The 14 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In New York Everyone Should Visit
By Lea Monroe
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Published July 07, 2017
Beautiful natural wonders can be found just about everywhere we look in New York, but some of our outdoor attractions can be a bit more noteworthy than others. From waterfalls to rock formations and other gorgeous sights, these scenic spots are amazing to explore if you’re looking to see the true side of the Empire State.
1. Dover Stone Church - Dover Plains
New York's aboveground cave that will transport you to another world, Dover Stone Church is unreal. A quick that hike will require a good pair of hiking boots, parts of the trail can get steep and rocky but it's all worth it once you see this place for yourself. Take a true adventure and make your way inside of the cave and you'll find a beautiful waterfall hidden away. Does it get any better than this?
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2. Kaaterskill Falls - Greene County
One of New York's tallest waterfalls, Kaaterskill Falls is a short and extremely rewarding hike. To reach the base of the falls you'll take a half-mile hike that begins with Bastion Falls right off of Route 23A and follows Kaaterskill Creek. The unique part about this outdoor attraction is that there's now a stone staircase that leads you up to the second tier of the falls, as well as leads you to a trail that will take you to the overlook from the very top. As beautiful as this place may be though, you'll want to careful! Each year rescues are made here when people go off trail or get too close to the edge and end up falling down.
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3. Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen
A place unlike any other in New York, Watkins Glen State Park draws in a large amount of visitors each and every year. During the summer you'll find the popular Gorge Trail filled with explorers who are eager to see what all the fuss is about and to find all nineteen of the waterfalls on this trail for themselves. Within the park you'll find wonderful campsites, pools, playgrounds and beautiful picnic spots.
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4. Island Spouter - Saratoga Springs
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Most people who flock to Saratoga during the summer are aware of the mineral springs that can be found all over town, but some don't realize that one of the most magnificent springs of all is tucked away within the area's state park. Known as the Saratoga Geyser or Island Spouter, throughout the year as the weather changes so does the island's size. One of our more funky smelling springs, the island is easy to get to and is just a few steps away from the parking lot.
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5. Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville
New York has a handful of lakes that will absolutely steal your breath away, but there's no other body of water like this in the Empire State. A lake that doesn't experience any turnover, there are just over 30 other lakes like this in the entire
world. The state park features two lakes, with a beach nestled away on the shores of Green Lake that's a local paradise to visit during the summer.
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6. Panama Rocks Scenic Park - Panama
Aside from the famous rock formations that make up the Catskills, Western New York is also home to some pretty incredible natural creations. Right within Chautauqua County, Panama Rocks Scenic Park looks like a world that J. R. R. Tolkien would've created. Filled with towering boulders and gorgeous passageways, you'll feel like a kid again when you get the chance to explore this park.
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7. Chimney Bluffs State Park - Wolcott
Wondering what gorgeous attractions can be found out along the southern shores of Lake Ontario? Then look no further and set your sights on Chimney Bluffs State Park! Within Wayne County, the state park sits right along the water and its main attraction is the towering bluffs.
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8. High Falls Gorge - Wilmington
A scenic spot that's privately owned within the Adirondack Park, High Falls Gorge gives you a view of New York waterfalls that you can't experience like this anywhere else. Walk across bridges and make your way down staircases and you'll have an up-close view at four Adirondack waterfalls that are absolutely picturesque.
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9. Letchworth State Park - Castile
Known for being one of the best state parks in America, Letchworth features jaw-dropping waterfalls along the Genesee River. Out in Western New York the park draws in photographers, adventurers and those in search of scenic relaxation each year with its gorgeous natural wonders like the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. Another state park that's great for camping, it's worth taking an overnight adventure to here with all that there is to see and explore.
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10. Lemon Squeeze Hike - New Paltz
One of the most insane hikes you'll ever experience in the Empire State, New York's Lemon Squeeze is exactly what it sounds like. Make your way to the magical Mohonk Mountain House to gain access to this extraordinary trail and you'll soon be on your way to reaching the Skytop Tower. Giving you a stunning view of the Gunks, the trail takes you over and under boulders and eventually leads you through a crevice in an actual crack in the mountain. There's never been a more exciting spot to test out your ultimate bravery!
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11. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary - Garrison
One of the most beautiful hikes you'll take in New York, the Constitution Marsh can be found right in the town of Garrison. A beautiful getaway within the Hudson Valley, the trail will take you from the parking lot all the way out to a 700-foot long boardwalk that takes you out amongst the tidal marsh. An amazing place to embrace the sights of the Hudson Highlands and to watch for wildlife, there's nothing you won't love about hiking here.
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12. Tinker Nature Park - Pittsford
Out in Monroe County there's a magical park that has a little secret that's worth sharing. Tinker Nature Park is located right in the town of Pittsford just outside of Rochester. Visit this scenic park and you'll soon discover that this place is decorated in fairy homes and doors that no one knows who put here! A mysterious feature we'll never stop embracing, the fairy trail will make you feel like you've just stepped into one of your favorite childhood movies.
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13. Skaneateles Lake - Onondaga County
Everyone in New York has their favorite Finger Lake, but it's impossible to deny the beauty that Skaneateles Lake has to offer. Stopping you in your tracks and causing double takes all over town, the water of Skaneateles Lake is absolutely breathtaking. Vibrant and clear, the town of Skaneateles has a pier that you can walk out onto to get a better view of the water and you'll also find that there's waterfront restaurants and boat tours for you to take advantage of!
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14. Devil's Hole State Park - Niagara Falls
Some of the most magnificent trails you'll ever explore in the Empire State, Devil's Hole State Park features beautiful views of the Niagara River. Instead of visiting a popular spot like Niagara Falls State Park, plan a trip to this local spot instead to see what gorgeous natural wonders can be found in this area. Exploring the Niagara Gorge and giving you a view of these scenic whirlpools, you won't regret heading to the lesser-known path at this state park.
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If you had to suggest one natural attraction to an out-of-state friend, which one would you urge them to visit? If you’re looking for more scenic spots to check out, visit The New York Park That Will Make You Feel Like You Walked Into A Fairy Tale!
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