What exactly to do with this I wasn't sure, but mountain vallies are a very important part of New York, especially the Adirondacks and the southern tier.  Some of the vallies were carved out of high land by the glaciers.  Some of them were left as "wrinkles" as the Appalachain Mountain chain was formed by continental movement.  They are important because this is where most of the water is-- the creeks and river vallies, and because this is where most of the people are.  There are spectacular views of the vallies and towns throughout much of the southern tier and Adirondack region.  Rte. 17 which runs east-west in across southern New York, although a major highway, provides good views, while many Adirondack Mountain trails have truly spectacular scenery, especially for those who enjoy hiking.