Winter Road Trip Ideas From Glens Falls
Explore Attractions in Upstate NY, Vermont & Massachusetts
With easy access to Vermont, Massachusetts, and other parts of Upstate New York, Glens Falls is a great home base for explorations across the Northeast - including in the winter! Get top winter road trip ideas from Glens Falls below - these road trip ideas are fitting for families, couples, or friend groups.
Skiing or Tubing at West Mountain in Queensbury
6 miles / about 12 minutes from Glens Falls
Start close to home with a winter favorite you can't skip: West Mountain! This year-round attraction offers easy downhill skiing and, if you're traveling with kids, a lively snow tubing park.
West Mountain typically opens for the season in mid-December, although weather can move that date earlier. Daily tickets are available, and night skiing is a popular option if you’re planning to combine this visit with another stop earlier in the day.
Many guests appreciate its relaxed, welcoming environment. Reviews highlight it as an “awesome spot for families and beginners” and a “great place for learning how to ski or getting in some good night skiing.”
Snowshoeing Adventures at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville
38.2 miles / about 40 minutes from Glens Falls
For a scenic winter outing, head north to Natural Stone Bridge & Caves. Known for having the largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States, this spot transforms beautifully in winter. Snowshoeing is the main attraction this time of year. Enjoy over 14 miles of trails winding through forest, past frozen ice flows along Trout Brook, and with views of the glistening Stone Bridge.
The Chester Challenge Trails Catamount and Green Hill are also accessible during winter, offering additional variety for hikers and snowshoers.
Visitors consistently mention how peaceful and enjoyable the experience is. Reviews describe it as “a must-visit for nature lovers” and note that “the trails are very well marked.” Families, friend groups, and couples alike can enjoy a few hours wandering through the serene winter landscape.
Shopping at Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, VT
44.6 miles / about 1 hour from Glens Falls
If you're looking for an indoor experience to warm up between outdoor adventures, Northshire Bookstore in Manchester is a standout. While the Saratoga location is admittedly closer, the Vermont store offers an expanded selection, including used and rare books.
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring the shelves and other specialty items for sale or relaxing in the café area. The second floor is entirely dedicated to children’s books (much more than the above photo shows), which makes this a natural fit for families.
Reviews praise the store for being “huge and well-organized” with a “stellar and up-to-date” selection. Find road trip reads or holiday gifts here - or just something special for yourself.
Pro tip: Not everyone knows that Northshire has its own parking lot, a little bit hidden behind the store. No need for street parking!
Explore Art With a Nostalgic Touch at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA
89.9 miles / about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Glens Falls
A visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum brings you into the world of one of America’s most iconic illustrators. Known for capturing everyday life and heartfelt moments, Rockwell’s work showcased at the museum provides an engaging and educational experience.
Guests frequently describe their visit as inspiring and reflective. Reviews mention that Rockwell’s art “chronicled the history of our nation” and still evokes “a nostalgic feeling for a country that was united.” Others highlight how expressive and thought-provoking his pieces are.
Alternative Suggestion: The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, MA
137 miles / about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Glens Falls
Although you certainly can bring children to the Norman Rockwell Museum and they'll get a lot out of it, if you'd prefer a museum truly catered to kids consider the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, MA.
Although farther away than Norman Rockwell, when you pay for admission to this museum you also get access to *four* others that are right there, within walking distance: the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
Ice Skating in the City at the Empire State Plaza Ice Rink in Albany
53.5 miles / about 1 hour from Glens Falls
A classic winter experience in the city, that's not nearly as far away as New York City: free ice skating at the Empire Skate Plaza in Albany! The setting is striking, surrounded by Albany's modern architecture, including the Egg.
Rentals are just $5 and locker rentals are available at just 25 cents, making this a budget-friendly winter activity near Glens Falls.
Tips for Planning Your Winter Road Trip From Glens Falls
*Always double check the hours and availability of the places you're going to. Outdoor activities can be weather dependent, and hours can often change during Christmas or winter breaks.
*We recommend choosing one or two destinations to visit in one day - or plan a weekend trip with an overnight to visit them all. The driving alone between these road trip hotspots, not including the Dr. Seuss Museum (and not including time spent at each place), adds up to over five hours. Plan accordingly!
*Brush up on winter car safety and stay safe and warm on your travels.
There are so many ways to enjoy the season in Upstate New York and close by - what would you add to the above list of winter road trip ideas from Glens Falls?
