Rushing waterfalls, majestic lakes, and beautiful forests provide an escape from the bustling city and the crowds during this pandemic. New York is filled with beautiful state parks to enjoy with your family.  While all of the state parks in New York have something to offer, we believe these particular parks offer something special for families.

Chimney Bluff State Park:

This state park sits on the southern edge of Lake Ontario, half way between Rochester and Syracuse.  These bluffs are made primarily of sand and are formed into steep peaks that look like chimneys.  As you hike along the edge of the bluffs, with the backdrop of the gorgeous blue-green water, you wont have ever seen a view like this one before.  At the end of the trail you will come to a driftwood beach with the opportunity to walk down in front of the bluffs and look up at them.  Take your time, let the kids skip some smooth stones, and take in the views of the lake.  

Letchworth State Park:

This is supposed to be one of the most gorgeous places to see fall foliage in the country.  You can even take hot air balloon rides through the park!  The waterfall is so powerfall, you can feel the spray.  Take a picnic lunch and enjoy one the many hikes in this scenic park.  Once you are tired from walking around, take in the views along the park road pull offs, you wont regret it. 

Watkins Glen State Park:

You can read more about this one here (linked blog post).  This is one of our family’s top hikes in the country when its less crowded.  The gorge trail features 19 waterfalls, beautiful rock layers, and winding stone paths that will leave you in awe around every turn.  

Taughannock State Park: 

Every kid loves an easy hike and who doesn’t love a waterfall.  This one is a showstopper as it falls 215 feet in a thin line lever the side of a tall cliff.  If you want to hear a historic legend about the falls, check out this post.

Moreau Lake State Park:

This beautiful park is covered in trees dripping with color in the fall with limbs outstretched over calm lakes, brilliantly mirroring the world above.  The hiking trails wind up and down through the forest and the campsites are beautiful.  This is a good stopping point before heading up into the Adirondacks.  

You must add Upstate New York to your travel itinerary. During these times, a visit to the city may seem out of the question. We recommend getting outside, no matter the season, to breath in some fresh air, stretch your legs, and burn off some of the energy from being stuck inside. New York knows how to do state parks.  From gorgeous waterfalls, to Great Lakes, to beautiful hikes….there is something for every nature lover.