5 Outdoor Places to Visit in New York State
Check Out
These 5 Spots in New York State for A Change of Scenery!
Those who
have never explored New York State are truly missing out. Between the farmland
and city life lay forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes ready for
adventures. You just need to know what you’re looking for.
These New
York State destinations are perfect to visit when you’re in the mood for a
little outdoor adventure!
Lake
Placid, NY
Lake
Placid, a beautiful village located in the Adirondack Mountains, comes complete
with endless outdoor
activities and attractions to explore. If you enjoy hiking, you might
consider venturing up Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest mountain in New
York State. Once reached, the summit will offer a 360-degree view of the
Adirondacks and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Vermont as well! Perhaps you’d be
interested in visiting the Olympic Ski Jumping Complex which offers a unique
experience if you’ve never been on a gondola ride before! The ride takes you to
the base of the ski jump where you can explore the exhibit and catwalk. The
catwalk extends over the jump itself
and is said to have the most incredible views!
If water
sports are more your style, check out Mirror Lake! In the winter, ice
skaters and snowshoers come from all over to explore the village and lake. This
area is perfect for long walks and sightseeing in any season!
Shawangunk
Mountains
The Shawangunk Mountains, or as the locals call them “The
‘Gunks” are a long ridge, just west of New Paltz. The ‘Gunks’ have more
trails, waterfalls, peaks and swimming holes than
just about anywhere in Upstate NY. You might consider looking up Sam’s
Point Road as it will lead you to some gorgeous hiking trails. Stony Kill and
Verkeerder Kill Falls are another two great trails if you are interested in
seeing the Shawangunk Mountains cascading waterfalls.
Hiking, mountain biking, rock
climbing, and swimming are just a few of the many outdoor activities you can
choose from during your trip!
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is notorious for its tranquil yet
stunning mountain and waterfront views. Known to many as the Grand Canyon of
the East, Letchworth isn’t your run-of-the-mill state park. With almost 14,350
acres spanning 17 miles through Livingston and Wyoming counties, Letchworth is
the perfect place to go when you want to step away from city life. This park is open year-round, drawing
in visitors for seasonal activities all through the year. There are even
designated trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Autumn brings leaf-peepers in by
the hundreds to take in the vibrant forest colors. In the summer months, the
trails are packed with hikers and cyclists in search of the Letchworth famous
cascading waterfalls, which are scattered throughout the mountainside.
Ellicottville
If you love to ski, Ellicottville is the perfect place
for you. Ellicottville is a western New York village, home to the Holiday
Valley Ski Resort as well as the Holimont Ski Club. Holiday Valley is a family-oriented vacation
spot containing over 50 slopes and 13 lifts. The Holimont Ski Club is a short
ten minute drive away and is the largest private ski resort in the U.S!
It is open to the public Monday through Friday if you happen to be in the area!
During the summer months, you might be
interested in visiting Ellicottville’s Sky-High Adventure Park. This aerial
park has an endless array of activities to choose from. Where else can you go
to zipline, tree climb, and gem mine? You won’t want to miss out on their Sky
Flyer Mountain Coaster, a roller coaster that zips down the mountainside and
through the forest greens. You can even control
the speed of your cart if you’re one for a more leisurely tour.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for
adventure!
If you enjoy observing wildlife, the Natural Museum of the
Adirondacks, otherwise known as “The Wild Center,” is the perfect place to
start. The Wild Center offers guided walking tours up a trail of bridges
into the treetops of the Adirondack forest.
Exploring the four- story treehouse, the spider’s web canopy and the
oversized eagle’s nest is
bound to keep you and your family busy for hours!
You might also be interested in visiting the Adirondack Sky
Center and Observatory. Built on the dark side of the hills, just across
from the Little Wolf Beach and campgrounds, the observatory is the perfect
location for stargazing!
New York
State is full of amazing places to visit when you need a change in scenery.
For more ideas on ways to stay busy outside even when social distancing, check
out the link below!
