New York State is home to over 180 State Parks with numerous parks we think could easily rival a few of the best US National Parks.
This guide was written by a New York State local whose main goal is to help you explore the best State Parks New York has to offer.
In our detailed NY State Park guide, we will show you:
Now, let's explore the beautiful state parks scattered all throughout New York State!
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Kristen is a New York State native and we lived in the NY Finger Lakes region when Mark first moved to the United States in 2019.
Once the pandemic began a few months later, visiting these NY State Parks was how we spent most of our time. You can even find a few of our NY photos featured in Gestalten's Great American Road Trip.
While we no longer live in the area, Kristen's family still lives in upstate New York so we typically return to this beautiful region every year.
Everytime we come back to visit, we plan to check off more beautiful New York State Parks to create a continuously growing guide to help you explore upstate NY.
Bookmark or save this guide so you can return to it in the future to see what else the Empire State has to offer!
Before we jump head first into the best NY state parks, we wanted to clear the air.
You can find many publications online stating there are National Parks in New York State and this is misleading. So just to be very clear, there are NO New York National Parks.
The National Park Service manages 424 units across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories with some of these recreational sites located in New York State.
In New York State, you can visit either State Parks or National Recreational Sites such as:
These National Recreational sites are often referred to "parks" but this does not fall under the same category as the 63 US National Parks such as Grand Canyon or Yellowstone.
When you visit a new York State Park, these parks are run by NY state and not the federal government. There are 180 State Parks in New York and they typically charge a vehicle entry fee of around US$ 5-10 per day.
But if you visit a US recreational site, you can use your America the Beautiful pass to gain entry because these sites are run by the federal government.
In this guide, we are only going to discuss the best state parks in New York which means you will have to pay a vehicle fee at every park (unless you have the Empire Pass but more on this later in our guide).
Love US National Parks? Don't miss our round up of the best National Parks to visit in the United States.
With 180 State Parks in New York State, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a park to visit.
We have either personally visited the parks on this list or they have a place on our NY state bucket list so you can be rest assured this list only features the best state parks in New York.
Because each New York State Park offers something unique, we have listed each park in alphabetical order and explained why you should considering visiting that particular park.
If you are in a hurry and don't want to read this entire guide, you should check out Letchworth State Park or Watkins Glen State Park which are the best NY State Parks in our opinion.
So without further ado, here are the 20 best New York State Parks.
It's only right to start this list with Allegany State Park, which is the largest of the New York State Parks. In this park, visitors have everything on their doorstep such as mountains, forests and even lakes.
Allegany State Park is a year round adventure boasting campsites, cabins and winterized cottages. The two most popular areas in the park include Red House and Quaker with activities the entire family can enjoy.
Hotel recommendation: White Pine Lodge | Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
Travel Tip: For those who love winter sports, the mountain biking and equestrian trails in this NY state park double as snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.
Located along the west bank of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park is home to a swimming pool, play fields, numerous hiking or biking trails and a lake with fishing access.
Open year round, Bear Mountain State Park features an outdoor ice skating rink from late October to mid-March and a merry go round with with hand painted scenes of the park.
Popular hiking trail: Bear Mountain Loop
Hotel recommendation: Bear Mountain Inn | Overlook Lodge
Cascading waterfalls, stunning gorges and natural beauty are the highlights of a gorge trail day hike at Buttermilk Falls State Park in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
In summer, visitors can enjoy a natural stream-fed swimming pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls after a long day of hiking. However, the popular Gorge Trail closes in winter and typically reopens in April.
Hotel Recommendation: Argos Inn Boutique | William Henry Miller Inn
Planning to visit Buttermilk Falls? Don't miss our popular guide featuring how to visit Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca.
If you are looking for a unique State Park to visit, look no further than Chimney Bluffs State Park which sits on the southern shores of Lake Ontario in upstate New York.
When visiting Chimney Bluffs, we recommend you begin your visit by hiking the Bluff Trail to experience the large earthen spires looming above the shoreline.
Hotel recommendation: The Inn at Burnap's
Interested in Chimney Bluffs? You might like to read our guide featuring Chimney Bluffs State Park.
The main attractions at Chittenango Falls State Park is the 167 ft waterfall showing casing 400 million year old bedrock with a beautiful wooden bridge.
