Plan Your next day trip

New York State has an abundance of parks to explore for your next day trip. Whether you want to have a picnic, go on a hike, or just enjoy the fresh air, New York has got your back. New York offers 180 state parks with a variety of settings. Some parks have beach vibes for a perfect day under the sun or swimming in the cool lake. Other parks offer trails for all levels of hikers to get a good workout in the fresh air.

The parks also offer various amenities, such as boats and kayaks to rent. Some also have nearby attractions to see, like historical museums and lighthouses. Grills and picnic benches scatter the land, giving people the perfect opportunity to have a barbecue. A lot of parks in New York also offer event spaces to rent out for parties and weddings. Golf courses and campsites are other amenities that are commonly offered.

But with so many parks to choose from, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. Here’s a list of some of the best parks in New York to help get you started on planning your next getaway!

Chimney Bluffs

Chimney Bluffs is a state park in the Finger Lakes Region. This park is the perfect place to go fishing and hiking. The park offers trails for all levels of hikers. The hardest trail allows hikers to see the highlight of the park—the cliffs. This trail runs right along the cliff’s edge! Some trails cut through the woods, but they all allow a gorgeous view of the Lake Ontario shore. The trails also take you down to the beach, where you can walk along the shoreline.

Watkins glen

Watkins Glen is a state park in the Finger Lakes Region. The park offers camping reservations, cabins, and trails. If you plan on hiking, be prepared to climb. The trails have many steps, but the view from higher up is worth it.

For hiking enthusiasts, Watkins Glen presents a compelling challenge and reward. As you plan your trek, brace yourself for invigorating climbs along the trails. The pathways, adorned with many steps, lead adventurers to elevated vantage points that unveil panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The climb, though demanding, becomes a journey enriched with the promise of stunning vistas, making every step worthwhile.

The highlight of this park is the waterfalls. Some parts of the trail go behind the falls, giving hikers a nice refreshing spray. The park is especially gorgeous during fall, when all the leaves have changed to red and orange. Watkins Glen has some of the most stunning fall foliage.

Hamlin beach

If you’re looking for the perfect beach getaway, Hamlin Beach is the place for you. The park is in the Genesee region. It offers five large lots, all connected by a long trail perfect for hiking or riding your bike. Each lot offers a parking lot, picnic benches, bathrooms, and grills. Visitors are also allowed to swim when lifeguards are on duty. The trail gives hikers multiple opportunities to get closer to the water, with a gazebo that overlooks it and a walkway that goes out into the water.

Letchworth

Letchworth is a state park in the Genesee Region. Named the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this park offers views of multiple large waterfalls.

For those looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the tranquility of this natural sanctuary, Letchworth State Park offers a range of camping options, including campsites and cozy cabins. These accommodations allow visitors to embrace the beauty of the park from sunrise to sunset, providing an opportunity to experience the magic of Letchworth at various times of the day.

This park can get crowded on the weekends, so it’s best to get there early in the day. Letchworth is also a great place to go in the winter because it offers trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Golden hill

Golden Hill is a park in the Niagara Region. It’s the perfect place to go to for camping and lodging. The park offers multiple cabins for rent. One of the highlights of Golden Hill is the Thirty Mile Lighthouse, which houses a gorgeous cottage on the inside that’s open for visitors. The lighthouse also gives visitors a chance to climb up to the top and see a gorgeous view of the water from the balcony. The park offers flat trails that are perfect for beginners and bike-riders.

Niagara falls

The last park on this list is Niagara Falls, located in Niagara, New York.

Niagara Falls is a world-renowned natural wonder located on the border between the United States and Canada. It consists of three massive waterfalls – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls – collectively forming the Niagara Falls. The falls are situated on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.

This park not only offers trails and a gorgeous view of the falls, but tons of fun activities for the whole family. The Maid of the Mist offers visitors a boat tour through the falls, the Cave of the Winds allows visitors to get close to the falls, and there are tons of restaurants located nearby. It’s also very close to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

Conclusion

No matter what type of trip you’re looking for—a weekend getaway, a day on the beach, or even a camping trip—New York State offers many parks to meet various interests. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to a New York State Park!

Plan Your Next Daytrip Here: The Best Parks in NYS!