Washington Heights, NY to Moriah, NY is 255.1 miles and takes about 5h 10m via NY 17 and Adirondack Northway, with a fuel budget near $42 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within New York, taking you from the bustling Northeast region to the more rural Northeast. Expect a mixed driving experience that balances highway cruising with surface roads. With only one recommended stop and a duration under six hours, this route is well-suited for a single-day adventure, making it a convenient option for getting out of the city.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
127.6 miles from Washington Heights, NY
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 32m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
NY 17
111.7 mi
2h 8m
Adirondack Northway
87.9 mi
1h 42m
NJ 17
14.7 mi
18m
I 787
9 mi
12m
North Hudson Road
6.8 mi
9m
NJ 4
6.7 mi
9m
North Hudson-Moriah Road
5.8 mi
7m
NY 7
3.1 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
NY 17
— 111.7 mi, about 2h 8m
Traffic on I-87
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 46 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,467 veh/hr typical
· worst 3,399
Quietest
1 AM
~114 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
21.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 79 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Washington Heights, NY and Moriah, NY.
1
Start on US 9
0.1 mi·26 sec·Broadway
2
Turn right onto US 9
0.1 mi·20 sec·West 179th Street
3
Take the ramp onto US 9
0.3 mi·39 sec·US 9
Toward I 95 South: George Washington Bridge, New Jersey
4
Merge onto I 95; US 1; US 9
0.4 mi·43 sec·George Washington Bridge (upper level)
5
Continue on I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.5 mi·48 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 95 EXPR; US 1 EXPR; US 9 EXPR
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto I 95 EXPR; NJTP
0.1 mi·8 sec·I 95 EXPR; NJTP
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·22 sec
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: HackensackUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·23 sec
Exit 72AToward NJ 4 West: ParamusUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto NJ 4
6.7 mi·9 min·NJ 4
Use the slight right lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward GSP South, NJ 17 South, GSP North, NJ 17 North: Grand State Plaza, Newark, MahwahUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·36 sec
Toward NJ 17 North: MahwahUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on NJ 17
7.3 mi·9 min·NJ 17
Use the straight / right lanes.
15
Continue on NJ 17
0.7 mi·50 sec·NJ 17
16
Continue on NJ 17
3.3 mi·4 min·NJ 17
17
Continue on I 287; NY 17
0.2 mi·10 sec·I 287; NY 17
18
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17
112 mi·2 hr 8 min·NY 17
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: AlbanyUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 23Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, TroyUse the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 787
9.0 mi·12 min·I 787
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 787
0.4 mi·29 sec·NY 787
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·50 sec
Exit 9WToward NY 7 West: Schenectady, Saratoga SpringsUse the right lane.
23
Merge onto NY 7
3.1 mi·3 min·NY 7
24
Take the exit
0.8 mi·1 min
Toward I 87 North: Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls
25
Merge onto I 87
88 mi·1 hr 42 min·Adirondack Northway
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·27 sec
Exit 29Toward Newcomb, North Hudson
27
Turn right onto Blue Ridge Road
0.4 mi·34 sec·Blue Ridge Road
28
At end of road, turn left onto US 9
2.8 mi·4 min·US Highway 9
29
Turn sharp right onto CR 4C
0.2 mi·38 sec·County Highway 4C
30
Turn left onto CR 4
5.8 mi·7 min·North Hudson-Moriah Road
31
Continue on CR 4
6.8 mi·9 min·North Hudson Road
32
Turn right onto CR 7
1.1 mi·2 min·Center Road
33
Turn left onto CR 4A
52 ft·1 sec·Tarbell Hill Road
34
Arrive at destination
CR 4A
Trip Plan
Given the 5h 10m estimated driving time, departing in the morning from Washington Heights will allow you to reach Moriah with plenty of daylight to spare. With just one recommended stop, you have flexibility to manage your breaks as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the longest stretch without a significant change in road type is over 111 miles. The route's profile is mixed, so be aware of the transition points between highway and surface roads, especially as you get closer to your destination.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 127.6 miles from Washington Heights, NY, or about 2h 32m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 56 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 127.6 miles or 2h 32m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Moriah, NY than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Washington Heights, NY so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Washington Heights, NY
This is one driving day of about 255.1 miles and 5h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 56 miles from Washington Heights, NY.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on NY 17 for about 111.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 25
5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 136.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
2.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 95 South, NJTP South: Hackensack
9
2.4 mi into trip|~4m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 72A
Toward NJ 4 West: Paramus
8
9.4 mi into trip|~14m in
Keep slight right at fork toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward NJ 17 North: Mahwah
8
24.5 mi into trip|~33m in|NY 17
Keep slight left at fork onto NY 17 toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State Thruway North: Albany
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 87 North, NY 17 North, New York State...
8
136.2 mi into trip|~2h 42m in
Take the exit toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 23
Toward I 787, US 9W: Albany, Troy
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.65 one way
$89.31 round trip
$4.45/gal25.4 MPG avg89 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.82
$48.39
$96.78
premium
$5.23
$52.53
$105.05
diesel
$6.28
$63.03
$126.06
Estimated Tolls: $16.00
George Washington Bridge
$16.00
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Tolls
$16
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$86–$111
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 89.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $27 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
76.5
0
$26.79
$12.24
Efficient EV
63.8
0
$22.32
$10.20
EV Truck/SUV
102
1
$35.71
$16.33
Gas CO2
89 kg
EV CO2
30 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Washington Heights, NY
Morning
in Washington Heights on Sunday
Local time
7:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
64°F
Sunny
NE 5 to 8 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Destination
Moriah, NY
Morning
in Moriah on Sunday
Local time
7:15 AM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Sunny
S 1 to 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
2 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 10m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
National Memorial
Merchant’s clerk, Revolutionary War soldier, first Secretary Treasury of the United States: Alexander Hamilton’s life is memorialized at The Grange, the home he built on a country estate in uptown Man...
The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia, is the largest mausoleum in North America. It testifies to a people’s gratitude for the man who ended the bloodiest conflict...
In 1777, a large British invasion force met an equally large American army here at Saratoga. After two intense battles, an eight-mile retreat, and a three-day siege, British General John Burgoyne surr...
8 mi from route
~21 min detour
Free
near mile 167.2
Before the 1960s, almost everything about living authentically as a lesbian, a bisexual person or a gay man was illegal. The Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969 is a milestone in the quest for civil r...
The African Burial Ground stands as the oldest and largest known excavated burial site in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It offers a profound testament to the enduring legacy of Af...
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, Castle Clinton marks the place where New York City began and reflects the growth of both the city and the nation. Built to defend the harbor during the War of...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This drive features 59% highway, meaning you'll spend a good portion of your time on faster roads. The longest continuous stretch on a single road is 111.7 miles, primarily on NY 17. You'll encounter dense exits and urban merging as you begin, transitioning to more open cruising on the Adirondack Northway. Be prepared for the shift from highway driving to surface roads.
59% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 111.7 mi on NY 17.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 255.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
914 ft29 ft
Total Climb
1,462 ft
Total Descent
791 ft
Highest Point
914 ft
~236.9 mi in
Elevation Range
886 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Washington Heights, NY and Moriah, NY, road signs point toward New York State Thruway North: Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Newcomb and Hudson.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 10m. Total distance: 255.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 111.7 miles on NY 17. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $16.00 in tolls one way, starting with George Washington Bridge. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
Yes — we found about 20 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Moriah, NY before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 20 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 2.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 9.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Hamilton Grange National Memorial, General Grant National Memorial and Saratoga National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.2 hours each way, a round trip means 10.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Moriah, NY before the return drive.
