At first point out, New York conjures photos of towering skyscrapers and lots more and plenty of individuals. The state is rather more than a big, energetic metropolis. New York is house to 180 stunning state parks so that you can discover. We are going to define 20 great New York state parks to go to.
1. Letchworth State Park
House to the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park sits in Livingston and Wyoming counties in western New York. The Genesee River carves a 600-foot-deep picturesque gorge with dozens of waterfalls. Many guests deal with three breathtaking waterfalls simply accessed alongside the well-known Gorge Path.
The park incorporates many scenic mountaineering trails by way of woods and alongside the river, together with the Autism Nature Path (The ANT) for guests on the autism spectrum. You’ll be able to camp, swim, and look ahead to birds and wildlife. Take pleasure in a scrumptious meal on the charming Glen Iris Inn within the park if you wish to take a break from exploring.
2. Harriman State Park
The second largest New York state park, Harriman State Park, holds 200 miles of mountaineering trails, 31 lakes and reservoirs, two seashores, miles of scenic roads and flowing streams, and spacious tenting areas. It’s about thirty miles north of New York Metropolis.
Lake Welch, the park’s largest seaside, sits on the sting of the Ramapo Mountains, welcoming you to a half-mile-long sandy seaside the place you possibly can get pleasure from water actions. Go to the Anthony Wayne Recreation Space for picnicking, mountaineering, and cross-country snowboarding.
3. Saratoga Spa State Park
You will see that a nationwide historic landmark and a singular state park within the southernmost foothills of the Adirondack area. Greater than a century in the past, individuals believed the waters of Saratoga Springs had therapeutic powers. Accordingly, they constructed spas and well being facilities, and bottled and bought the valuable water.
Saratoga State Park resulted from an effort to protect the mineral springs. The realm was designated a state park in 1962 and a nationwide historic landmark in 1987. Many guests purpose to see the park’s beautiful classical structure and tranquil mineral springs.
The peaceable park supplies miles of nature trails, serene picnic areas, swimming, golf programs, and a creekside schooling middle that gives year-round applications. You’ll be able to get pleasure from ice skating, ice hockey, and cross-country snowboarding in winter.
4. Minnewaska State Park Protect
The rugged, rocky terrain of the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge engulfs the attractive Minnewaska State Park Protect. You’ll uncover three glassy lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, lush forests, ledges that yield surreal views, and clear streams coursing by way of valleys.
The park, surprisingly solely an hour from New York Metropolis, has 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of trails that you could bike or hike. Different actions embody mountaineering, bouldering, tenting, swimming, picnicking, and boating. Regardless of which exercise you select, the alluring surroundings at this New York State Park will deliver a broad grin.
5. Watkins Glen State Park
Exploring the surreal great thing about Watkins Glen State Park is a pleasure. You’ll move by way of tunnels, cross stone bridges and climb stairs as you admire 200-foot cliffs and 19 cascading waterfalls. The journey takes you above, under, and behind waterfalls and face-to-face with shale cliffs. Your rewarding views make the average hike value each step.
You’ll find the park alongside Seneca Lake in upstate New York. After your hike, tour among the implausible wineries and eating places in Watkins Glen.
6. Rockefeller State Park Protect
Head to the jap foothills in Pleasantville, alongside the Hudson River, and you will discover Rockefeller State Park Protect. It’s the former property of the John D. Rockefeller and William Rockefeller households.
The park holds 45 miles of crushed stone carriage roads the place you possibly can stroll by way of forested hills, valleys, and sprawling pastoral fields. Highlights of the paths embody stunning gardens, Swan Lake, stone and wooden bridges, babbling brooks, and weathered stone partitions. Past the peaceable walks, it’s a implausible place for horseback driving, pictures, birdwatching, and observing wildlife.
7. Allegany State Park
New York’s largest state park, with almost 65,000 acres is Allegany State Park. It sits within the western a part of the state simply north of the Allegheny Nationwide Forest in Pennsylvania. Two sections comprise the park: Crimson Home Space and Quaker Run Space. Each areas supply comparable experiences.
The park has mountaineering trails, naturalist walks, sand seashores, picnic areas, and museums. You will see that 5 miles of paved trails at Crimson Home for walkers, runners, and bicyclists. In heat climate you possibly can go mountain biking or cross-country snowboarding in chilly climate.
The park affords winterized cabins and 90 miles of trails designated for snowmobiles. Tenting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and snowshoeing are different widespread actions.
