New Paltz to Solomons: A Scenic Road Trip Guide

The drive from New Paltz, NY to Solomons, MD spans 340 miles and typically takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Starting in the Hudson Valley, you'll cross the Shawangunk Ridge, follow the Delaware River, and end on the Chesapeake Bay. This route includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Independence Hall in Philadelphia and the Statue of Liberty (though the latter is a detour).

Take I-87 South to I-84 West, then I-81 South to I-78 East to I-476 South (Pennsylvania Turnpike) or I-95 South. Tolls: I-87 has a $1 toll, I-476 has an approximate $5.50 toll, and I-95 in Delaware has a $4 toll. Total tolls around $10-15. Fuel costs: at 30 mpg, a 340-mile trip uses about 11.3 gallons; at $3.50/gallon, that's around $40.

• Best stops New Paltz, NY to Solomons, MD: The itinerary below highlights key points.
• How long to drive New Paltz, NY to Solomons, MD: 5.5-6.5 hours without stops.
• Is it worth driving New Paltz, NY to Solomons, MD: Yes, for the diverse scenery and historical sites.

Roads are well-maintained, but the New Jersey Turnpike can be traffic-prone; check live delays. Rest areas appear every 30-40 miles; notable ones include the Delaware House on I-95 and the Patapsco Valley on I-95 in Maryland. For families, the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA (610-515-8000) is a colorful break, and the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum (410-257-3892) is a short detour.

Pets are welcome at many parks along the way, such as Hickory Run State Park in PA. To combat fatigue, plan to stop every 2 hours; places like the Allentown Farmers Market offer a quick snack. Hidden off-route spots include the vintage carousel at Knoebels Amusement Resort (free admission) in Elysburg, PA, and the Calvert Cliffs State Park for fossil hunting.

Leave the Catskills' deciduous forests for the rolling farmland of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, then the coastal plains of the Chesapeake. Highlights include the Delaware Water Gap, a 1,200-foot-deep gorge carved by the river. In Solomons, the Calvert Marine Museum (410-326-2042) showcases the bay's maritime history.

Local commerce thrives on farm stands selling apples and cider in the Hudson Valley, and Maryland's crab shacks offer steamed blue crabs. For food, try the diners in Stroudsburg, PA, or the seafood restaurants in Solomons. For a guide to unearthing more stops, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.