When your travel plans are focused on getting from Point A to Point B, it’s easy to miss the magic waiting just off the main road. But in Washington County, New York, those who take a short detour are rewarded with winding country lanes, charming towns, and local experiences that linger long after the trip ends.
Located in the foothills of the Adirondacks and stretching to the Vermont border, Washington County is perfectly positioned between several of the Northeast’s most heavily traveled routes.
Whether you’re en route to Lake George, crossing New York’s Capital Region, or heading into Vermont’s ski country, Washington County is just a few turns off the highway. And what’s waiting? A county filled with history, scenery, handmade goods, and a trail system designed to immerse you in the rural heart of upstate New York.
US Route 4: History on the Move
Connecting central Vermont to Albany, NY, US Route 4 is a perfect route for a summer road trip or fall drive, and for cyclists and boaters following the Empire State Trail or Champlain Canalway.
Passing through Washington County along the Hudson River and Champlain Canal, this route connects a string of destinations that bring the region’s story to life.
Whitehall offers one of the most unique historical claims in the region. Set on either side of the Champlain Canal and at the base of its namesake lake, it’s considered the birthplace of the U.S. Navy. Overlooking the town is Skene Manor, a 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion open for tours and tea-time lunches. The canal-side park and marina offer a peaceful setting in spring and summer, with local festivals and markets adding to the experience.
Further South is Hudson Falls, where a growing collection of shops and restaurants are turning this riverside community into a new hub for creatives and weekend travelers. And nearby Fort Edward, once the site of a British military stronghold, is now a small town with big charm.
A short walk from downtown brings visitors to the Empire State Trail, where they can bike or stroll along the Hudson River.
I-90 to NY-40 or NY-67: East from Albany to Unexpected Charm
If you’re heading north from I-90 or the Troy area, consider skipping the Northway and opting for Route 40 instead. This scenic two-lane highway winds through rolling farmland, sleepy hamlets, and quiet river valleys, offering a more relaxed and rewarding route into the heart of Washington County. Within 30 minutes of leaving the urban bustle of the Capital Region, you’ll find yourself surrounded by green hills, grazing sheep, and the kind of stillness you only get when you choose the road less traveled.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Easton, home of Tiashoke: Farm, Store, and More, and Victory View Vineyard. Both make for a perfect stop for quick, local shopping or a more relaxing pause before continuing your journey.
Next is Greenwich. Head right to discover the town’s friendly Main Street, or go left for the Washington County Fair held every August. Continuing North, you’ll pass through the hearts of Argyle and Hartford before reaching the end of this scenic route in Granville.
Alternatively, detour off NY-40 toward Cambridge along NY-67 to find another postcard-perfect village filled with antique stores and cultural gems. Catch a play or concert at Hubbard Hall, a historic opera house-turned-arts center. On Sundays, the Cambridge Farmers’ Market brings regional produce, baked goods, and crafts together in one lively gathering place.
NY-149: From Outlet Malls to Battlefields and Beyond
Many travelers use NY-149 as a connector between Exit 20 of I-87 at Queensbury and points east in Vermont. This east-west corridor rolls through the farmland and forests of Fort Ann, where Battle Hill marks the site of a key Revolutionary War clash.
Heading east, you’ll pass by a few can’t-miss Washco destinations. Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery is unique in more ways than one. Their spirits are handmade and crafted using their farm’s own fresh, unprocessed spring water. Using a custom-made copper pot still, their award-winning bourbon is distilled one batch at a time.
Further along is Hillbilly Fun Park, an ice cream shop and mini golf course offering two 18-hole themed courses for all ages.
If you can’t get enough of locally distilled spirits, you’ll pass Lake George Distilling’s tasting room just before the town of Fort Ann.
In town, Battle Hill Brewing Company is as well-known for its brews as its homemade breads and award-winning burgers, and it’s well worth the quick detour from NY-149.
Continue east and you’ll reach Granville, known as the “Colored Slate Capital of the World.” The Slate Valley Museum explores the geology and cultural heritage of slate quarrying, while downtown Granville offers a mix of restaurants and local shops, including the Village Yarn Shop, which is always bustling with creative crafters stopping in to work on projects or pick up more supplies.
