New York City might be the reason you visit New York State, but nature just may be the reason you keep coming back. From the coast to forests to rivers and lakes, with 180 state parks, there are plenty of unique landscapes to explore here. GearJunkie talked with former and current residents to get the scoop on the state parks most worth a visit.
Taughannock Falls State Park
The Finger Lakes are one of New York’s top outdoor attractions, and this park is a great home base to explore them. The namesake waterfall towers over 200 feet, and nearby Cayuga Lake provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. It’s a special park in the winter too; ponds transform into ice skating rinks, and hiking trails become cross-country skiing paths.
Location: 10 miles from Ithaca, N.Y.
Things to note: Deer hunting via bow is allowed from October to December in certain areas of the park. Be sure to have a valid state hunting permit.
Must-do activity: Participate in a free, guided gorge tour offered by park staff. Learn about the area’s history, ecology, and geology.
Trails: There are four main hiking trails. The 1.9-mile Gorge Trail offers scenic vistas of the gorge and waterfall, and you can add on another mile by tacking on the North Rim Trail as well.
Camping: The park has 68 campsites ($20/night) and 16 cabins ($66.50/night). The one-room cabins can sleep a maximum of four people. Reserve online in advance.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and once you visit, you’ll understand why. The Genesee River rushes over multiple cliffs in the gorge to create towering waterfalls. There are plenty of activities here, including white water rafting, hiking, horseback riding, biking, and kayaking. Visit during the fall for excellent leaf-peeping opportunities.
Location: 60 miles from Buffalo, N.Y.
Things to note: The Glen Iris Inn, a historic lodge from the early 20th century, offers accommodations and dining within the park.
Must-do activity: Embark on the 7.2-mile Gorge Trail to experience the park’s greatest hits, including all three waterfalls and a series of scenic viewpoints.
Trails: With 66 miles of trails, there’s ample opportunity to explore here. The 4.2-mile Highbanks Trail passes by the Mt. Morris Dam, and the flat 0.7-mile Portage Trail is great for those bringing young kids along.
Camping: There are 257 campsites ($30-32/night) and 81 cabins ($59-156/night) available, which all require advance reservations. Campsites have a two-night minimum, and out-of-state visitors must pay an additional $5/night.
Mine Kill State Park
For folks living in Albany, Mine Kill is a convenient escape into nature. It’s home to the large Blenheim–Gilboa Reservoir, which is great for fishing, kayaking, and water skiing. For land lovers, there’s also an 18-hole disc golf course that’s both challenging and stimulating. During the winter, visitors can ice skate, snowshoe, and cross-country ski here.
Location: 60 miles from Albany, N.Y.
Things to note: The boat launch is open from April 1 to Oct. 15. Boaters must clean their boat at the provided station before launching and sign in at the park office.
Must-do activity: Get out on the water with a kayak or paddleboard, and spend a warm summer day exploring the area by paddle. The park rents kayaks for $5/hour.
Trails: Mine Kill offers 8 miles of trails. The 1.1-mile Long Path Loop takes you to Mine Kill Falls. Combine the Nature and Yellow trails for a 2.2-mile journey around the edge of the reservoir.
Camping: Camping is not permitted.
Camp Hero State Park
There’s nothing quite like a trip to the beach, and Camp Hero provides the beach experience without the crowds. The remote former army base is home to large forests, wetlands, ocean vistas, and striking bluffs. It’s located right next to Montauk Point State Park, so you can combine both for a long weekend in the great outdoors.
Location: Montauk, N.Y.
Things to note: The park is a top-tier surf fishing location. Fishing is allowed 24/7 with the appropriate permit. Swimming is not allowed.
Must-do activity: Grab the binoculars and spend the afternoon birdwatching, seeing how many of the area’s 150 bird species you can identify.
Trails: The 415 acres here include over 10 miles of hiking paths. The 3.4-mile Paumanok Path passes by multiple scenic viewpoints, and stretches all the way to the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse.
Camping: There is no camping at Camp Hero.
Higley Flow State Park
It’s a common misconception, but the Adirondack Mountains are actually neither a national nor a state park. Higley Flow State Park, however, is located nearby in the foothills and is an excellent spot to stay if you’d like to explore one of New York’s most revered natural treasures. The park lies along the Raquette River, with a designed day-use beach and ample paddling opportunities.
Location: 67 miles from Lake Placid, N.Y.
Things to note: Pets are not permitted on the beach. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and swimming season runs from June to August.
Must-do activity: Take a relaxed stroll along the Beaver Pond Nature Trail to learn about the area’s natural history.
Trails: A series of short trails criss-cross the park, and it’s possible to link them together for as long or as short of a trek as you’d like. Try combining the Overlook, Wood’s Backcountry, and Warm Brook trails for a long loop with views of the water.
Camping: There are 133 campsites (both electric and not) available to reserve online that range in price from $15 to $31/night.
Golden Hill State Park
If you want to visit Niagara Falls, but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this park, located less than an hour from this iconic attraction, is an excellent choice. Its scenic location along Lake Ontario makes it a wonderful spot for boating and waterfowl hunting.
Location: 52 miles from Buffalo, N.Y.
Things to note: During the winter, 5 miles of snowmobile trails run throughout the park.
Must-do activity: Visit the historic Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse and take a guided tour to learn about its important role in maritime history.
Trails: There are three main trails at the park (red, blue, and green). The 3-mile Blue Trail Loop passes through the east end of the park, along the water, with access to several viewpoints.
Camping: There are 55 campsites ($17-37/night) and six yurts ($106/night) available to stay in. The lighthouse itself has a cottage on the upper floors that’s available for rent.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
New York City folks seeking an escape into nature often flock to Rockefeller State Park Preserve in good weather. The mighty oak, tulip poplar, maple, and beech trees here provide plenty of shade along the park’s 45 miles of carriage trails. With over 200 species of birds, the National Audubon Society designated the area an “Important Bird Area.”
Things to note: It’s possible to get from the city to the park primarily via public transport in under 2 hours. Take the Metro North Hudson Line to the Tarrytown Station, and then take a short cab from there to the park.
Must-do activity: Visit during the spring to walk among wildflowers and take in the stunning Tree Peony Garden. Follow the 1.1-mile Brothers’ Path around Swan Lake.
Trails: The wide former carriage trails are popular with walkers and runners. The aptly named 1.9-mile 13 Bridges Loop Trail passes over the Gory Brook via 13 bridges. The 0.87-mile Eagle Hill trail is prime viewing territory for fall foliage.
Camping: There is no camping in the park.
Fees & Passes
Most New York State Parks charge a daily entrance fee, which ranges from $6 to $10. If you plan on visiting multiple parks, a pass is likely the best value. Empire Passes provide access to all state areas, and are available for an individual season ($80), three seasons ($205), five seasons ($320), or for life ($750). There are discounts for veterans, those above 62 years old, and those with disabilities.
Campsites charge a nonrefundable $7.25 reservation fee. Should you need to cancel your reservation, to get a full refund (minus the reservation fee and a $7.25 cancellation fee), you must do so at least 8 days in advance of the first night’s stay.
