10 National Parks in New York State That You Must Visit!
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New York National Parks

1. The Adirondack Park
2. 
Niagara Falls
3. 
Robert H. Treman State Park
4. 
Letchworth State Park
5. 
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
6. 
Hudson River Valley
7. 
Gantry Plaza State Park
8. 
Catskill State Park
9. 
Buttermilk State Park Falls
10. 
Minnewaska State Park Preserve

From the shores of Long Island and pristine Hudson River to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York State is the home to 22 national parks and 180 state parks. The National Parks in New York, showcase the city’s natural beauty and tranquil environment. These national parks brim with rocky gorges, soaring mountains, calm rivers, sparkling lakes and monstrous waterfalls. They also comprise many different species of flora and fauna and offer multifarious outdoor activities amongst nature.

The New York national parks were created to protect the environment as well as the historic and archaeological sites around the region. Thanks to the splendid scenery and breathtaking vistas of the backdrop, these parks are considered to be ideal weekend escapades. Some of the famous national parks to visit in New York are Adirondack Park, Letchworth State Park, Niagara Falls, Hudson River Valley, and Minnewaska State Park Reserve. All of these parks are filled with miracles of nature and many distinct species of animals and birds from all over the world. You can also enjoy numerous thrilling activities like hiking, snowboarding, skiing, biking, fishing and birdwatching.

Here is the list of best national parks in New York:

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01

The Adirondack Park

  • Surrounded by pristine waterways, lush forests and lofty mountains, the Adirondack Park is one of the New York National Parks where you can enjoy different outdoor activities.
  • The park offers hiking trails through the forest and has a Wild Centre to witness the picturesque beauty of the scenery and exotic species of wildlife.
  • You can stroll through Saranac Lake, go snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain, ride gondolas at Olympic Ski Jump Complex and play on the Adirondack Carousel.
Location: Warren County, New York, USA

Animals to see: American Beaver, Moose, White-tailed deer, Bobcat, Red Squirrel, Gray Fox
02

Robert H. Treman State Park

  • With meandering trails through rocky gorges and twelve waterfalls, Robert H. Treman State Park in the Finger Lake Region is one of the most beautiful national parks in New York.
  • Enfield Glen gorge, Enfield Falls swimming hole, Lucifer Falls, Ithaca Falls, and Suspension Bridge are some of the attractions you can explore near Robert H. Treman State Park.
  • You can go hiking via the Gorge Loop Trail and Rim Trail to enjoy the scenic view and witness different species of wildlife.

Location: 105 Enfield Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States

Animals to see: Foxes, Bears, Deer and numerous species of birds and fishes
03

Letchworth State Park

  • Famously known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the East’, Letchworth State Park is a scenic destination amongst other New York National Parks that facilitates activities like biking, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing.
  • The park is approximately 17 miles long following the course of Genesee River as it flows through a gorge and over the Upper, Middle and Lower waterfalls.
  • Mount Morris Dam, Portage Viaduct Railroad bridge, Humphrey Nature Center and William Pryor Letchworth Museum are some of the attractions near the park.

Location:
1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, United States

Animals to See: Red fox, Woodchuck, Coyotes, White-tailed deer, Bald eagles, Henslow’s sparrows, Cerulean warblers
04

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

  • If you are looking for national parks in New York that are apt for a weekend getaway with family and friends, visit Rockefeller State Park in Mount Pleasant.
  • It offers a multitude of recreational outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, fishing, bird-watching and horse-riding.
  • The park’s carriage roads allow the visitors to explore the different habitats of the park which includes open meadows, dense forest, winding brooks, marshlands and Swan Lake.
  • You can also visit the nearby landmarks like Raven rock, Rockefeller Art Gallery and Peony Monument.

Location: 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570, United States

Animals to see: Foxes, deer, Raccoons, Coyotes, Muskrats and owls
05

Hudson River Valley

  • Hudson River Valley, stretching about 150 miles along Hudson River, is a lovely place of all New York national parks to disconnect from the dull life and enjoy a break in the woods.
  • The Hudson Valley brims with breathtaking vistas and is the home to quite a few animal sanctuaries, historic sites, pristine lakes, museums and mountain ranges.
  • Take a walk on the Walkway Over the Hudson cantilever bridge and enjoy a panoramic view of Hudson and the villages along the river banks.

Location: Westchester County to Albany

Animals to see: Humpback Whale, Seahorse, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and Diamondback Terrapin
06

Gantry Plaza State Park

  • The 12-acre riverside oasis, Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is a scenically amazing destination of all other National Parks in New York that offers.
  • You can take a stroll through the four piers or the gardens and the mist fountain as you witness the restored gantries in the center of the park and soak up in the beauty of the Manhattan skyline.
  • You can also use all the recreational facilities in the park which include basketball courts, handball courts, playgrounds, a fishing pier and cooking grills.

