Hesitating Between Two US Road Trips

Hey everyone, I’m torn between two 6-night destinations: New York City first, then a 15-day route: New York City–Adirondacks Adirondacks–Finger Lakes Finger Lakes–Niagara Falls Niagara Falls–Cleveland Cleveland–Detroit Detroit–Holland Holland–Chicago

OR: New York City–Pittsburgh Pittsburgh–Lexington Lexington–Gatlinburg Gatlinburg–Great Smoky Mountains Great Smoky Mountains–Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge–Gatlinburg Gatlinburg–Asheville Asheville–Roanoke Roanoke–Charlottesville Charlottesville–Lancaster Lancaster–Hudson Valley

Can't decide between New York and what?

You're hesitating between New York and what?

between the two destinations

Hi there! To break the tie, I’d start by looking at logistics. Your first option ends in Chicago, so you’d need a one-way rental with potentially high drop-off fees, plus a return flight from Chicago. The second loop brings you back to New York, which makes the car and flights way simpler.

On the highlights, the first route focuses on lakes and cities: the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes with their gorges (Watkins Glen), Niagara, then Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago. The second is more about nature and small towns: Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah all the way to Charlottesville, then Amish Country around Lancaster and the Hudson Valley. It’s absolutely stunning in the fall for the foliage.

What time of year are you going? That makes a big difference—especially for the Adirondacks and Smoky Mountains in winter.

In the end, I think I’ll go for this itinerary—what do you think? It’d be from July 17 to August 7.

This looks like a really great itinerary—well-balanced with a nice mix of big cities, waterfalls, and Amish countryside. A few suggestions to tweak it:

Niagara then Detroit route: The shortest way goes through Canada (about 4 hours via Ontario). Make sure your rental company allows border crossings, and don’t forget your passports. By road, Belgians don’t need a Canadian eTA.

One-way rental New York to Chicago: There are often drop-off fees, sometimes several hundred dollars. Compare rental companies carefully, and pick up the car when leaving New York rather than in the middle of Manhattan (6 nights there without a car is perfect).

Long drives: Indianapolis to Nashville, Nashville to St. Louis, and St. Louis to Chicago are each between 4 and 5 hours. It’s doable, and your 2 nights in Nashville and St. Louis give you time to relax.

Lancaster and Shipshewana: Many places are closed on Sundays in Amish communities, so try not to plan a visit that day.

July-August: It’s very hot and humid in Nashville and St. Louis. Plan outdoor visits for early morning.

Detroit: One night is enough, but if you’re into cars, book the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn—it’s definitely worth the detour.

For summer, book accommodations in Niagara and Chicago early—they go fast. Have a great trip!

A huge thank you for the info and for the weather—do you think it’s the ideal time? Will it be nice out?