This extremely picturesque waterfall is also home to the Ovate Amber Snail so no wading in the water to protect this endangered species of snail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing and picnicking.
Hotel recommendation: Embassy Suites Syracuse | The Parkview Hotel
Gantry Plaza State Park is the only park on this list near New York City, but this 12 acre green oasis offers stunning views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline including the famous Empire State Building.
We love this smaller NY State Park because you can visit the four piers, enjoy the manicured gardens and admire the NYC skyline from afar. Don't miss the restored gantries which used to load and unload rail car floats.
Hotel recommendation: Best New York City hotels
Heading to New York City? Don't miss our popular guide to the best observation decks in NYC ranked including pros and cons to each one.
Nestled near Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is popular thanks to the gorgeous glacial lakes surrounded by hemlock trees and numerous hiking trails.
In the summer months, visitors to Green Lakes can enjoy beach access and boat rentals. Other highlights include the 18 hole Green Lakes State park golf course and extensive snowshoe trails in winter.
Hotel recommendation: Embassy Suites Syracuse | The Parkview Hotel
Plan to visit Green Lakes State Park? Don't miss our complete guide to visiting Green Lakes State Park including how to hike the beautiful Green Lake and Round Lake loop.
Harriman State Park is the second largest park in the New York State park system featuring 31 lakes, 200 miles of trails, two public beaches and two popular camping locations.
Located in Rockland and Orange counties, Harriman State Park is about an hour from New York City and it becomes a sanctuary for visitors in the summer months for swimming, hiking and camping.
Hudson Highlands State Park is one of the more undeveloped preserved on this best state parks in New York State list. With over 8,000 acres and 70 miles of trails, this region is a hikers paradise.
Another park about 50 miles from NYC, this is a popular destinations for hiking, boating, fishing, and birding. Many visitors enjoy the parks extensive network of hiking trails.
Best hikes in Hudson Highlands: AllTrails
Hotel recommendation: Beacon Hermitage | The Roundhouse | Cold Spring Hotel
Letchworth State Park is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East as the raging Genesee River cuts through stunning gorges creating three magnificent waterfalls.
This popular New York State Park features over 60 miles of hiking trails as well as activities for the entire family including white water rafting, swimming, nature centers, bird watching and hot air ballooning.
Hotel recommendation: Glen Iris Inn | Country Inn & Suites
Heading to Letchworth? Use our extremely popular guide to Letchworth State Park featuring the best things to do in the park and how to see the 3 stunning waterfalls.
Another extremely popular New York State Park located in Ulster County about an hour and a half drive from New York City, Minnewaska State Park Preserve sits on the Shawangunk Mountain ridge.
This NYS park features three crystalline lakes, numerous waterfalls, dense forests and dramatic cliffs opening to beautiful views of the valleys below. Visitors can enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, rock climbing and even scuba diving.
Hotel recommendation: Minnewaska Lodge | Stonehill's Farmhouse
A year round destination featuring a gorgeous lake in upstate NY, Moreau Lake State Park is home to numerous hiking trails, sandy beaches, several campsites, pavilions and several picnic areas.
Moreau Lake is certainly the star of the show at this NY State Park offering visitors opportunities for fishing any time of the year as well as boating including row boats, kayaking and paddle board rentals.
Hotel recommendation: McGregor Inn Motel | Sara Glen Motel
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States and almost ten million people visit this natural wonder every year.
We love Niagara Falls because there are many popular activities such as Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist not to mention amazing views from the Canadian side of Niagara Gorge as well.
Hotel recommendation: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino | The Cadence
Planning to visit Niagara Falls? Use our popular guide featuring the best things to do in Niagara Falls to make sure you see all the highlights in the park!
Located near Ithaca, Robert H. Treman State Park is home to a stunning gorge known as Enfield Glen. Visitors can walk the winding gorge trail past 12 waterfalls including Lucifer Falls and Lower Falls.
We like Robert H. Treman because you can swim in the stream fed natural swimming pool located underneath Lower Falls in the summer months. Other popular activities include hiking, camping and picnicking.
Hotel recommendation: Argos Inn | Rodeway Inn Ithaca
Planning a trip to Robert Treman? Don't miss our guides with insider tips on how to visit Robert H. Treman State Park in upstate New York.
About 30 miles north of New York City, Rockefeller State Park Preserve features the former country estates of John D. Rockefeller family and William Rockefeller within the Pocantico Hills.
