New York State is home to more than just the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls. Tucked away across the Empire State are numerous state parks that offer incredible natural beauty without the crowds.
From cascading waterfalls to historic lighthouses, these underrated parks deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Fillmore Glen State Park – Moravia
A hidden paradise in the Finger Lakes region, Fillmore Glen boasts crystal-clear streams cutting through ancient gorges. The park’s five waterfalls offer perfect photo opportunities as water cascades down moss-covered rock walls.
Summer visitors can cool off in the park’s stream-fed swimming pool, while history buffs explore the replica of President Millard Fillmore’s birthplace cabin. While quieter than the most popular Finger Lakes parks, the gorge trails can still be busy on peak days.
2. Darien Lakes State Park – Genesee County
At 1,845 acres, Darien Lakes State Park offers serene forest landscapes that feel worlds away from the nearby amusement park. The park’s 12-acre Harlow Lake features a sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Anglers flock here for excellent bass fishing, while hikers and mountain bikers explore miles of trails winding through diverse woodland habitats. Additionally, the park features a disc golf course and over 150 campsites, many with electric hookups.
3. Glimmerglass State Park – Cooperstown
History and nature blend seamlessly at this charming park overlooking Otsego Lake-James Fenimore Cooper’s famed “Glimmerglass.” The park harbors America’s oldest covered bridge and the magnificent Hyde Hall mansion, a National Historic Landmark.
Beyond its historical treasures, visitors enjoy swimming, fishing and boating on the pristine lake. Fall brings spectacular foliage displays that transform hiking trails into corridors of golden and crimson splendor.
4. Rock Island Lighthouse State Park – Jefferson County
Accessible only by boat, this unique park offers an adventure before you even arrive! The historic lighthouse stands proudly on a tiny island in the St. Lawrence River, surrounded by the stunning Thousand Islands region.
Climb to the lantern room for breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles. The former keeper’s quarters now house fascinating maritime exhibits. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the island’s rocky shores while watching massive freighters navigate the shipping channel.
5. John Boyd Thacher State Park – Voorheesville
Perched along the Helderberg Escarpment near Albany, Thacher Park offers spectacular views of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys, with the Adirondack and Green Mountains visible on a clear day.
Geology enthusiasts can observe 400-million-year-old fossils embedded in the limestone, though collecting them is prohibited. The famous Indian Ladder Trail takes hikers behind waterfalls along a cave-like ledge. While the park’s karst topography includes caves, unrestricted visitor exploration is limited to protect the environment.
6. Highland Lakes State Park – Orange County
Solitude seekers rejoice! This undeveloped gem remains one of New York’s best-kept secrets. Unlike manicured parks with visitor centers and amenities, Highland Lakes offers a truly wild experience with pristine forests and crystal-clear lakes.
Anglers quietly cast lines for bass and pickerel in the park’s secluded ponds. Primitive trails wind through dense woodlands where wildlife abounds. The park’s remote location in Orange County ensures peaceful exploration without crowds, even during peak summer months.
7. Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve – Cold Spring
Adrenaline junkies flock to this rugged park’s infamous Breakneck Ridge trail – named for good reason! The challenging scramble rewards hikers with unparalleled Hudson River vistas that have inspired generations of artists.
History buffs can explore the ruins of Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island, visible from several viewpoints. The park’s diverse terrain ranges from riverside wetlands to rocky mountain peaks, creating microclimates that support unique plant communities not found elsewhere in the region.
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