There’s No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 7 Hidden New York Spots

Summers in New York are meant to be spent outside. The snowy days of winter will be here before you know it, so go ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors while you can do so comfortably! We've picked a few spots for you to check out that will allow you to enjoy nature while getting some level of peace and quiet. These places are slightly off the beaten path and might not have as big of crowds as some of the more popular places throughout the state.

1. Wesley Hill Nature Preserve (Naples)

Wesley Hill Nature Preserve is one of the prettiest areas in the Finger Lakes region. This 390-acre preserve is filled with beautiful gullies, old-growth forests, and wildflowers. You'll see all kinds of wildlife here; it's particularly popular for bird watching. There are some phenomenal trails here. You can find out more information on the Finger Lakes Land Trust website.

2. Rock City Park (Olean)

This is a neat 23-acre park, and it's home to the largest exposure of quartz conglomerate rock in the world. You'll have great views of the Allegheny Plateau. These rocks are so much bigger than they look in photos! You'll be able to hike in and around them and even see a 1,000 ton boulder balanced on top of another rock. Make sure to wear your hiking shoes!

3. Nine Corner Lake (Fulton County)

This one is a moderately popular site for locals, but since it's an 111-acre lake, there's plenty of room to spread out. The trails around here are beautiful and fairly easy hikes. There are many areas nearby to camp if you want to make a weekend trip of it.

4. Pratts Falls Park (Onondaga County)

Pratt's Falls Park is a wonderful place for a summer afternoon picnic! There's a 137-foot waterfall that's simply astounding, and the flow is pretty consistent, so you don't have to worry about it drying up. The hike is pretty easy, at only .6 miles, so it's great for even novice hikers.

5. Seamon Park (Saugerties)

Seamon Park is a little park in Saugerties that's beautifully kept. It's famous for its collection of chrysanthemums and cherry trees. There are plenty of festivals held here regularly. It's got wonderful views of the Hudson River. Check out their Facebook for some pictures of the flowers in bloom.

6. Wilton Wildlife Preserve (Saratoga County)

This area is operated by a non-profit that has designated 2,400 acres in Saratoga County as a wildlife preserve. They have some gorgeous wetlands and sand dunes, and the area serves as a habitat for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. Visit their website for a list of upcoming events.

7. Moreau Lake State Park (Gansevoort)

With 180 state parks throughout New York, some of them are of course not going to be as popular as others. We feel like one that doesn't get as much love as it deserves is Moreau Lake State Park. You can swim, fish, and kayak in the water, and of course there are hiking trails and areas to camp as well. Check out the New York State Parks website for more information.

What's your favorite place to enjoy nature in New York in the summer? Share your thoughts in the comments!