Hey Explorers, how are you all? Are you enjoying your holidays?
Hope you all are better and living a happy life.
Although there are many destinations worth visiting in New York, have you ever tried the most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY?
You may have heard about or even explored one or two of these most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY, but you shouldn’t miss the rest. And if you have not experienced even one of the most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY, then what are you waiting for, let’s go now.
Most Beautiful State Parks in Upstate NY (NEW YORK)
Next time you’re in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, don’t miss these 4 dreamy state parks:
- Which one is your favorite?
- Are These the Most Beautiful State Parks in Upstate NY?
BEST New York State Parks (Updated 2024)
1. Watkins Glen State Park
Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park
1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, United States
The first place on the list of most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY is Watkins Glen State Park, a famous park in the Finger Lakes region of New York for its waterfalls and valleys.
The gorge is beautiful in every way imaginable! Although this park is open throughout the year, and there is no entry fee, there is a fee for parking.
If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during an October week. Here you will find many places to see the falling waterfalls, so take your camera.
When trailblazing in Watkins Glen State Park, you are advised to wear a rain jacket and good shoes and be prepared to climb stairs.
This is a must-see attraction in NYC. The waterfalls and rock formations of Watkins Glen State Park will remind you of the fantastical landscape from a Pixar animation film.
Note that the path is wet and muddy in some places due to spray from the falls.
Vancouver Best Waterfalls2. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Gorge and Rim Trail Loop at Buttermilk Falls State Park
106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
Next on the list of the most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY is Buttermilk Falls State Park which features a small lake, woodlands hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds along the gorge and rim.
Unlike other state parks, no hiking is required to reach the large waterfall here.
Buttermilk Falls Trails has several hiking trails such as the Gorge Trail, Rim Trail, Bear Trail, Lake Treman Trail, Owl Creek Trail, and Larch Meadow Trail.
It’s an amazing hike, there are waterfalls everywhere!
Just as good as Watkins Glen.
3. Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls via The Gorge Trail at Taughannock Falls State Park
1740 Taughannock Blvd., Trumansburg, NY 14886, United States
Leading the list of the most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY, Taughannock Falls State Park is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast.
Taughannock Falls carves a 400-foot gorge through layers of sandstone, three stories higher than Niagara Falls. Here you can enjoy swimming, and it has a picnic area, concessions, a playground, camping, cabins, and more!
Taughannock Falls Trails also has several hiking trails that provide views of the falls and canyon such as the Gorge Trail, South Rim Trail, and North Rim Trail.
Taughnock Falls is actually worth the walk.
Here you will find a variety of trails and beautiful views with impressive waterfalls due to their altitude. If you just want to see the falls and don’t have much time, you can go to the parking lot for a view of the falls. It is only a 5-minute walk to the top of the waterfall. The view is great and you can take good photos from there.
Great winter walk on the lower trail.
Things To Do in Vietnam4. Green Lakes State Park
7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, NY 13066, United States
Last but not least on the list of the most beautiful state parks in Upstate NY is Green Lakes State Park, which features two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forests.
This most beautiful state park in Upstate NY also features the 18-hole Green Lakes State Park Golf Course which was designed by Robert Trent Jones. Here you can snowshoe in the winter, and there are 15 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use.
The water in this park is unreal and Awesome!
This is definitely one of the best state parks in the area where the water and beaches are very clear and clean, and along with that, the picnic area is also very well maintained.
Here you’ll find excellent hiking trails, playgrounds, a beach shop, a snack shack, and open-bottom kayaks for rental. And if you’re thinking of bringing an outside/personal boat, kayak, or canoe to the park, sorry dear, they are not allowed due to the sensitive nature of both Green and Round Lakes.
Definitely recommend a visit!
