The Ultimate New York Nature Lovers' Road Trip Leads To Woods, Waterfalls, And More
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Nature lovers in New York are truly fortunate. We may be a bit biased, but the Empire State is tops when it comes to natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for falls, mountains, waterfalls, canyons, or beaches, we’ve honestly got it all! If you’re looking to explore some of the most beautiful places in New York, we’ve got a great road trip planned for you that will take you to some of the prettiest natural wonders in the state.
The entire trip will take about four hours of driving, though of course you'll want to give yourself extra time to take in all the sights.
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
Kaaterskill Falls is truly one of the greatest natural wonders in New York. This mighty fall features two drops in a stunning 231-foot cascade.
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There are several phenomenal trails near by. There's even a quick trail that will take you to an overlook platform where you can see for miles.
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500 Iroquois Way, Schenectady, NY 12309, USA
No, we're not talking about that Central Park. Schenectady's Central Park may not be quite as famous as the identically-named park in New York City. However, it's got its own sort of appeal, in a much smaller way. It's a beautiful little city park with an absolutely gorgeous rose garden. There are tennis courts and other amenities to enjoy here. If you'd like to find out more about the park, check out its website.
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Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Spa State Pk, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Saratoga Springs is one of our favorite towns in New York, and the gem of this city is Saratoga Spa State Park. The park has tons of wonderful attractions, including the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and multiple museums.
It's the mineral springs here that are the neatest natural feature, though. There are 21 natural springs throughout the city, with many of them located inside the state park. Each spring contains different minerals that are said to help heal various ailments, so drink up!
Cooper's Cave Drive, Cooper's Cave Dr, South Glens Falls, NY 12803, USA
While you're in the area, literature fans should definitely make a quick stop at Cooper's Cave. This is a neat little overlook in an industrial area. There are "waterfalls" that are runoff from the nearby dam. The cave plays a feature role in the famous novel "The Last of the Mohicans."
Falls of the La Chute, Rogers St, Ticonderoga, NY 12883, USA
Get on your walking shoes for the next stop. The Falls of the La Chute are a series of waterfalls right along Ticonderoga's LaChute River Walk Trail. You can take the full three-mile route, or just do a quick 1.7-mile loop around Bicentennial Park. You can find more information at Alltrails.
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Ausable Chasm, NY 12911, USA
No nature lover's road trip in New York would be complete without a stop at Ausable Chasm. This place is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East, and it's easy to see why! There are so many ways to explore this 150-foot-deep canyon, from rafting to rock climbing to hiking.
With so many natural wonders in New York, we could’ve made this list virtually endless! Share your favorite natural attractions in New York in the comments.
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