We Love Our National Parks, but This New York Park Is Just as Sweeping and Magnificent

One of our greatest treasures as a country is our National Parks system. These stunning locations of natural beauty and wonder cover the gamut of the U.S. ecosystem, and while I've barely started exploring them, I can't wait to see more. I'm planning a trip to Acadia National Park in the coming months, but it's not just the national parks I'm gaining an appreciation for. Some of the state parks in my home and neighboring states are just as incredible as the national parks, but they don't get nearly as much hype or crowds. That goes triple for Adirondack Park, the best state park in New York—if you can even call it a park. This sprawling wonderland of mountains, hiking trails, waterfalls, and lakefront takes up over six million acres of central and upstate New York, making it the largest state park in the United States. You could spend months here and not discover everything this park offers, which only makes it more tempting to come back.

Adirondack Park is big. How big? It's larger than the state of Vermont. So, needless to say, this is not a park you're going to visit for a single day. AllTrails lists a whopping 915 trails within the sprawling park. If you want to focus on the landscape, a road trip through the mountains can be an amazing way to explore, but if you want to see it up close and personal, you'll definitely need a game plan.

The trails within the Adirondack Mountains range from quick waterfall hikes to strenuous, day-long mountaintop treks. There's something for everyone, including plenty of hikes where you're not likely to see anyone else around you. Avalanche Lake might just be the most remote lake in New York, and it's quite the adventure to get there.

But that's just the start of what you'll find in Adirondack Park. The park is also home to one of the oldest covered bridges. Copeland Covered Bridge has been standing since 1879, and while it's one of the smallest covered bridges in the state, taking a stroll through it really does feel like stepping right into history.

This region is also the waterfall capital of the state, with over 100 total cascades. Some of them are among the most popular waterfalls in the state not named Niagara, but there are plenty of others hidden more out of the way. One of our favorites is Shelving Rock Falls, a peaceful fifty-foot waterfall that's only a half-mile hike away.

Adirondack Park offers plenty of adventures alongside some of the state's most beautiful and relaxing spots. Saranac Lake might be the most peaceful lake in the region. It's also home to the Saranac Waterfront Lodge, a romantic getaway that makes the perfect home base if you and that special someone are planning an extended stay in the mountains.

Have you explored Adirondack Park yet? If this massive landscape appeals to you, make sure to tell a hiking buddy about the best state park in New York and plan your first adventure to this sprawling natural landscape. Whether it's your first time or your tenth exploring Adirondack Park, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails+ for your hiking adventures. Some of the trails in the park are pretty remote and challenging, so the downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions available on the app will be a massive help.