11 nature finds to explore in New York State

When you think of New York, you probably imagine soaring skyscrapers, yellow taxis and neon billboards – a man-made metropolis. Yet beyond the Big Apple is a world of verdant valleys and peaks, tranquil lakes and serene beaches. New York state is bisected by countless trails and rivers, the veins of this natural landscape, and there is a vast array of ways to explore it. Rock-climbing, surfing, dry-fly fishing and winter sports are just some of adventures which await. Here’s where to discover them for yourself.

Long Island is a place where white-sand beaches melt into bustling city streets, where the crash of Atlantic waves blends with the hum of traffic and commuter trains. It’s a place that thrives with the charm of small-town diners, shops and parks, yet the Gatsby-like grandeur of old estates remain. From the lush vineyards of the North Fork to the cycle trails of the South Fork, there’s so much to discover on this slice of Atlantic shoreline.

For sun-kissed waves, sloping sand dunes and ancient maritime forests, you’ll have to journey to the southernmost reaches of Long Island: Fire Island National Park. Hike through the Otis Peak High Dune Wilderness and the secluded Sunken Forest or ascend the Fire Island Lighthouse – the tallest of Long Island’s 20 lighthouses. The South Fork offers a range of outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking and swimming (if you’re prepared to brave the cold). Or you can wander The Hamptons – a string of luxurious seaside communities with fine dining, high-end shops and picturesque beaches.

Water is the defining feature of the Finger Lakes region, with cascading waterfalls, glassy lakes and narrow rivers winding their way through the valleys. These abundant waterways feed the fertile land, dotted with camp sites, towns and state parks.

For striking views, you can walk to Ithaca Falls, a hidden waterfall which tumbles down the cliffside with impressive force. At 53m wide with a 46m drop, you’ll feel dwarfed in the presence of this giant cascade, best visited in colder months when the view isn’t obscured by foliage. Green Lakes State Park lives up to its name, with 10 miles of hiking trail, an undulating golf course, and two glacial lakes whose azure waters rival those of the Mediterranean. Watkins Glen State Park is characterised by its mesmerising gorge path, weaving over and under 19 waterfalls, offering breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and serene streams.

Catskills has something for everyone, whether you’re chasing adventure on the rugged trails or savouring local flavours and mountain views. Its scenic beauty blushes orange in the autumn and shines beneath snow in winter, giving visitors year-round joy. Cycle, hike or climb through the Catskills Mountains and camp beneath a star-studded sky. During the winter, you can visit one of the region’s ski resorts like Hunter or Windham – both offer thrilling slopes and a range of other winter sports, from snow tubing to ice skating.

Esopus Creek, a tributary of the famed Hudson River, is a beautiful byway through the eastern Catskills. In warmer months, this area is known for tubing and white water rafting. The Catskills are also considered the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing, which peaks during spring as the winter recedes.

Straddling the border between Canada and New York, this archipelago is home to 1,864 islands – from which the region takes its name – and has a famed fishing and boating scene. Remote and cosmopolitan in equal measure, you won’t be disappointed by this freshwater oasis with its hundreds of miles of coastline and magnificent 28 state parks.

One of the best ways to experience the region is by way of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail – a driving route declared a National Scenic Byway in 1996 – that stretches 518 miles along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie. Pass by quaint islands, historic sites and sunsets that stain the sky red. The plummeting temperatures in winter transform this area into a frozen wonderland where you can ski along pristine trails and discover the art of snowshoeing, ice skating or sledding. Certain areas even offer night skiing, so you can glide through the darkness under a blanket of stars.

For more outdoor adventures, Thousand Islands-Seaway’s state parks are a stunning mixture of woodland, water and coast. In the east, Point Au Roche State Park provides expansive vistas of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains while Kring Point State Park extends into the St. Lawrence River on a peninsula, offering outstanding views of the islands – camp, hike or boat your way through any of these remote locations.

Hudson Valley is ablaze with colour – sunsets and autumnal foliage, blue waters and brightly-coloured towns. Trails spiderweb through the trees and nature beckons, while towering peaks stand sentinel on all sides. The Shawangunk Ridge overlooks a vast, forested garden of farmland and offers some of the best rock climbing in the world. “The Gunks” – as it is affectionately known – is renowned for its breathtaking overhangs and storied history, having hosted pioneering female climbers and a counterculture band of 20-somethings called the Vulgarians.

The Gunks are located in Mohonk Preserve, which has over 8,000 acres of cliffs, forests, fields and ponds. Explore the natural world by hiking, running and horse riding in this area. For an elevated view of Hudson Valley, you can hike up Bear Mountain and survey the valley as it wends away from your vantage point. Alternatively, explore crystalline lakes, waterfalls and dense hardwood forests in Minnewaska State Park, or kayak and canoe around the boundless lakes of Hudson Highlands State Park.

