16 Beautiful New York State Nature Spots That NYC Can’t Rival

If you grew up in Jersey like I did, you probably spent your fair share of time admiring the bright lights of Broadway and braving the subway chaos. But having gone to grade school in the colorful landscapes of upstate New York, there’s a whole world of beauty and adventure just beyond the city limits.

While the city’s packed with stunning spots, these beautiful places in New York State will make you question why you never cross the river for some peace outside the urban jungle.

From roaring waterfalls to turquoise lakes, these 16 gems prove there’s much more to explore beyond Manhattan’s borders.

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of those places that everyone thinks they know, but seeing it in person is a whole different experience. The sheer power of the falls will leave you speechless. As the sound is so booming, you can’t have a conversation while standing next to it.

There’s a reason people travel from all over the world to stand in its mist. If you go, grab a poncho and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

The view from the top is iconic, and you can also cross over to the Canadian side for a totally different perspective.

2. Watkins Glen State Park, Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen State Park’s main draw is its series of gorges and 19 waterfalls. The Gorge Trail is a must-do, where you will weave through stone bridges, under waterfalls, and up spiraling staircases.

If you’re an early bird, the morning light at Rainbow Falls is spectacular. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes; it can get slippery.

3. Ausable Chasm, Adirondacks

Ausable Chasm is the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” minus the part where you have to fly to Arizona. The Ausable River has carved the gorge for thousands of years, turning it into a deep, rugged valley of rock formations.

Adventure awaits with tubing, rafting, and rock climbing. The chasm trails offer incredible views and a good workout. A cool little suspension bridge adds a bit of excitement to the hike.

4. Letchworth State Park, Castile

Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” because every gorge in New York apparently needs a nickname.

With three major waterfalls, the Genesee River roars through this impressive canyon. The park has over 60 miles of hiking trails, or you can go white-water rafting or take a hot-air balloon ride over the gorge.

It’s especially gorgeous in the fall when the trees explode into a palette of color.

5. Kaaterskill Falls, Catskill Mountains

Kaaterskill Falls is a two-tier waterfall that’s as dramatic as it is beautiful. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in New York, and the hike through the Catskill Mountains is an adventure in itself.

Standing at the base of this majestic falls, you’ll realize just how powerful nature can be. The best time to visit is after a heavy rain, but watch your step because the rocks can get slippery.

If you’re not up for the full hike, there are easier trails that still give you great views from above.

6. Thousand Islands, Alexandria Bay

The Thousand Islands is an archipelago of over 1,800 islands across the St. Lawrence River. Some islands are so tiny they only fit a single house, while others are large enough to host entire communities.

Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island, is a must-see stop. It is a storybook castle with a tragic love story behind it.

You can explore the islands by boat, kayak, or swimming. Boat tours are also a popular way to take in the scenery.

7. Boldt Castle, Heart Island

As part of the Thousand Islands, I wanted to call Boldt Castle out as a must-visit spot.

Although the castle on the edge of Heart Island looks like it comes straight out of a European village fairy tale, the story doesn’t have the happiest ending. Built by millionaire George Boldt as a symbol of his love for his wife, the castle was left unfinished when she tragically passed away.

Today, it stands as an architectural wonder that you can tour, but you must take a boat to get there.

The grounds are beautifully kept, and the interior of the castle is as grand as you’d expect from a mansion built by a 19th-century hotel mogul. You can wander through the rooms and imagine what could’ve been if it had been completed.

8. Lake Placid, Adirondacks

Lake Placid is best known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, but it’s more than just a sports town. This mountain village is ridiculously picturesque, surrounded by the High Peaks of the Adirondacks.

Whether you’re visiting in winter for skiing and ice skating or in the summer for hiking and kayaking, there’s never a bad time to visit. Mirror Lake is perfect for a peaceful paddle or ice skating when it freezes over. You can hike up one of the nearby peaks, like Whiteface Mountain, for a panorama viewpoint.

9. The Finger Lakes, Central New York

Central New York is home to 11 long, slender lakes that, when viewed on a map, resemble fingers stretching across the landscape.

The waterfalls are a huge draw, with Watkins Glen, Taughannock, and Buttermilk Falls being just a few of the showstoppers.

With over 100 wineries, you could spend days just tasting the local vintages. The Finger Lakes region is known for its Rieslings, and after a day of hiking, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a glass of local wine.

10. Chittenango Falls State Park, Cazenovia

Chittenango Falls State Park might not be the biggest park, but its namesake waterfall drops 167 feet over a staircase of rock formations, creating a pretty epic view. You can even hike down to the bottom.

The park itself is quiet and less crowded than some of the other waterfall hotspots. The water roars in the spring and early summer, but it’s a sight to see even in the fall.

11. Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg

Taughannock Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Rockies. At 215 feet, it’s taller than Niagara Falls, though maybe not as wide or thunderous.

You can hike a relatively easy trail to the base and look straight up at the water crashing down. If you prefer a more panoramic view, a rim trail lets you see the falls from above.

The park also has picnic areas, a beach, and boat rentals on Cayuga Lake, so you can easily spend an entire day here.

12. Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville

Green Lakes State Park is home to two incredibly turquoise lakes: Green Lake and Round Lake. The color comes from their meromictic nature, meaning the water layers don’t mix, making them super clear.

Walking around the lakes on the easy, shaded trail feels more like a tropical vacation than a park in Central New York. The calm water reflects the surrounding trees, and you rent a kayak or canoe and get right on the water.

13. Hamptons Beaches, The Hamptons

The Hamptons are synonymous with luxury; growing up in New Jersey, everyone wanted to vacation there.

From Coopers Beach in Southampton to Main Beach in East Hampton, these sandy stretches of paradise are perfect for soaking up the sun. The Atlantic Ocean waves are great for surfing, while the soft sand is ideal for lounging.

When you nightcap at high-end restaurants, celebrity sightings and millionaires are a dime a dozen. Even without the deluxe treatment, the dunes, crashing waves, and pristine sand make it a top-notch beach destination.

14. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz

Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle resort perched on the edge of a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by forest and cliffs. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still visit for the day and hike the surrounding trails for views of the Shawangunk Ridge.

The labyrinth of rock formations known as the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze trail is a must for more adventurous hikers. In the winter, there’sice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing make it a true four-season destination.

15. Fire Island National Seashore, Fire Island

Fire Island National Seashore is a barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island, and it’s a world away from the noise pollution of New York City. No cars are allowed on most of the island, and you take a short ferry ride from Long Island.

With 32 miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches, you can sunbathe, swim, or explore the island’s famous lighthouse in peace. The Sunken Forest is a must-see, with its ancient maritime holly trees growing on sand dunes.

16. Storm King Art Center, New Windsor

Storm King Art Center is where nature and art collide. This massive outdoor sculpture park spans 500 acres, with rolling hills and meadows dotted with huge, contemporary sculptures. Each turn reveals a new piece of art framed by the changing landscape.

The sculptures range from playful to thought-provoking, and they all feel like they belong in the natural setting. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk with the views of the Hudson Valley in the background.

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