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 on 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 why this is top on many national lists of places to see.
There are several scenic overlooks along the length of the park, and you can park your vehicle right next to them making the spectacular views very accessible.
You can glimpse 2 of the 3 major falls from a vehicle or overlook as well. And, Letchworth is the best state park for a fall-foliage drive!
2. Taughannock Falls State Park
Ulysses
Taughannock’s cascade is higher than Niagara Falls, and highest this side of the Mississippi.
Unlike the other gorge parks, this is a flat walk making 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
People travel from far and wide to climb the 800+ steps through the 2-mile glen. Among all of our incredible gorge parks, Watkins Glen is the most spectacular, mainly because of its 520′ rise in elevation from the Main Entrance to the North Entrance, affording 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 features two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. The park also features an 18-hole golf course, as well as 10 miles of trails.
Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. 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 awe inspiring and refreshing at the same time.
Rather than an escape, I prefer to think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.
Gorge trails call out to us from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these five spectacular trails off your list!
32 Roadside Waterfalls Near Rochester
Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. And for some, you do not need to get out of your car.
71 Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Here are a few less populated, rustic, or unusual trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail-trails, waterside trails, and inland trails.
Which are your favorite state parks?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!