Nestled in the western corner of New York State, the Chautauqua-Allegheny region is a canvas of natural beauty and rich history, enticing visitors away from the flurry of urban life. The Allegany State Park is an unmissable highlight, divided into two distinct parts: The Red House Area and the Quaker Run Area. In the Red House Area, you can see the historic Stone Tower or the Summit Fire Tower, and five miles of paved bike trails make this a haven for cyclists. The Quaker Area is known for its lakes and camping: swim the shoreline of Quaker Lake, explore the geological marvels of Bear Caves and Thunder Rocks or relax in the Quaker Amphitheater.

Even more opportunities to celebrate the outdoors are available at Lake Erie State Park. Lofty bluffs overlook Lake Erie, providing mesmerising views of the area and shaded trails are rapidly subsumed by the forest. Lake Erie State Park is also a wonderful place to spot rare migratory birds, who soar along the lakes edge and flaunt themselves to birdwatchers on the shore.

The Capital-Saratoga region is a fascinating mix of history, nature and culture which blends old-world charm with natural landscapes. There are plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure in this region, with several state parks and ambitious hiking trails.

Saratoga Spa State Park spans 2,200 acres and contains elegant architecture, a pool complex and cultural highlights like the Spa Little Theater and the National Museum of Dance. However, this state park is equally blessed with natural intrigue: a geyser and mineral springs enhance one of many hiking trails. Southwest of Albany, you’ll find John Boyd Thacher State Park which peeks across the state boundary onto Vermont’s Green Mountains. Here, you can hike the Indian Ladder Trail, passing by caves and waterfalls to be rewarded with exquisite views. For avid cyclists, runners or walkers, the Mohawk-Hudson trail offers an accessible route that stretches over 100 miles, connecting Albany and Schenectady while passing through serene landscapes.

The unequivocal star of Greater Niagara is Niagara Falls. This majestic waterfall, which straddles both Canada and the US, is nature’s raw power on display: turquoise streams of water thunder into a churning mist below, coating onlookers with a fine spray. Framed by rugged cliffs and a forested skyline, it’s an idyllic location to spend the day.

Beyond visiting the impressive cascade, Niagara Falls State Park has a trove of other outdoor adventures to try. Watch the waterfall from a jet boat or walking tour and follow the Niagara Wine Trail, tasting award-winning ice wines. Letchworth State Park – also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’ is scenically magnificent and the activities available are boundless: snowmobiling, hiking, white water rafting, kayaking and even hot air ballooning, which promises to be an unforgettable experience. Stroll along the 17-mile Letchworth Gorge for remarkable geological features or hike through a vast wildlife refuge searching for black bears.

Visit New York State’s beautiful central region for waterfalls, hidden caverns and long canals. In Herkimer, explore canal-side bike paths or relax atop a cruise along Erie Canal, learning about the canal’s rich history as you glide through the waters.

Descend underground to visit Howe Caverns, a prehistoric maze of limestone rock formations and winding passages. The tour consists of a 2km walk followed by a short boat ride with coloured lights to illuminate the breathtaking sights. Or you can discover a 30m underground waterfall in the Secret Caverns – one of New York State’s best kept secrets.

Prefer to stay above ground? Chittenango Falls State Park has an array of winding trails which lead to a striking waterfall, formed 10,000 years ago. Chittenango Falls was formed by the glacial sculpting of 400 million year-old bedrock, making it a natural wonder. While you’re there, don’t forget to cast your eyes down and look for the Chittenango ovate amber snail – an endangered species found nowhere else on earth.

The Adirondacks region is a sprawling natural refuge in upstate New York – an escape from the urban jungle. Start with the Wild Center in Tupper Lake, a nature museum which immerses visitors in the region’s ecology. For hikers, the High Peaks Wilderness Complex is home to a group of mountains referred to as the 46 High Peaks, including New York’s highest point – Mount Marcy. This is New York’s largest wilderness area and the trails range in difficulty, but all offer panoramic views of dense forests and reflective lakes.

Lake Placid offers opportunities to relax on the beach, swim or walk. This mountain town is also home to the Olympic Center which contains North America’s second-largest Winter Olympic artefact collection. Water-lovers will also enjoy Lake George, a vibrant town perched on the edge of an expansive oligotrophic lake. These sparkling waters are perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and swimming and, in the winter, the Lake George area has three thrilling ski resorts.

The Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps, the City of Dreams – whatever you call it, New York’s reputation is legendary. Yet outdoor activities are not something we associate with this heaving metropolis, so it might surprise you to discover a wealth of opportunities here – and no, not just Central Park.

New York is dotted with hidden green spaces for a dose of nature amid the city. Brooklyn Botanic Garden showcases a diverse array of flora and fauna across 53 acres. There are plants for every season, indoor tropical gardens and neatly trimmed bonsai trees. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a large, green expanse including Long Meadow, Litchfield Villa and a nature conservancy. Weaving through the city itself is the High Line, an urban, raised walkway that was once a railroad, and on the Brooklyn side of the East River you’ll discover Brooklyn Bridge Park.

In the heart of Brooklyn Harbour, Governors Island beckons. This unique spot, accessible by a short ferry ride, is a haven of green spaces and recreational activities – perfect to escape the noise of New York City.