Within a two-hour drive of Rochester, there are 49 New York State Parks all worthy of exploration, but try our favorite five if you haven’t already.
As different as these parks are from one another, they all have one thing in common—fresh, flowing water. Or frozen, depending on when you visit!
1. Letchworth State Park
Castile
With three incredible waterfalls, a gorge trail that is seven miles end-to-end, and a robust nature center, it’s no wonder that this is at the top of many national lists of places to see. There are several scenic overlooks along the park, and you can park right next to them, making the spectacular views very accessible. You can glimpse two of the three major falls from a vehicle or from an overlook. And, Letchworth is the best state park for a fall foliage drive.
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2. Taughannock Falls State Park
Ulysses
Taughannock’s cascade is higher than Niagara Falls, and the highest single-drop waterfall this side of the Mississippi. Unlike the other gorge parks, this is a flat walk that makes the falls accessible to travelers of all abilities and is open year-round. Also, unlike the other gorges, you can swim in the creek. Outside the park, there is a breathtaking scenic overlook absolutely worth seeing for yourself.
3. Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen
Open late-May through mid-October
People travel from far and wide to climb the 800+ steps through the 2-mile glen. Among all our incredible gorge parks, Watkins Glen is the most spectacular, mainly because of its 520′ elevation rise from the Main Entrance to the North Entrance, which affords magnificent views from above. You can walk behind cascades and through the rock walls for a truly unique experience from May through roughly mid-fall when the gorge trail closes for the winter.
4. Green Lakes State Park
Fayetteville
Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, ten miles east of Syracuse, features two turquoise-colored glacial lakes, walking trails, and a swimming beach on Green Lake.
Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic, meaning there is no mixing of surface and bottom waters in the fall or spring. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. The site also contains about 20 acres of outstanding virgin mesophytic forest adjoining the lake. Round Lake is designated a National Natural Landmark.
5. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls
People travel across the world to witness the power of the Niagara River over the falls. On the New York side, you can stand at the crest of Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls at Goat Island, Luna Island, and Prospect Park. From the Cave of the Winds and the Crow’s Nest, you can stand close enough to be soaked! It’s both awe-inspiring and refreshing.
Explore More
Visitors travel far and wide to see Niagara Falls State Park, America’s first state park, and we are fortunate to drive there in 90 minutes.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
Transformative Travel Destinations
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
26 Easy Winter Walks Around Rochester
Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.
Which are your favorite state parks?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.
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Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
