Heading to the Lafayette Apple Festival Grounds for the Insane Inflatable 5K near Syracuse? Sure you could take Interstate 81 to Route 20, but where's the fun in that? Here are 5 scenic drives to get to Lafayette.

1 - From the East/Utica

Route 20 is the historic Cherry Valley Turnpike through this section of New York State. No matter how you drive to Lafayette, you'll end up on Route 20 eventually. Pass though Madison County on Route 20 on your way east and you'll climb some tall hills around Morrisville and Cazenovia where Route 20 hugs the southern shore of the village's namesake lake. Cazenovia Lake is drained by Chittenango Creek. Take the detour on Route 13 through the creek's gorge to Chittenango Falls.

2 - From the North

Coming to Lafayette via the New York State Thruway? Rather than take the Interstate 81 exit, try two exits west, Oswego Road (#38). You'll pass though the picturesque village of Liverpool and the shores of Onondaga Lake, taking in the county park and scenic Onondaga Lake Parkway. After the bustling Destiny USA and historic downtown Syracuse, follow US 11, Salina Street, south of town and you'll pass through Onondaga Nation Territory - take the turn off to Route 11A south of Nedrow and follow a fun drive with twists and turns south to Route 20 and Layafette.

3 - From the West

Route 20 passes along the north shores of several of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake at Geneva, Cayuga Lake and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Oswaco Lake at Auburn and Skaneatles Lake.

4 - From the South

Coming to Lafayette during the fall gives you lots of opportunities to visit the region's cider mills. One of the best can be found traveling north from the Cortland area. Hollenbeck Cider Mill is located on Route 392. After visiting the mill, take Route 215 into Cortland's downtown. From there, you'll have a few choices to get to Lafayette. If you way to stay off the interstate both Route 11 and Route 281 parallel I-81.

5 - Around Onondaga County

When you're in Lafayette, you'll have the chance to explore southern Onondaga County, a getaway from urban Syracuse. At Otisco Lake, visit the county park and discover one of the lesser known of the Finger Lakes. Otisco is the only Finger Lake without a city or village on any of its shores, leaving it more unspoiled. Travelling on Route 80 out of Tully will take you to the small settlements of Apulia and Fabius, turn left on Shackham Road near Fabius and you'll run into Morgan Hill State Forest, a scenic and historic area on the county's southern border, that was once hunting lands for the Iroquois.

Running the 2014 Central New York Insane Inflatable 5K

 

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