8. Niagara Falls State Park
America’s oldest state park, Niagara Falls State Park, delivers views of the well-known namesake waterfall, mountaineering trails, and interactive reveals. The long-lasting attraction consists of three distinct waterfalls:
- Horseshoe Falls
- American Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
You’ll be able to trip the Niagara Scenic Trolley to study in regards to the park or really feel the facility of the falls as you get soaked on the Maid of the Mist boat trip. You too can take the strolling tour to Cave of the Winds.
The wonder and energy of the falls are breathtaking. Observe Niagara Falls at night time, illuminated in vivid, colourful lights, for extra inspiration.
9. Robert H. Treman State Park
Situated within the Finger Lakes, this beautiful park stretches throughout the cities of Ithaca, Enfield, and Newfield. Winding trails take you alongside Enfield Glen, a rugged gorge with a dozen cascading waterfalls. On the 115-foot Lucifer Falls, you achieve a 1.5-mile perspective of the wooded gorge snaking its solution to the decrease park.
Robert H. Treman State Park has cabins and campsites for tents and RVs. You’ll be able to swim in a stream-fed pool beneath a waterfall or discover 9 miles of mountaineering trails all through the park, soaking within the pure great thing about rocky cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and dense forest.
10. Hudson Highlands State Park Protect
A collection of separate parcels of primarily undeveloped land alongside the Hudson River, Hudson Highlands State Park Protect has different habitats from river banks to deciduous forests to rugged, rocky ridges. With over 70 miles of paths, the park affords mountaineering trails that span from simple to difficult. Alternatives abound for widespread actions like boating, fishing, and birding.
Undeveloped land full of pure magnificence is uncommon in at this time’s world. The park is a dream come true for hikers and those that like to discover the good outside.
11. Bear Mountain State Park
Nestled in rugged mountains on the Hudson River’s west financial institution in Rockland and Orange counties, Bear Mountain State Park has so much to supply. Amid pure magnificence, you possibly can hike, bike, swim, fish in a lake or river, cross-country ski, and luxuriate in lunch in a shaded picnic grove.
Bear Mountain State Park affords an unlimited playfield in heat climate. It options an outside ice skating rink in chilly climate. If in case you have youngsters, trip the merry-go-round and go to Trailside Museums and Zoo contained in the park. You’ll be able to keep on the beautiful Bear Mountain Inn throughout your go to.
12. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Situated southwest of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park encompasses a waterfall descending in a foaming cascade from Buttermilk Creek to a plunge pool. You will see that a enjoying area, lake, picnic grounds, and wooded trails alongside the gorge and rim of the waterfall.
The decrease park incorporates a pure pool, campgrounds, and a nature path main by way of a good looking wetland space known as Larch Meadows. You’ll be able to swim within the gorge’s pure pool, relishing its surreal magnificence.
13. Stony Brook State Park
The namesake brook, a small post-glacial stream, carves a deep, slim gorge with many accessible waterfalls. It sits within the rolling hills of western New York in Steuben County.
Well-liked actions in Stony Brook State Park embody tenting, swimming, picnicking, and mountaineering. Additionally, you will discover a tennis courtroom, baseball area, volleyball and basketball courts, and playgrounds right here.
Stony Brook State Park affords three reasonably troublesome mountaineering trails, every a few mile lengthy with stairs. Essentially the most accessible and most scenic is the gorge path, passing a stream-fed pool and three main waterfalls. Observe many desirable rock formations alongside the best way.
14. Chimney Bluffs State Park
Chimney Bluffs State Park is a 597-acre park that sits within the city of Huron alongside Lake Ontario’s southern shore. Big earthen pinnacles that stretch as much as 150 ft above waves rolling ashore dominate a half-mile stretch of the coast.
The clay spires, known as drumlins, began as glacial deposits, forming over a few years from erosion, which proceed to form the drumlins at this time. You’ll be able to respect the distinctive bluffs from above or alongside the lakeshore.
Hike or picnic throughout summer season and cross-country ski and snowshoe throughout winter.
15. Montauk Level State Park
Situated on the jap tip of Lengthy Island’s South Shore, Montauk Level State Park supplies spectacular views of converging tides from the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound. Watch seals basking within the solar on offshore rocks or observe Block Island within the distance.
Take time to go to the oldest lighthouse within the state, Montauk Lighthouse, commissioned in 1792 by President George Washington. Browsing and surf fishing are widespread actions alongside the attractive rocky shoreline. You too can hike or cross-country ski on the park’s nature trails.
