Basics
- Location:
- This trail runs along the northernmost border of New York and touches northeastern tip of Pennsylvania
- Length:
- 518 miles (833 km)
- Time:
- Several days to fully enjoy this Byway.
Description
They come with RVs and motorcycles, cars and campers to the Seaway Trail Overview which treks through 518 miles of spectacular scenery through New York and Pennsylvania. Sweeping past Lakes Erie and Ontario, through the Thousand Island Region, past Presque Isle and the Adirondack Mountain Range, this byway has some of the most picturesque views in the Northeast.
There's no end to the recreational pleasures available in the region. Hiking and camping facilities are numerous. Biking, too, is quite popular. In the winter, skiing is a favorite pastime. And with water all around, there are plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing throughout the area. Visiting museums, battlefields, farmsteads, and the hometowns of celebrities such as Lucille Ball, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harriet Tubman enhances the pleasure of the trip.
The scenery en route is varied, changing from gentle drumlins to rolling tides, sleepy harbors, rugged bluffs, and lush green forests. There are countless points of interest along the way that inform, entertain, and inspire the artist in each of us.
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent is one of 28 historic lighthouses that brings a special character to the region. The rumbling waters of Niagara Falls plunge through the area with a stunning display of power. And, Boldt Castle sits alone on its melancholy island, a symbol of lost love.
The Seaway Trail zig zags along the northern border of New York state, touching on the northeastern tip of Pennsylvania. The New York portion of the Trail originates in Ripley. It runs along Routes 5, 266, 265, 104, 18F, 18, 404, 101, 14, 163, 370, 104 A, 104 B,3, 12E, 12, 37, 812, 37, 131 and back again onto Route 37 where the Trail ends in the town of Rooseveltown.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
A Children's Museum (NY)
Enjoy A Children's Museum in East Aurora. Your child's curiosity will be satisfied as he or she experiences hands-on what it takes to build a house. Using kid-sized tools and safe, yet realistic, materials allows imagination to take flight. Other exhibits encourage children to learn about life in other parts of the world by playing games from other countries. Shh... Don't tell the kids how much they're learning. They'll be so wrapped up in the fun, they'll never want to leave!
Antique Boat Museum (NY)
Situated on one of the loveliest harbors in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum offers the whole family a perfect setting for summer fun. Experience a priceless collection of over 200 antique boats, take a quiet ride in a St. Lawrence Skiff or thunder down the River in a gleaming mahogany runabout. Round out your visit by browsing the River Memories Gift shop and consider enrolling in a boat building or restoration class.
Boldt Castle (NY)
Looking like it dropped straight from the shores of Germany's Rhine River, Boldt Castle is a magnificent six-story island castle in the heart of the Thousand Islands area. In 1900, a millionaire by the name of George C. Boldt went to work building a castle with over 120 rooms for his wife, Louise. Yet the fantasy castle was not to be. When Louise died shortly after the work commenced, George lost all interest in the castle and it was abandoned.
Seventy years later, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property and restored and improved the structure. The first level of the castle is now a museum, filled with exhibits dedicated to the lives of George and Louise Boldt and the development of the Thousand Island region.
Buffalo (NY)
With plenty to do and see in Buffalo, you may not know where to begin. Start by taking a drive on one of the many tours designed by the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau. Choose from different themes such as Gardens and Museums, Let's Get Wild,Buffalo Architecture, or Tour for Families, just to name a few.
For a classy evening, you can't miss with a night with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra or enjoy a performance at Shea's Performing Arts Center. Spend an afternoon contemplating modern art or the current exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
Spring and summer may find you at the Buffalo Zoo, scrutinizing the new additions of the animal kingdom, and the excitement of an NFL game will take you to the Ralph Wilson Stadium to cheer on the Buffalo Bills in the fall.
With so much diversity, Buffalo will keep you on your toes!
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society (NY)
This society, housed in the only permanent building from the Pan American Exposition of 1901, features over 100,000 artifacts
Directions
From the Seaway Trail in Buffalo, take Route 198 (Scajaquada Expressway) east and continue to the exit at Elmwood Avenue. Bear right and continue to the intersection with Elmwood. Turn right onto Elmwood Avenue and turn right on to the first street, Nottingham Terrace. At the first right turn into the parking lot; the museum is located on your left from the parking lot.
Buffalo City Hall (NY)
Catch a splendid view of Buffalo and the surrounding area of Niagra Falls from the 28th floor observation deck.
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse (NY)
The original Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse was built here in 1822 and is the second oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Nearly 200 years after it was built, the lighthouse was restored and converted to a museum. Many historic structures still exist on the same grounds as this lighthouse in Rochester.
Chautauqua Institution (NY)
This National Historic Victorian village features lecture series, museums, art and cultural centers, and a great view of Lake Erie.
Directions
From the hamlet of Barcelona on the Seaway Trail, take State Route 394 inland towards Jamestown. Chautauqua Institution is between Mayville and Jamestown, on the south side of Chautauqua Lake.
Chautauqua-Lake Erie Wine Trail (NY)
This 20-mile trail runs through the vineyards along Lake Erie, world leading producers of Concord grapes. Several wineries offer tours.
Cobblestone Society Museum (NY)
This National Historic Landmark highlights the construction method of using glacier-smoothed stone: cobblestone. As the world's only Cobblestone museum, it offers tours of other cobblestone buildings in the area.
Directions
From the Lake Ontario State Parkway (Seaway Trail) exit at Point Breeze and follow Route 98 south 5.3 miles to Route 104 (Ridge Road). The Cobblestone Society Museum headquarters is on the left.
