ll find Margaretville and the stunning Pepacton Reservoir. What to do there:
  • Scenic driving – The roads around the reservoir wind through mountains, over small bridges, and along beautiful water views.
  • Fishing & paddling – The reservoir is known for fishing, and you can often spot boats out on the water.
  • Margaretville village – A small, artsy Catskills town where you can grab a meal and browse local stores.
If your ideal road trip from Binghamton includes rolling down the windows, turning up the music, and just watching the landscape change, this is a perfect route.

7. Owego, NY – Riverfront Charm Close to Home (Tioga County)

Only about 25–30 minutes west of Binghamton, Owego in Tioga County is one of the easiest day trips you can take. Why Owego is a local favorite:
  • Historic downtown – Antique shops, boutiques, and cafés line the streets. It’s great for browsing on a lazy afternoon.
  • Riverwalk along the Susquehanna – Take a walk by the water, watch the river move, and enjoy the view of the old buildings along the bank.
  • Year-round events – From festivals to markets, Owego often has something going on, especially in the warmer months.
If you’re short on time but still want to get out of Broome County, Owego is a quick, rewarding escape.

8. Tioga Downs Casino Resort – A Night Out with Lights and Action (Tioga County)

Just a bit farther from Owego, near Nichols, NY, you’ll find Tioga Downs Casino Resort, about 40–45 minutes from Binghamton. What you’ll find there:
  • Casino gaming – Slots, table games, and live harness racing in season.
  • Restaurants and bars – Make it a full night out with dinner and drinks.
  • Live entertainment – Shows, concerts, and special events pop up throughout the year.
This is a good road trip if you’d like to swap hiking boots for something a little more dressed up. It’s close enough that you can go for an evening and still be home the same night.

9. Montrose, PA – Small-Town Pennsylvania Charm (Susquehanna County)

Head about 40–45 minutes south of Binghamton into Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, and you’ll reach Montrose, a peaceful town surrounded by farmland and hills. Highlights of a Montrose trip:
  • Courthouse square – A classic small-town centerpiece with historic buildings and a relaxed feel.
  • Local shops & cafés – Grab a coffee, browse antiques, or pick up something from a local bakery.
  • Country drives – The roads surrounding Montrose are perfect if you just feel like driving through open country with views of fields and barns.
Montrose is a good pick if you’re looking for a simple, quiet day in a place that feels far from city life, but really isn’t.

10. Honesdale, PA & Lake Wallenpaupack – History and Lake Life (Wayne County)

If you don’t mind driving around 1.5 to 2 hours from Binghamton, heading southeast into Wayne County, Pennsylvania opens up a whole different vibe. Start with Honesdale:
  • Historic downtown – Known as the “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” Honesdale has old brick buildings, shops, and restaurants worth wandering through.
  • Museums and rail history – If you like trains or local history, you’ll find it here.
Then make your way toward Lake Wallenpaupack:
  • Boating & water activities in warm months.
  • Lake views that are beautiful year-round, especially at sunset.
  • Restaurants and marinas along the shore where you can grab a meal with a view.
This road trip feels more like a full getaway, but you can still do it in a day if you start early.

Tips for Planning Your Binghamton Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Binghamton easier and more fun:
  • Check hours ahead of time – Small-town museums, shops, and seasonal attractions may have limited or changing hours.
  • Pack a small “road kit” – Water, snacks, a light jacket, a phone charger, and maybe a paper map for areas with spotty service.
  • Plan meals loosely – Leave room to discover that random diner or café that looks busy with locals. Those spots are often the best.
  • Watch the weather – Many of these places are in the hills or around lakes. A sunny day can make a huge difference in how enjoyable the trip feels.
One of the best parts of living in or near Binghamton is how many easy day trips you can take into different counties and even another state without a long drive.

Where Will You Go First?

From Owego’s riverfront to Greek Peak’s slopes, from Norwich’s classic cars to Montrose’s quiet streets, there’s a lot to explore just outside Broome County. If you’ve been wondering, “What can I do near Binghamton this weekend?” this list is a great place to start. Now it’s your turn:
  • Which of these 10 road trips sounds best to you?
  • Do you have a favorite out-of-county spot that isn’t on this list?
Share your ideas in the comments and let other people from the Binghamton area discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” They might just be one short drive away from proving themselves wrong.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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