This preserve is open year round allowing visitors to explore the 45 miles of crushed stone carriage roads laid out by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and Jr which are perfect for jogging, walking and of course, carriage rides.
Hotel recommendation: Castle Hotel & Spa | Comfort Inn Hawthorne
Saratoga Spa State Park is also considered a National Historic Landmark well known for its classical architecture with various art exhibits, a large pool complex and a beautiful golf course.
One of the popular amenities within Saratoga Spa State Park is the Peerless pool complex with a large main pool, 19' slide pool, a wading pool with a mushroom fountain and the historic Victoria pool.
Hotel recommendation: Batcheller Mansion Inn | The Adelphi Hotel
Stony Brook State Park is nestled in the rolling hills of upstate New York near Dansville. Popular activities in Stony Brook include camping, swimming, hiking and picnicking.
One of the major highlights of Stony Brook includes the gorge trail which showcases two cascading waterfalls within the tower cliffs of the gorge and this trail begins next to the natural stream fed swimming pool.
Hotel recommendation: Country Inn & Suites | Temple Hill Bed and Breakfast
Never been to Stony Brook? Use our detailed guide with everything you need to know featuring things to do in Stony Brook State Park.
The main attraction at Taughannock Falls State Park is the 215 ft Taughannock Falls encircled by towering 400 ft high cliffs. Visitors can enjoy the view from the overlook or hike the gorge trail.
But in addition to one of the most popular waterfalls in New York State, this park has campsites and cabins overlooking Cayuga Lake with a marina, boat launch and beach access.
Hotel recommendation: Glass Magnolia | Inn at Taughannock
Want to see Taughannock Falls? Use our guide to the Taughannock Falls Overlook to plan your trip.
John Boyd Thacher State Park offers visitors stunning views of the the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys, the Adirondack and Green Mountains. This park also contains one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world.
Popular activities at Thacher State Park include 25 miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking as well as cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter. Be sure to hike the famous Indian Ladder Trail.
Hotel recommendation: Amsterdam Castle | Morgan State House Inn
Watkins Glen State Park is easily the most famous NY Finger Lakes State Park with a winding gorge trail through 19 stunning waterfalls including the photogenic Rainbow Falls.
The highlight of this NY State Park is certainly the Gorge trail, but visitors can enjoy camping, swimming in the olympic sized swimming pool and fishing in nearby Seneca Lake.
The Watkins Glen Gorge Trail closes in winter and typically opens in late May, but if you visit in the winter, you can still find plenty of things to do in the Village of Watkins Glen.
Hotel recommendation: Budget Inn Watkins Glen | Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
Planning to visit Watkins Glen State Park? Don't miss our detailed guides featuring how to hike the Gorge Trail to Rainbow Falls.
If you are a frequent visitor to any NYS park, you should consider purchasing an Empire Pass because this wallet-sized pass grants you unlimited day use vehicle entry to New York State Parks.
Empire passes are available for the individual season, multi-year or lifetime use. Just present your pass at the entrance station and your Empire Pass will waive the vehicle fee for day use entry.
Another benefit to the Empire Pass is that it can be enjoyed by the entire household. This pass is not assigned to a specific vehicle so it can be used by parents, grandparents or anyone in the family.
The 2023 Season Empire Pass will be accepted through December 31, 2023 and you can purchase it online or in person at any of the NY state parks.
Price for the New York State Empire Pass:
For more information or to purchase an Empire pass, click here.
Click on the interactive map above to move around and find the best State Parks in NY including our hotel recommendations as well.
Or you can access our New York State Park interactive map view this link here.
Let's take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the best state parks in New York State.
With over 9 million visitors a year, Niagara Falls is the most popular state park in NY with three large waterfalls and plenty of things to do when visiting this famous region.
Allegany State Park is the largest state park in NY and you can find this park in the western portion of the state near the Pennsylvania border.
Watkins Glen is the most unique park in New York State because it features 19 cascading waterfalls along a rim hike that is easily accessible. If you only visit one NY State Park, make it Watkins Glen!
Want more New York content? Head over to our New York Travel Guides to explore the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks and the best of NYC.
Please let us know if you need any help planning your visit to any of these gorgeous state parks in NY in the comments below.
Happy Travels,
Mark and Kristen
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