It’s no secret that New York has plenty of easily accessible outdoor attractions that are worth visiting. Even smaller state parks in New York are to die for, yet with famous destinations like Niagara Falls and Watkins Glen around to eclipse the smaller spots, it’s not hard for those state parks to remain under the radar. So if you’re looking to take an adventure to someplace that’s lesser-known, you might want to try starting with one of these under-appreciated state parks in New York!

1. Fillmore Glen State Park - Moravia
Fillmore Glen State Park, 1686 NY-38, Moravia, NY 13118, USA
Robby G C/TripAdvisor
Just south of Owasco Lake in Cayuga County is an over-900-acre state park that's filled with an incredible amount of beauty. Smaller compared to some of our other parks, Fillmore Glen features all the outdoor scenery that you could ever hope for. The park features a swimming hole, camping spots, endless hiking trails and five magnificent waterfalls that will leave you speechless. It almost seems too good to be true!
2. Darien Lakes State Park - Genesee County
Darien Lakes State Park, 10475 Harlow Rd, Darien Center, NY 14040, USA
Robyn R/TripAdvisor
A great spot to keep in mind for camping, Darien Lakes is a wonderful place for our Buffalo residents to sneak away and escape from it all. The state park covers just over 18000 acres and has a variety of well-marked trails along with an over 10-acre beach and plenty of picnic spots.
3. Glimmerglass State Park - Cooperstown
Glimmerglass State Park, Springfield, NY 13326, USA
Michelle A./Yelp
Most people make the trip out to Cooperstown to visit the famous National Baseball Hall of Fame, making the mistake of glancing over one of the town's best attractions. Spend the day outside and take the time to explore Glimmerglass State Park and we promise you won't regret it. The park features wonderful trails that will lead you through charming scenery and is home to America's oldest covered bridge as well as the historically beautiful Hyde Hall mansion that will take you back in time.
4. Rock Island Lighthouse State Park - Jefferson County
Rock Island Lighthouse State Park, Fishers Landing, NY 13641, USA
MeemaJED/TripAdvisor
Because of how secluded our Thousands Islands region is, many of our residents have yet to take the time to explore this area up north. Many will be quick to flock to places like Heart Island, home to one of New York's most stunning castles. But if you're looking to take a different adventure, Rock Island is the place you'll want to check out. Featuring a historic lighthouse that gives you panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River from the top, this is one trip that you'll never forget.
5. John Boyd Thacher State Park - Voorheesville
John Boyd Thacher State Park, New Scotland, NY 12186, USA
Frank Z./Yelp
A hidden treasure of Albany County, this over 2,000 acre state park is something you might not expect to find in such a suburban area. The park is home to the extraordinary Indian Ladder Trail, and even features a waterfall that adventurers can walk behind! Well worth the trip, you'll love the sweeping views that you'll have of the area while you explore this state park.

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6. Grafton Lakes State Park - Rensselaer County
Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12052, USA
Chris S/TripAdvisor
Head east of our state capital until you almost reach our neighboring states and you'll find a scenic state park in Rensselaer County that's wonderful to check out during our warmer months. The park features six ponds, with plenty of places for you to launch your canoes and boats as well as a sandy beach to lay out on. For those who have no interest in getting out on the water, you can enjoy all this park has to offer by exploring the 25 miles of trails that you'll find here! It's truly a slice of paradise.
7. Kring Point State Park - Redwood
Kring Point State Park, Alexandria, NY 13679, USA
missboarder/TripAdvisor
Another amazing place worth exploring along the St. Lawrence River, Kring Point lets you enjoy the crystal clear water up close. The park is a great place to visit if you're looking to go camping up among our Thousand Islands, with roughly 50 of the 100 campsites having waterfront views.
8. Evangola State Park - Irving
Evangola State Park Road, Evangola State Park Rd, New York, USA
Marius P/TripAdvisor
A waterfront state park right on the shores of Lake Erie, Evangola's stunning sandy beach will put you right at ease. Head south of Buffalo to avoid the city's chaos and you can get away to this wonderful state park that's home to fantastic campsites (and even yurts) as well as a nature center!
9. Sunken Meadow State Park - Kings Park
Sunken Meadow State Parkway, Sunken Meadow State Pkwy, Fort Salonga, NY, USA
Erick M./Yelp
You may have already made a point to cross off places like Fire Island and Montauk Point State Park from your bucket list, but have you explored Sunken Meadow yet? The state park is one that will steal your breath away and have you questioning what would be so wrong with abandoning all of your life's possessions just so you could live on this beach. When it comes to state parks in New York, this one is a can't-miss.
10. Knox Farm State Park - East Aurora
Knox Farm State Park, 437 Buffalo Rd, East Aurora, NY 14052, USA
Kim Carpenter/Flickr
To say that this Erie County State Park is full of charm wouldn't be coming close to doing it justice. Knox Farm was once the state to Buffalo's famous Knox Family, now serving out its days as an amazing park that gives you the perfect taste of history. Equipped with beautiful nature trails, Knox Farm is a wonderful place to visit if you're looking to spend a leisurely day outside.
11. Cold Spring Harbor State Park - Suffolk County
Cold Spring Harbor - Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
Dr. P./Yelp
So many stunning state parks are hiding out on Long Island, in this particular area you'll often hear people suggesting visits to Caumsett State Park. But perhaps you're willing to try something different with a day of exploring Cold Spring Harbor State Park. One of our younger state parks, Cold Spring Harbor only opened up back in 2000 and is made up of less than 50 acres. The park now serves as a wonderful place to view Long Island's unique wildlife and has lovely views of the water.

What are your favorite little-known state parks in New York? Tell us about them in the comments! To find out more destinations that you’ll love to explore, take a look at these 8 Trails In New York That Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ruins!

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State Parks to Visit In New York

Tori Jane | February 22, 2022

What are the best state/National parks in New York?  

New York is a gorgeous state with tons of state and National Parks to enjoy; there are an amazing 180 state parks all over this small state, and 22 National Parks as well. Of course, with so many to choose from, it’s impossible to state which is the objective “best”, though some do tend to draw more crowds than others. For example, Saratoga National Historic Park is home to four parts and is outrageously popular among locals and visitors alike. The largest portion of it is the Saratoga Battlefield, and the park is also home to the Saratoga Monument. History buffs can’t miss that one! Then, there’s the Harriet Tubman National Historic Park, another historically significant National Park with plenty more history to enjoy (after you’re done at Saratoga, of course). Nature lovers need to head straight to Niagara Falls State Park, which is 400 acres of pure paradise designed by the same architect who designed the world-famous Central Park in New York City. 

What are some fun things to do outside in New York?  

New York is an outdoorsy person's dream. It’s ridiculously scenic just about everywhere you go, and with an extensive system of state and National Parks, it’s easy to explore (though maybe not all in the same week, or even month). Some of our favorite places outside in New York that you need to check out ASAP include the world-famous Niagara Falls, where not only can you see one of the world’s most amazing waterfalls, but you can also learn all about it on a super-informative tour. If you prefer to stick around the Big Apple, check out the carriage rides at Central Park; they’re perfect for family-friendly adventures or a lovely date night. Of course, there are all the outdoors classics you can do out here as well, like hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating... whatever your heart desires, you can probably do it here! Visit the Bronx Zoo for a fun, informative experience with the kids, or maybe embark on a rock climbing or kayaking adventure in our beautiful state. Check this article out to learn more about why New York might just be the best state to live in for an outdoorsy person.  

 

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