New York: Waterfalls, Trails and History
Accommodation in New York
Landscapes and Trails
The Adirondack Park covers six million acres. If you’re making nature the focus of your trip, it offers a specific point of reference. The Forest Preserve lands within the park are protected as “forever wild” under Article XIV of the New York State Constitution.
The statewide overview includes more than 2,000 miles of trails, 215 parks, and more than 3,000 ponds and lakes in New York State.
The Erie Canalway Trail runs 360.3 miles from Buffalo to Albany and is part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail. On the Canalway Trail, you can bike, hike and jog, as well as enjoy other seasonal activities.
At many points along the Canalway Trail, you’ll find parking at trailheads, information kiosks with historical information about the canal system, picnic tables and benches. Bike racks and repair stations are also available.
Waterfalls and Gorges
Enfield Glen in Robert H. Treman State Park features twelve waterfalls, including 115-foot Lucifer Falls.
At Taughannock Falls, two striking measurements stand out: the waterfall plunges 215 feet, while the cliffs rise nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer views of the falls from above; from the end of the gorge trail, you can also see them from below. A multi-use trail is suitable for hiking and cross-country skiing. Trail conditions can change, so it’s best to check them before your visit.
The Genesee River has carved three gorges in Letchworth State Park. The park is also designated a Bird Conservation Area. More than twenty species of warblers regularly nest there each year.
At Watkins Glen State Park, the gorge trail passes over and beneath waterfalls. The Watkins Glen Gorge Tour follows Glen Creek through tunnels and alongside and beneath two waterfalls. Tour dates for the Watkins Glen Gorge Tour may vary, so check the current schedule in advance.
History and Regional Culture
Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first women’s rights convention, held on July 19 and 20, 1848, in Seneca Falls. Wesleyan Chapel is the site of the convention. The park offers ranger programs about women’s rights in Seneca Falls.
Saratoga Spa State Park is a National Historic Landmark known for its classical architecture. The historic grounds of Old Fort Niagara include several original buildings with 18th-century fortifications.
Taste NY Markets offer another way to discover regional products: visitors can sample local food and drinks there. Locations and offerings at individual markets may vary.
Discover more destinations: Franklin, Olean, Kings, Chenango County, Broome, Tioga County, Queens, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster, Steuben, Chautauqua, Greene, Tompkins, Albany, Otsego, Erie, Schenectady, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Monroe, Warren, Essex, St. Lawrence, Rensselaer, Genesee, Oswego, Niagara County, Clinton County, Schuyler County, Schoharie County, Nassau, Suffolk, Livingston County, Yates County, Washington County, Allegany County, Orleans County, Hamilton County, Delaware County, Wayne County, New York City, Columbia, Chemung, Jefferson County, Cayuga County, Montgomery County, Ontario County, Saratoga, Wyoming County, Cattaraugus County, Lewis, Fulton, Herkimer County, Putnam County, Seneca County, Cortland
For the broader travel overview: USA.
