The State of New York is a beautiful state in the Northeastern United States. It is sometimes called New York State to distinguish it from its largest city, the most famous in the world, New York City.
But Big Apple aside, this state is home to the rich diversity, gorgeous landscapes, and amazing hikes that will draw out the adventurer in you.
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10. Taughannock Falls State Park
Let’s begin our journey to New York state with a visit to Taughannock Falls State Park. The centerpiece of this amazing destination is the similarly named Taughannock Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. Imagine water plunging 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. The trails offer spectacular views from above the falls, and from below at the end of the gorge trail. But that’s just part of the picture.
There are other gorges and rim trails that you can follow, and it is a guaranteed fun hike. There are also campsites and cabins available that give you a sweeping view of Cayuga Lake, with its marina, boat launch, and beach nearby.
9. Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs in Saratoga County, near Adirondack Park, is a picture-perfect city with beautiful tree-lined streets, Victorian houses, colorful gardens, and a whopping 18 mineral springs to help you unwind. This appropriately named spa paradise is a nature lover’s dream destination.
Well-known since the 19th century for these healing mineral springs, this is a favorite getaway destination for New Yorkers. And has since been populated by luxury hotels, spa resorts, museums, jazz bars, and of course the famous race track.
When navigating the town, you can head to one of the local farmer’s markets for awesome cheeses and homemade jams. You can also explore the landscape on horseback.
8. Watkins Glen State Park
Located at the southernmost tip of Seneca Lake, the Watkins Glen State Park has 19 gorgeous waterfalls sure to take your breath away.
The centerpiece of this 778-acre park is Glen Creek, a 400-foot-deep, narrow gorge cut through rock by a stream. It features three trails, allowing you to climb or descend the gorge.
The Southern Rim and Indian Trails run along the gorge’s forested rim, while the Gorge Trail is closest to the stream and runs over, under, and along the park’s 19 waterfalls! This is our recommended way to go.
The path is lined with stone bridges, including a nerve-wracking 165-foot-high bridge traversing the water! It offers camping sites as well as picnic tables, and amenities for fishing, hiking, and even cross-country skiing.
7. Adirondack Park
The Adirondack Park is a part of New York’s Forest Preserve. It is a vast 6 million acres of land that includes more than 10,000 lakes, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a wide variety of habitats including wetlands and old-growth forests. Don’t worry, you won’t be far from civilization, since it has 102 towns and villages nestled within.
The scenic forest-covered mountains offer great opportunities for a refreshing hike. Just choose among its 46 peaks. Or you can just select a good lake and kayak across.
If you’re adventurous though, try whitewater rafting at Moose River. Rent one of a number of lakeside cabins, because this place is beautiful, especially during autumn.
You can also check out the Ausable Chasm. Billed as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, the spectacular terrain offers an amazing view while rafting, bike riding, rock-climbing, or rappelling.
There are guided tours available if you’d like to learn as you hike along.
6. Finger Lakes Wine Region
Finger Lakes takes its name from a group of eleven long, narrow lakes that look like the terrestrial impression of fingers from a giant hand. Local legend attributes these to a great spirit that laid its hand to bless the land.
These lakes provide a stunning backdrop for a wide range of outdoor activities. But perhaps its biggest draw is the fact that the Finger Lakes region is known for producing excellent wine, particularly the world-renowned Rieslings.
With more than 100 wineries, distilleries, and breweries, this region is a haven for wine aficionados. There are tons of tours to choose from, including a wine cruise along Cayuga Lake where you can visit a few of the 26 wineries that are on the banks.
Check-in for a day or two, in one of the different resorts surrounding the lakes. And make sure to get a driver before and after your wine tour, don’t drink and drive!
5. Thousand Islands & Alexandria Bay
Along the St. Lawrence river is a 50-mile stretch of thousands of small islands. A beautiful sight and the best way to experience it is by getting into the water itself.
There are river cruises available, giving sightseers the chance to navigate this magnificent labyrinth of beautiful islands. This provides a glimpse of the extravagant holiday villas punctuating the islands.
And while you’re there, see the gorgeous Power House on the St. Lawrence River. And then drop by the amazing Boldt Castle, though not as old as its medieval counterparts in Europe, the beauty is on par.
Construction began on Boldt Castle in the 1900s at the bidding of hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife Louise. Reminds you of the motivation behind the Taj Mahal right?
The castle is open during the summer to autumn months. So be sure to book a visit.
4. Lake Placid
While the other items on our list boast of a fun summer experience, the town of Lake Placid, which lies within the boundaries of the Adirondack Park, is beautiful year-round. Home to the stunning mirror lake.
The landscape is picturesque even during autumn. And the town’s main strip has plenty of boutiques and restaurants. When winter comes, now that’s when Lake Placid unleashes its full potential!
This beautiful place is a world-famous winter resort that has, in fact, hosted the Winter Olympics… twice! The powdery slopes and frozen water’s surface offer a breathtaking view while skiing or skating.
Or you can relax around a bonfire and get cozy in accommodation along the lakefront.
3. Niagara Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in all of North America, Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination. It consists of three separate waterfalls.
Each minute, around four million cubic meters of water cascade from the top of the falls on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. So imagine, what a thundering presence! It does roar.
There are several ways to see these awe-inspiring falls including walkways above the water, a boat trip to the bottom where you don raincoats to keep you from getting soaked, or do it in an open-top jet boat and ride through the rolling waves.
There is also a zipline with a full view of the falls. If you want to keep dry though, you can take a luxurious helicopter tour high above the falls.
Stay longer and spend a night at a hotel perched in the nearby city of Buffalo (Curtiss Hotel).
2. New York City
Need we say more? New York City rightfully gets a lot of attention for being vibrant and energizing, without a dull moment. There’s so much to see, so you got to always be on your feet.
There’s the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Centre, Brooklyn Bridge, the MET, and Bryant Park to name just a few.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Completed in 1886, it was a gift to the United States from the people of France. To get up close, take a ferry trip to Liberty Island. No trip to the state of New York is complete without seeing this iconic figure.
Battery Park also offers great views from afar. If you get tired from all the walking, sit on a bench at Central Park. This park in Manhattan serves as a tranquil oasis in the very busy city of New York.
Also, visit the Bronx Zoo, both the biggest and oldest in the United States. The zoo houses over 4000 animals. The popular 6.5-acre Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit costs extra but a part of what you pay is donated to conservation projects.
Primo tip, to save some money, book a New York City Explorer Pass. It will give you access to over 95 attractions, including the Empire State Building.
1. Long Island
The idyllic string of seaside communities in Long Island propelled it to our top spot. With stunning beaches that are perfect for surfing, fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, or simply relaxing.
Located at the tip of the island, Montauk is a major tourist destination and contains six state parks. It is particularly famous for its fishing, claiming to have held more saltwater fishing records than any other port in the world.
The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States, at more than 200 years old! In the summer, there are music festivals, local produce markets, and art galleries to enjoy.
The towns of Southampton and East Hampton are favorite summer destinations for the affluent. It is marked by long stretches of beach and villages with 18th-century shingle buildings, as well as opulent estates hidden behind tall hedges.
East Hampton’s Main Street is home to high-end restaurants, bars, and designer boutiques if you want to splurge a little more.
So make it a part of your itinerary.