Location: 4-09 47th Rd, Queens, NY 10007, United States

Animals to see: Different bird species like blue jays and eastern bluebirds
07

Catskill State Park

  • Spanning four counties namely Greene, Ulster, Sullivan, and Delaware, Catskill State Park is among the best National parks in New York to visit any time of the year.
  • The park hosts numerous outdoor activities like camping under the stars, fly-fishing in the pristine lakes, ski retreats and hiking.
  • You can hike through wildlife Trails like Huckleberry Point Trail, Artist Rock, and Sunset Rock via the Escarpment Trail to witness distinct wildlife species.
  • Visit the art galleries Woodstock, Phoenicia, and Andes near the park to explore the wholeness of contemporary art.

Location: Catskill Mountains

Animals to see: Black Bears, Bobcats, Deer, Cougars, Coyotes, Fishers, Porcupines
08

Buttermilk State Park Falls

  • Home to a wide range of wildlife and animal species, Buttermilk State Park is one of the many national parks in New York that attract wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The park is named after the massive Buttermilk Falls which flows through deep valleys, rock rims and jungles within the park’s area.
  • You can go camping under the stars or take a hike through Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail and Rim Trail to capture the scenic landscape of the park.

Location: 106 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States

Animals to see:
Gray and Red squirrels, red fox, raccoons, , cottontail rabbits, flying squirrels, hawks, owls, songbirds, beavers
09

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

  • Minnewaska State Park Reserve is a bird conservation area that hosts over 200 species of migratory and nesting birds and around 40 species of plants and animals.
  • The park is a vast area with diverse habitats including hardwood forests, rugged terrain, crystalline sky lakes, cliffs and waterfalls.
  • Like all other New York national parks, you can indulge in a plethora of activities like rock climbing, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching and cross-country skiing at Minnewaska State Park Reserve.

Location: 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson, NY 12446, United States

Animals to see:
White-tailed deer, Coyotes, Turkey vultures, Cooper's hawks, Black-billed cuckoos, Dragonflies and Timber rattlesnakes
10

Niagara Falls State Park

  • Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is one of the oldest national parks in New York that is flanked by awe-inspiring scenery including waterfall cascades and towering cliffs,
  • The park offers a myriad of recreational activities like hiking, biking, fishing, crossing pedestrian bridges and Maid of the Mist boat tour.
  • You can also visit the nearby attractions like Cave of the Winds, Prospect Point Observation Tower, Aquarium of Niagara and Niagara Gorge Discovery Center.

Location: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States

Animals to See: 19 species of gulls including Sabine, Franklin and Iceland gulls, Green herons, Red squirrels, Fox Squirrels, Warbler, Canvasbacks, Black Bears.

People Also Ask About New York

  1. Which are the best national parks to visit with family?

    1. Adirondack Park: Adirondack Park is one of the best New York national parks where you can enjoy several outdoor activities like hiking, gondola ride, snowboarding and a spin on the Adirondack Carousel. Kids have a great time spotting different animals at the Wild Center.

    2. Rockefeller State Park:
    If you wish to spend quality time with family and kids, visit Rockefeller State Park and enjoy its scenic beauty. You can take a horse ride with the kids and explore the different habitats of the park or indulge in activities like fishing, jogging, hiking and birdwatching.

    3. Gantry Plaza State Park:
    Take a trip to Gantry Plaza State Park where you can enjoy a relaxing day out with family. You can take a stroll through the piers, enjoy the lush garden and fountain, marvel at the Manhattan skyline and play games in the basketball and handball courts.
  2. What are the best adventurous activities to do in New York?

    1. White water raft in Hudson River: Go on a thrilling 17-mile long white water rafting trip from Indian River to Hudson River Gorge taking on class III-V rapids. You can enjoy the pristine white waters and great views of the Adirondack Mountains during the ride.

    2. Bouldering in Central Park:
    Central Park is an ideal spot to practice bouldering where you can try climbing on rocks of height 6 to 9 feet. Rat Rock and Cat Rock are the two Central Park rocks that suit both beginners and experts.

    3. Jet Boat Ride in Niagara Falls:
    Experience an adventurous jet boat ride in Niagara Falls that takes you through the Class V Devil's Hole rapids. The tour lasts for 45 to 60 minutes and uses a special 1500 HP jet boat that plunges into the rapids and takes in gallons of water.
  3. What is the largest National Park in New York State?

    Adirondack Park, spanning across 6 million acres, is the largest of all National Parks in New York and the largest protected area of any sort in the lower 48 states. The park is larger than two Central American countries and Yellowstone, Glacier, Everglades, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.
  4. What is the best time to visit New York?

    The best time to visit New York is during fall from late September to November when the weather is mild with fewer rains which makes it pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities. The tourist crowds are less during these months and hence hotel prices also drop. The beautiful color of the fall foliage is another reason to visit New York during fall.
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