The surrounding countryside is dotted with small cheese producers and maple farms, many of which offer tours, tastings, and farm store shopping throughout the year.
In the fall, this entire corridor transforms into a mosaic of reds and golds. In the winter, snowmobilers use NY-149 as a gateway between New York and Vermont’s expansive trail networks. It’s also a favorite winter drive for skiers heading to Vermont’s many resorts.
I-87: From Northway to Country Ways
If you’re heading north from Albany toward Lake George or the Adirondacks via Interstate 87, Washington County is right next door. Take Exit 17 or 18, and within minutes, you’ll find yourself in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls. These walkable villages are steeped in Revolutionary War history and modern fun.
The Old Fort House Museum tells the story of colonial-era life along the Hudson River, while the craft beverage trail features stops like Slickfin Brewing, an ideal place to stretch your legs and sample something local.
On Tuesdays in the summer, Fort Edward even offers day-long fun with free yoga and volleyball in the riverside park, drink and dining specials across town, live music, and more.
NY-22: A Scenic Spine Through the County’s East Side
Connecting Plattsburgh in the North to Eastchester in the South, NY-22 runs along the full eastern edge of Washington County, paralleling the Vermont border and offering one of the most scenic drives in the region. This route feels like a different world: rolling farmland, red barns, and quiet hamlets unfold mile after mile, ideal for travelers who want to meander and discover.
A section of NY-22 in the heart of Washington County is also part of the “All-American Road” Scenic Byway, known as the Lakes to Locks Passage.
Whether you’re looking to drive the full scenic route (it’s the state’s longest north–south route at 337 miles!) or simply cross over this rural highway as you head elsewhere, there are dozens of stops along the way to explore next time you’re traveling between New York, New England, or Canada.
Start in Granville, where you can visit u-pick berry farms and learn about maple sugaring traditions, depending on the season. Continuing south, you’ll pass the Pember Nature Preserve’s Porter Schoolhouse, a great place for a quick walk to spot wildlife and shake off restless legs.
Next is the village of Salem, where the countryside reveals hidden treasures: covered bridges, working fiber farms, and artist studios. Right on NY-22 are Jacko’s Corner Restaurant and On A Limb Catering & Baking Co, plus Steininger’s for fine chocolates (see their Facebook for availability). Take in a show at Fort Salem Theater or explore Salem Art Works’ sculptures throughout the grounds. If you have time, don’t miss the view from the top of the Cary Hill Sculpture Park!
Further along NY-22, you’ll pass Anita’s Burger Den Restaurant before arriving in Cambridge. This historic town is a hub for antiques and arts, but also hosts seasonal festivals and an impressive variety of dining and shopping options.
On the southernmost point of NY-22 in Washington County, you’ll discover Benson’s Dairy Bar, a seasonal delight for all ages, and Mt. Nebo Gallery, home to the art of Will Moses. Though you may recognize his family name (his great-grandmother is well-known artist, Grandma Moses), as a fourth-generation artist, Will has developed his own unique style of Americana Folk Art.
NY-22 is especially lovely in late September and early October, when fall colors ignite the valleys and hills.
US-7 (Vermont) to NY-313 or NY-149: Cross-Border Exploration
Travelers heading north or south along US-7 in Vermont are just minutes from Washington County.
From Manchester, take VT-313 west into Cambridge, NY, where galleries, gardens, and gentle roads welcome weekend wanderers. Bennington travelers can turn west on NY-67 to reach the same destination, or push north to Granville to explore apple orchards and local history.
During the fall, these routes are prime foliage territory. In summer, cyclists and motorcyclists find endless backroad routes between Vermont and New York. And in winter, these same passes become snowmobile highways, buzzing with skiers, sledders, and cold-weather adventurers.
Your Scenic Detour Starts Here
Whether you’re planning a weekend in the mountains, a cross-state trek, or simply escaping the city for a few hours, Washington County invites you to slow down. Each route through the county ties together farms, families, artisans, and stories.
Take the detour. Taste something made that morning. Wander a town square you didn’t know existed. Catch a play in a historic opera house. Watch the sun set over a covered bridge.
Washington County isn’t just on the way; it’s a place worth stopping for.
