New York

New York State is one of the most geographically varied states in the nation, stretching from the Atlantic shoreline of Long Island westward across the Hudson Valley, the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, the glacier-carved Finger Lakes, and the Great Lakes plain all the way to Niagara Falls. This sweeping range of landscapes gives outdoor travelers an extraordinary breadth of experiences within a single state, from sandy barrier beaches to 5,000-foot summits.

New York borders five states: Vermont and Massachusetts to the east, Connecticut to the southeast, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south and southwest. In addition to its Atlantic Ocean coastline along Long Island and New York City, the state fronts Lake Erie and Lake Ontario along its western and northern edges, and shares the shores of Lake Champlain with Vermont to the northeast. These water boundaries shape the climate and ecology of each region dramatically.

The Adirondack Park, one of the largest protected areas in the contiguous United States, anchors the northeastern corner of the state with 6 million acres of forests, wetlands, and the High Peaks wilderness. The Catskill Mountains offer rugged escarpments, dramatic waterfalls, and storied fly-fishing streams just a few hours from New York City. The Finger Lakes region in central New York is renowned for its deep glacial lakes, world-class Riesling vineyards, and gorge-studded state parks like Watkins Glen. The Hudson Valley links the mountains to the coast along a historic river corridor lined with grand estates, Revolutionary War sites, and scenic hiking trails.

Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the country, draws millions of visitors each year to the western tip of the state, while the Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River provides a unique mix of boating, fishing, and castle exploration. Long Island extends more than 100 miles into the Atlantic, offering Fire Island National Seashore, ocean surf beaches, and the pastoral North Fork wine country.

The best time to visit New York for outdoor travel is late summer through fall, when foliage transforms the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley into a vivid tapestry of color and lake temperatures are still warm for swimming. Spring brings powerful waterfalls and wildflowers across the gorge parks, while winter opens up premier ski terrain at Whiteface, Gore Mountain, and Hunter Mountain. With 180 state parks and 24 National Park Service units across the state, New York offers year-round adventures for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

Featured State Parks in New York

See all New York state parks →