Route 9 is parallel to the Northway. If I-87 goes there, so does Route 9, only slower.

The Ass End: Western Avenue and Crossgates Mall, Albany
Exit 1: I-90 and Washington Avenue, Albany
Exit 2: Wolf Road and Central Avenue, Colonie, Albany; the Colonie Center Mall and a way into Schenectady
Exit 3: The secret air base
Exit 4: Wolf Road, the airport, a path to Niskayuna
Exit 5: Albany-Shaker Road, Latham
Exit 6: The Latham Circle; Route 7 towards Niskayuna
Exit 7: Route 7 towards Troy and Bennington.
Exit 8: The swampy riverside end of Clifton Park. Enjoy the massive maze!
Exit 8A: People actually live here. JEWISH people. Go here to get to Wal*Fuck.
Exit 9: The center of Clifton Park. Go here for the mall, Shenendehowa and most of your friends.
Exit 10: There are some packaging factories here, as well as more houses. God doesn't look upon Exit 10.
Exit 11: Useless shit.
Exit 12: Driving is illegal in Malta.
Exit 13N (13S doesn't matter): The southern end of Saratoga.
Exit 14: The middle of Saratoga. Go here for the Asylum.
Exit 15: The northern end of Saratoga. There's a Wilton Mall up here or summin.'
Exit 16: More useless shit.
Exit 17: Trees
Exit 18: You know, if you go too far the snow monster will come eat you.
Exit 19: Glens Falls
Exit 20: Some mall none of us ever bother going to.

Lake George is somewhere up here. Go a few more hours, and you'll end up in Canada. Lots of mountains between, no gold.