Interstate 287: West Harrison to New Jersey – New York

Hop in and join us for a 27-mile westbound cruise along Interstate 287, starting in West Harrison, New York, and rolling all the way into New Jersey. This stretch of I-287 packs in suburban energy, river views, and seamless connections to some of the busiest routes in the tri-state area — all in one smooth drive.

We kick things off merging onto I-287 from the Hutchinson River Parkway right in West Harrison. Almost immediately, we hit a key interchange with I-684, giving drivers an option to head north towards Connecticut or back south towards White Plains and the Bronx. Skirting around the east and north sides of White Plains, I-287 here doubles as the Cross Westchester Expressway — a vital bypass keeping traffic flowing past the city center. While you won’t find major roadside attractions within these first miles, the corridor cuts through well-kept suburban neighborhoods and pockets of light commercial development, offering the occasional peek at the local landscape.

Pushing northwest, we coast through Fairview and Elmsford, where local exits link to small town centers and shopping areas if you feel like a quick pit stop. Before long, we approach the massive junction with Interstate 87 — the New York State Thruway. Once we merge, I-287 runs concurrently with I-87 just in time to treat us to a crossing of the Hudson River via the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, still fondly called the Tappan Zee by locals. This sweeping span offers some of the best river views in the region, so it’s worth glancing out the window if you’re not behind the wheel.

On the west side of the Hudson, we drop into the Nyacks — charming river towns with historic houses and a vibrant Main Street scene tucked just a few blocks off the highway. Continuing west, we cross the Palisades Interstate Parkway interchange — a quick gateway north toward Bear Mountain and Harriman State Park or south towards the George Washington Bridge. This section of the Thruway also skirts the Rockland County communities of Spring Valley and Nanuet. Keep an eye out for NY-59 exits if you’re craving retail therapy; this area is dotted with shopping centers and local eateries.

Further west, the road bends into Tallman and heads into Suffern, the last major stop before we peel off I-87 to remain on I-287 westbound. Here, you’ll spot signs for the northern end of the Garden State Parkway — the perfect connector if you’re aiming south deeper into New Jersey. With the Ramapo Mountains beginning to rise on the horizon, we cross the state line to wrap up our ride, ready to tackle the New Jersey portion of I-287 or connect to other major routes heading toward Morristown or the I-80 corridor.