Summary

• Experience Watkins Glen State Park for dreamy waterfalls and serene camping by a river.
• Bear Mountain State Park offers family-friendly hiking trails and engaging activities for all.
• Cayuga Lake State Park is perfect for camping by the lake and enjoying stunning sunsets in Finger Lakes.

New York State is home to some of the most scenic wilderness areas in the US, so it's no surprise that it has about 180 state parks. That's a lot of options to choose from!

Among the most famous and most visited state parks in New York is Niagara Falls. This extremely popular park can see upwards of 9.5 million visitors per year, so you can imagine it's pretty crowded! But for anyone looking to explore less-crowded parks and discover some new hidden gems, there is, thankfully, much to see in the state of New York.

There is a lot to explore in the myriad of New York's state parks. Some of them are New York state parks with chilling hiker stories, while others are full of quiet beauty and serene camping opportunities, like the Finger Lakes state parks with lovely cabin rentals.

You get the picture; there's a park for every preference. So, which state parks in New York should you visit this year? We've created this list of New York state parks we think are worth visiting in 2024. These parks are great for camping, hiking, day trips, winter visits, fall foliage, and summer water activities - you name it. There are a lot of parks to choose from, but these are some of our favorites. Take it from us; we've been there!

8 Watkins Glen State Park

Visit this dreamy New York state park full of picture-perfect waterfalls!

Watkins Glen State Park boasts a luscious gorge that was carved out of the land by glaciers 10,000 years ago. The gorge that was left in their wake is now home to incredibly unique and scenic waterfalls.

Hiking through this state park is like walking through a fairy tale. The refreshing river weaves its way through the polished rocks, and you feel a serene calmness when exploring the wilderness in Watkins Glen. It's no wonder Watkins Glen State Park has the best waterfall views in New York.

If you choose to stay the night, there is a lot to enjoy about Watkins Glen State Park! Amenities include hot showers, an accessible dump station, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Accommodation-wise, there are plenty of great cabin rentals in Watkins Glen State Park.

You'll also be close to the charming town of Watkins Glen, a waterfront community with excellent views of Seneca Lake. Staying in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York is an incredible destination to spend the summer or fall.

If you're planning on just hiking the Gorge Trail, it's recommended to begin at the Main Entrance located at 1009 N Franklin St in Watkins Glen, New York. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, so there are shuttles available during the peak season. Starting at this end of the trail will save you 180 extra steps by making a more direct route. The Gorge Trail was temporarily closed for the 2023 season and is scheduled to open in late May 2024.

7 Bear Mountain State Park

This state park showcases beautiful mountain-top views of the Hudson, as well as family-fun activities

If you're looking for a wide variety of hiking trails within driving distance of New York City, you have to visit Bear Mountain State Park! This park has many trails with varying difficulty levels. It can be a great place to take a leisurely stroll or get a leg-burning workout.

It's also the perfect park for a family trip; in addition to hiking, Bear Mountain State Park has many amenities and activities that don't require hiking.

Bear Mountain State Park is worth a visit for its nature trails and fun activities. Take a hike up any of the park's mountains for incredible views of the Hudson River! We love that Bear Mountain State Park has lots of trail options tailored to different difficulty levels.

For those traveling with kids, there are plenty of activities offered by the park! Check out the Trailside Museums and Zoo, the swimming pool, and the Merry-Go-Round for family fun. Plus, from October through mid-March, anyone can come to enjoy the outdoor ice skating rink.

If you're looking for a state park in New York that offers spectacular views of nature as well as engaging activities, Bear Mountain is the park for you.

6 Cayuga Lake State Park

This lakefront park provides expansive views of Cayuga Lake and is a great place to camp in the summer and fall

Looking to camp in the Finger Lakes this summer? Cayuga Lake State Park is a great location! This state park is located right on the shores of Cayuga Lake, one of the largest Finger Lakes.

From summer to fall, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the lake. This state park is a great destination to unwind, especially if you're on an RV road trip leaving from Buffalo.

Most of the campsites are located across Route 89 but are still within a five-minute walk from the shoreline. Cayuga Lake State Park has a large beach with pavilions, bathrooms, and a park. There is plenty of room to enjoy days on the water and sit by peaceful, expansive views of Cayuga Lake. This park is a great place to relax, unwind, and watch the sunset in the Finger Lakes.

We personally love how close this park is to Seneca Falls, a small town in the Finger Lakes full of things to do! When visiting Seneca Falls, you can't miss the Women's Rights National Historic Park. And Cafe 19 is a delicious café near Cayuga Lake State Park that has some of the best coffee. The close proximity of Seneca Falls makes it easy to get camping supplies as well!

5 Buttermilk Falls State Park

This beautiful state park near Ithaca showcases accessible waterfalls and a beautiful lake!