We all need to get away from everything every once in a while. Escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can do wonders for your mental health. Even if you don’t have time to get away for a few days, most of us can carve out a few hours to spend in nature. We are lucky to live somewhere with as many state parks as the Empire State. There are 180 state parks to visit in New York, spread all throughout the land. No matter what season it is, these are great places to get out and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.

1. Niagara Falls State Park: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Niagara Falls State Park, 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Lei Han/Flickr
No list of state parks in New York would be complete without mentioning Niagara Falls State Park. This is the oldest state park in the nation, and it's also one of the most visited. The 221-acre park houses the stunningly powerful American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. It's no wonder that some consider it the best state park in the state.
2. Buckhorn Island State Park: E River Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
Buckhorn Island State Park, E River Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072, USA
Cordelia's Mom/Flickr
Buckhorn Island State Park is on the northern end of Grand Island in Erie County. This 895-acre park is part of the Niagara Falls wetlands area, so it has a lot of marsh. There are many trails to enjoy here, and it's heaven for bird watchers. Part of the park is a bird conservation area, and many species of gulls migrate through here. It's one of many great state parks near Buffalo.
3. Letchworth State Park: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427
Letchworth State Park, New York, USA
Peter Hoffmann/Flickr
Letchworth State Park is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful state parks to visit in New York. The 17-mile park follows alongside the Genesee River, and the beautiful rock gorge here is often called the "Grand Canyon of the East."
4. Robert H. Treman State Park: 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Robert H. Treman State Park, 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
Oleg Popov/Google Maps
Robert H. Treman State Park is in the fantastic Finger Lakes region of the state. It's got some of the best hiking trails in New York, is home to 12 waterfalls, and the views are simply gorgeous!

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5. Glimmerglass State Park: 1527 Co Rd 31, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Glimmerglass State Park, Springfield, NY 13326, USA
ahmed rahimi/Google Maps
Glimmerglass State Park is so named for the beautiful glimmering lake it contains. It's a popular spot for ice skating in the winter and has plenty of trails to enjoy throughout the year. It's also home to the oldest covered bridge in New York.
6. Caleb Smith State Park: 581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Caleb Smith State Park, 581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787, USA
Dr.DeNo/Flickr
The 548-acre Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is near Long Island's north shore in the town of Smithtown. It's a really serene place that's a great escape from the city. It's also home to a small nature museum and has lots of trails.
7. Hook Mountain State Park: N Rte 9W, Nyack, NY 10960
Hook Mountain State Park, N Rte 9W, Nyack, NY 10960, USA
Jeremy Rosario/Google Maps
Hook Mountain State Park in Nyack, NY is undeveloped, so it's a little more rugged than most of the parks on this list. It's right in the Palisades ridge and shares its borders with several other state parks. It's one of the best spots for hiking in New York, and overall a visit here is one of the most fun things to do outside in New York.
8. Macomb Reservation State Park: Morrisonville, NY 12962
Macomb Reservation State Park, Peru, NY 12985, USA
Alexa Enid/Google Maps
Macomb State Park spans about 600 acres in Clinton County right near the northeast border of New York. It was once used as a military training base. It's got a beach and a campground, plus a pond and a river that are great for fishing. Considered one of the best state parks in New York, it is frequented by residents as well as visitors passing through the state.

How many of these state parks in New York have you visited? Did we miss any that you recommend? Share your favorites in the comments!

If you’d looking for other outdoor adventures in the Empire State, check out these fun activities near Syracuse.

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State Parks to Visit in New York

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 22, 2022

I’m looking for good hiking trails in New York.

New York is so large that you can find good hiking trails in every big city and little town. Each offers its own unique scenery and beauty, as well as physical ability levels. This makes them attractive to a wide range of people from all walks of life. Some more well-known trails are the Devil's Hole Trail at Devil's Hole State Park, the Indian Ladder Trail in Thacher State Park, and the Constitution Marsh Trail at the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary, just to name a few. But again, there are so many amazing trails dotted all over the state that you really can’t go wrong.

What are some kid-friendly things to do outside in New York?

That’s another area where New York shines! You’ll find a wealth of things to do outside in New York that are suitable for people of all ages. As far as activities for the younger ones among us, you might consider the Buffalo Museum of Science in Buffalo, the Herschell Carrousel Factory in North Tonawanda, or the Medina Railroad Museum in Medina.

Where is a good place to go for a romantic getaway in New York?

Whether you look north, south, east, or west, you’ll find some amazing places for a romantic getaway in The Empire State. If you’re looking for a charming bed and breakfast inn, there’s Mount Merino Manor not too far from the town of Hudson. And then there’s a spot called The Point, a popular resort along Upper Saranac Lake inside of Adirondack Park. And last, but certainly not least, you should consider one of the upscale hotels right in the heart of Manhattan. Yes, there’s the hustle and bustle of the city when you’re out and about, but there’s just something about snuggling up at one of these establishments and treating yourself to the best amenities that New York has to offer.

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