Exploring New York by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon

Riding the rails through New York offers an unforgettable way to witness the state’s varied landscapes and vibrant culture. Take the Adirondack train, for example, which departs from New York City’s Penn Station and travels northward, arriving in the charming town of Saratoga Springs roughly three and a half hours later. Along the route, passengers glimpse the Hudson Valley’s rolling hills before the scenery shifts to the rugged peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Saratoga Springs itself is famous for its mineral springs and historic racecourse, but the train journey stands out for its panoramic views of the Hudson River and the serene forests that carpet this corner of upstate New York. Early fall, when the foliage turns brilliant hues of red and gold, makes this trip especially spectacular, transforming the landscape into a moving canvas of color.
On the water, the Erie Canal offers a unique way to explore New York’s inland waterways, particularly around the city of Syracuse, about two hours northwest of Albany. The canal runs through the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, where visitors learn about the waterway’s 19th-century history and its role in shaping commerce and settlement. From there, taking a boat tour on the canal lets travelers drift past quaint lock systems and verdant towpaths once used by mules pulling barges. This slow, peaceful cruise offers glimpses into a bygone era and the chance to spot herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife that thrive in the canal’s ecosystem. Spring and early summer, when wildflowers bloom along the banks, create idyllic conditions for a boat ride infused with nature’s quiet charm.
Heading east from New York City, Long Island’s North Fork invites visitors to combine boat excursions with a taste of maritime heritage. Near Greenport, about two and a half hours from Manhattan, the historic waterfront is home to charming docks and boat charters that explore the Peconic Bay and the lighthouses scattered along the coast. Visitors can book a narrated boat tour to Shelter Island, gliding through protected waters rich with shellfish beds and salt marshes. These waters teem with marine life, and the chance to glimpse seals lounging on rocky outcrops or osprey soaring overhead sets this experience apart from typical coastal outings. Late summer, when the weather is warm but not stifling, offers calm seas and clear skies perfect for a serene boat trip.
For a truly elevated perspective, the Hudson Valley Balloon Festival near Poughkeepsie, roughly 90 minutes north of New York City, delivers breathtaking views of the region’s rolling hills and the majestic Hudson River. Launching a hot air balloon at dawn provides an ethereal experience as the first light spills across vineyards, apple orchards, and historic estates dotting the valley floor. The festival itself, held annually, showcases dozens of vibrant balloons filling the sky with color, but even outside the event, commercial balloon rides from nearby towns like Highland offer a tranquil way to float above landmarks like the Vanderbilt Mansion and the Walkway Over the Hudson. Clear, crisp autumn mornings are the ideal time for ballooning here, when stable weather and stunning fall foliage combine to create unforgettable vistas.
In the heart of New York City, the Staten Island Ferry offers a free boat ride with spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The ferry departs from the southern tip of Manhattan and arrives on Staten Island after about a 25-minute trip. This boat ride is unique because it serves as both a commuter ferry and an iconic sightseeing route, providing close-up views of Liberty Island and Ellis Island without the crowds or expense of a dedicated tour. Evening crossings, just as the city lights begin to twinkle, turn the skyline into a radiant panorama that captures the enduring energy of the city. The ferry runs year-round, but crisp, clear winter days often offer the sharpest, most vibrant views of the harbor.
Out in the Finger Lakes region, the village of Hammondsport, located about 50 miles south of Rochester, offers another intriguing water-based adventure. Situated on the southern tip of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, Hammondsport is known as the “Cradle of Aviation,” home to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Visitors can combine a visit to this aviation treasure trove with a boat rental on the lake, where calm waters and scenic vineyards provide an idyllic setting for paddling or sailing. Keuka Lake’s unusual Y shape and crystal-clear waters set it apart from other Finger Lakes, making it a favorite for water enthusiasts. Summer evenings, when the sun sets behind the hills and casts golden light on the vineyards, create a magical atmosphere on the lake.
Venturing westward, the Catskill Mountain Railroad, departing from Kingston, about 90 minutes northwest of New York City, offers a nostalgic train journey through the rolling Catskill Mountains. The route travels along the Esopus Creek, passing through forested valleys and small towns with a distinctly rural charm. The Catskills are known for their rugged beauty and outdoor recreation, but the seasonal train ride adds a layer of historical romance to the region’s attractions. Trips often feature vintage locomotives and classic railcars, evoking the golden age of rail travel. Fall foliage season is prime time to experience this ride, when the mountains blaze with fiery reds and oranges, creating a stunning backdrop for the leisurely excursion.
Finally, near the Adirondack town of Lake George, about three and a half hours north of Albany, a hot air balloon ride delivers a soaring view over one of New York’s most beloved lake destinations. Launching over Lake George allows passengers to take in the clear blue waters framed by the Adirondack peaks and charming hamlets along the shore. Balloonists often drift past islands and enjoy the vast expanse of the lake stretching toward the horizon, a perspective impossible to match from the ground. Early summer mornings, when mist rises off the water and the air is cool and still, offer the most magical balloon flights in this scenic corner of the state.