This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You New York Like You've Never Seen It Before
By Lea Monroe|Updated on February 09, 2023(Originally published February 03, 2023)
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
We won’t deny it, we love taking road trips in New York! And why wouldn’t we enjoy this classic way to take a break from daily life? There’s nothing better than packing up the car and spontaneously hitting the road with your loved ones in search of new adventures. When you see the map that we laid out for your next getaway, you’ll be floored by all the mind-boggling places you get to see. You might think you know New York, but you will be thrilled to get to see it in a whole new light. Ready for an adventure? Are you asking yourself, “what are the natural wonders of New York?” Then be sure to check out this amazing natural wonders road trip that you’re going to want to take! Of all the scenic road trips in New York, this one is one of our best. We can’t wait to hear how much you love every stop on it and which one was your favorite on the list.
We've planned out the entire trip so you don't have to! Your only job now is to pack your bags and fill up your vehicle with gas. Get ready for a fabulous trip that you and your family won't forget anytime soon!
1. Panama Rocks Scenic Park - Panama
Panama Rocks Scenic Park, 11 Rock Hill Rd, Panama, NY 14767, USA
First up, we have one of our favorite places to visit in the whole state, the otherworldly New York park that is Panama Rocks. Open every day, the park features towering rock formations and passageways hidden in the beautiful forest! It's hard not to feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale once you start exploring this place. Be sure to take plenty of pictures. The photo opportunities are never ending here. This beautiful place is a Chautauqua County favorite that's perfect for all ages. The littlest members of your family will be especially enchanted!
If you haven't been to the striking American Falls before, then now is the time to go! The one waterfall every New Yorker should see at least once in their lifetime, American Falls will almost quite literally blow you away. Enjoy the view from the top of the falls at one of our parks or get soaked while you enjoy the view of the base on a Maid of the Mist boat tour! You won't be able to take your eyes off of the beautiful waterfall.
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3. Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
A spot that just had to be a part of this road trip, the 19 New York waterfalls you'll find inside the impressive Watkins Glen State Park will have you convinced you're dreaming. How many parks can you find that feature so many waterfalls in one place? This destination is one-of-a-kind for sure. A two-mile gorge trail will bring you around, beside, and underneath amazing waterfalls that are worth the hundreds of steps you'll have to climb in order to see all of them.
4. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Seneca Falls
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the scenic park was made a National Natural Landmark back in 1973! Currently 8,000 acres in size, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge makes for a beautiful place to check out New York's wildlife. Animal lovers, this place is the right one for you to explore. The sights you will get to see definitely make Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge one of the best national parks in New York!
Found out in Oswego County, the 110-foot Salmon River Falls waterfall is a great place for visitors of all ages to come and explore! The hike to the falls is nice and short, leading you along a flat trail that won't drain you of all your energy. This path is a favorite of kids and adults alike. It's not too difficult of a challenge and it's certainly beautiful the whole way down.
6. Ausable Chasm - Keeseville
AuSable Chasm Bridge, AuSable Chasm Brg, New York 12944, USA
Adventure is waiting at America's Oldest Natural Attraction! This is one of the many places within New York that will bring out the explorer in you. You will feel like you are starring in an adventure movie when you look around and start taking in the natural beauty all around you here. Being surrounded by cliffs here is truly an experience unlike any other. You'll feel like you are millions of miles away from the busy city.
7. Natural Stone Bridge And Caves - Pottersville
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA
If you've been looking to explore one of New York's many caves but have been hesitant to adventure underground, then Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is always a perfect place to start. The largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States, there's plenty of exploring to do not only inside this fascinating cave, but also out all around it. With historic trails and amazing geological formations, you'll love checking out this outdoor attraction. It's truly incredible that this formation is all natural. You won't be able to believe your eyes!
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8. Saratoga Springs Geyser- Saratoga Spa State Park
Spa State Park Hall of Springs Path, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Lea Monroe/OnlyInYourState
The fascinating city of Saratoga Springs is home to eighteen mineral springs, each having their own unique tastes and healing qualities. But there's one out of these many springs that you absolutely must make a point to see. Easily found inside Saratoga Spa State Park, you'll discover the Geyser Island Spouter, a stunning spot that looks too beautiful to actually be real!
While this road trip would've been significantly quicker if we excluded Long Island, we couldn't forget about this magical area of our state. It's always worth the trek to see the lovely sights here. With views of the ocean and beautiful landmarks, a day at Montauk Point is a day well spent.
10. Kaaterskill Falls - Haines Falls
Kaaterskill Falls, NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
We decided to end this special road trip with one of our favorite kinds of places to go and explore. Pictured above you can see the top area of the majestic Kaaterskill Falls. If we could talk about waterfalls all day, we most likely would. We're willing to bet you will feel the same way once you have experienced this marvelous place for yourself. One of the tallest waterfalls you'll find in New York, this dangerous but beautiful natural wonder is amazing to see firsthand.
Have you gotten to check out these amazing stops? What was your favorite place to explore on this trip? It’s chock-full of stunningly beautiful sights we’re sure you will be thrilled to have seen. We would love to hear about your experiences exploring any of these spots. Please tell us all about them in the comments section!
Are you looking for other fun trips you can take in New York? Your options are endless. From terrifying places to gorgeous waterfalls to New York’s picture-perfect small towns, we’ve got a fantastic variety of road trips for every taste! To check out which one of our road trips you should take next, check out our New York road trips directory. There is definitely something for everyone to love on this list. Enjoy yourself on every one of them!
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