Northeast · Adirondacks to Niagara · Statehood 1788
New York
State
Field Guide
Six million acres of protected Adirondack wilderness, the oldest state park in the country at Niagara Falls, and a chain of glacier-cut lakes in the west. Most visitors never leave the city. These are the reasons to.
Updated October 2026 · Written by artist Nick Scacco
Classic Experiences
01.
Western New York · Niagara Falls State Park
See Niagara Falls Up Close
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States, designed in part by Frederick Law Olmsted. Three waterfalls share the gorge: the American Falls, the small Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian-side Horseshoe Falls, which carries most of the river. Walk Goat Island for views from above, then get wet on the Cave of the Winds boardwalks at the foot of Bridal Veil. Go on a weekday, early, before the tour buses arrive.
02.
Adirondack Park · High Peaks Region
Climb the Adirondack High Peaks
Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined, and it holds both public land and private towns. The 46 High Peaks are the main draw, with Mount Marcy, the state high point, the headline climb. Lake Placid, host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, makes an easy base. For a gentler day, paddle the Saranac Lakes or walk the shore of Heart Lake. Fall color usually peaks from late September into early October.
03.
Finger Lakes · Watkins Glen
Walk Watkins Glen Gorge
The Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park winds through a narrow glacier-carved canyon, passing 19 waterfalls on stone staircases and under rock arches, including one you walk directly behind. The gorge trail is closed in winter, so plan for the warm months. Afterward, the Finger Lakes are wine country: Seneca Lake alone has dozens of wineries along its shores. Allow a full day for the park and a second for the vineyards.
Little-Known Gem
Letchworth State Park: the Grand Canyon of the East
Genesee Valley · Western New York · Castile
Most people cross New York to reach Niagara and drive straight past Letchworth. The Genesee River runs for about 17 miles through a forested gorge here, dropping over three major waterfalls with rock walls rising several hundred feet on either side. Rails and overlooks line the rim, trails drop to the river, and the whole park sits in a quiet corner of the state with far fewer crowds than the Falls. Fall color along the gorge is exceptional.
New York Travel Questions
What are the best places to visit in New York State outside the city?
Three classics are Niagara Falls State Park, the Adirondack High Peaks around Lake Placid, and Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes. Letchworth State Park, often called the Grand Canyon of the East, is the quieter alternative.
When is the best time to visit the Adirondacks?
June through October is the main hiking season. Fall color usually peaks from late September into early October.
Is Niagara Falls State Park free to enter?
Walking into the park is free, but the parking lots charge a fee and attractions like Cave of the Winds are ticketed. Check the state parks site for current prices.