16. Rock Island Lighthouse State Park
This distinctive park is just accessible by boat. Benefit from the surroundings as you cruise to the island courtesy of Clayton Island Boat Excursions.
Rock Island Lighthouse State Park is within the Thousand Islands alongside the picturesque St. Lawrence Seaway, 4.5 miles northeast of Clayton off Fisher’s Touchdown.
Stroll the island and climb the steps of the park’s historic lighthouse for a spectacular view from above. You’ll be able to discover the keeper’s quarters to study in regards to the historical past of the island and the St. Lawrence River.
17. Taughannock Falls State Park
With a fascinating waterfall that plunges 215 ft, Taughannock Falls State Park affords gorge and rim trails with breathtaking views. Huge paths blaze by way of the peaceable forest, offering a leisurely stroll to the principle attraction.
You will see that individuals with large grins and leashed canines with wagging tails. With views of the waterfall, campsites, and cabins overlooking Cayuga Lake, no surprise everybody right here is so completely satisfied. Guests benefit from the park’s skating ponds and sledding slopes in winter.
Taughannock Falls State Park is within the Finger Lakes space simply northwest of Ithaca. Close by you possibly can chase extra waterfalls, attend a farmer’s market, or style scrumptious wines.
18. Inexperienced Lakes State Park
What’s particular about Inexperienced Lakes State Park? It incorporates two meromictic lakes, Inexperienced Lake and Spherical Lake.
A minimum of every year, deep and floor waters bodily combine in peculiar lakes. This mixing usually happens in spring and fall. As a result of sediment kicks up, many lakes seem brownish or muddy.
Nonetheless, floor and backside waters don’t combine in meromictic lakes. Sediment stays on the underside and doesn’t decay.
Inexperienced Lake is 195 ft deep, and Spherical Lake is 180 ft deep. Attributable to their depth and the dearth of sediment kicking up, Inexperienced and Spherical Lakes’ mirror-like waters tackle a bluish-green shade.
These glacial pothole lakes doubtlessly maintain proof of historic plant and animal life. No outdoors boats are allowed to protect the character of the distinctive lakes. Nonetheless, you possibly can boat and swim in designated areas.
Past admiring the glacial lakes, many guests go to Inexperienced Lakes State Park to play a spherical of golf or disc golf. The park additionally affords tenting, mountaineering, winter snowshoeing, and cross-country snowboarding. You’ll find the park east of Syracuse, in Manlius.
19. Gantry Plaza State Park
Opposite to what some assume, yow will discover great state parks in New York Metropolis. Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre park alongside the East River within the Hunters Level part of Lengthy Island Metropolis. The neatly manicured oasis supplies spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Gantry Plaza State Park, a former dockyard in a producing district, is called for the restored gantries as soon as used to unload and switch cargo from rail automobiles to barges. The oasis incorporates 4 piers, stunning gardens, and a mist fountain.
Gantry Plaza State Park is the right place for a soothing stroll. Or, you possibly can benefit from the view from one of many riverside chairs and benches. In case you are in search of leisure actions, the park has basketball and handball courts, playgrounds, and a fishing pier.
20. Level Au Roche State Park
Located close to Plattsburgh on the northwestern shore of beautiful Lake Champlain, Level Au Roche State Park delivers a sandy seaside space and a mixture of open and forested mountaineering trails. The pleasant mountaineering and biking trails wind by way of habitats starting from the shoreline to forest to marsh.
Well-liked water actions embody boating and fishing. Boaters will discover 60 mooring websites in Deep Bay. For these prepared to courageous the chilly, the park affords ice fishing.
Level Au Roche State Park’s nature middle supplies varied programming all year long. Many guests get pleasure from enjoying a sport of softball or volleyball. It’s a stunning place for a household outing.
Wrap-up: New York State Parks You Ought to Go to
New York is greater than a well-known metropolis that draws vacationers and dreamers. The state affords beautiful landscapes and thrilling leisure alternatives throughout its park system. Put these 20 New York state parks in your bucket checklist and discover “the Empire State.”
This text was produced by Wealth of Geeks.
We’re Scott and Julie at Miles with McConkey. After almost 30 years, we took a leap of religion out of the company world to get pleasure from a lifetime of journey and journey. We hope to encourage you to search out methods to journey extra and luxuriate in life now.
