This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You New York Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
We won’t deny it, we love taking road trips! There’s nothing better than packing up the car and spontaneously hitting the road, in search of new adventures. It may look like somebody gave us a large bottle of liquor with a big blue marker and challenged us to try and trace the outline of New York. But, we assure you that the road trip you see mapped out below was created with the effort to try and hit as many regions as possible, all while including our most beautiful places to see. Ready for an adventure? Check out this New York natural wonders road trip that you’re going to want to take! Of all the scenic road trips in New York, this one is one of our best.
First up we have one of our favorite places to visit, the otherworldly park that is New York's Panama Rocks. Open every day, the park features towering rock formations and passageways hidden in the beautiful forest! It's hard not to feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale once you start exploring this place, a Chautauqua County favorite that's perfect for all ages.
Panama Rocks Scenic Park, 11 Rock Hill Rd, Panama, NY 14767, USA
If you haven't been then now is the time to go! The one waterfall every New Yorker should see at least once in their lifetime, American Falls will almost quite literally blow you away. Enjoy the view from the top of the falls at one of our parks or get soaked while you enjoy the view of the base on a Maid of the Mist boat tour!
A spot that just had to be apart of this road trip, the 19 waterfalls you'll find inside of Watkins Glen State Park will have you convinced you're dreaming. A two-mile gorge trail will bring you around, beside and underneath amazing waterfalls that are worth the hundreds of steps you'll have to climb in order to see all of them.
Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
4. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Seneca Falls
Operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the scenic park was made a National Natural Landmark back in 1973! Currently 8,000 acres in size, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge makes for a beautiful place to check out New York's wildlife.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Found out in Oswego County, the 110-foot Salmon River Falls waterfall is a great place for visitors of all ages to come and explore! The hike to the falls is nice and short, leading you along a flat trail that won't drain you of all your energy.
If you've been looking to explore one of New York's many caves but have been hesitant to adventure underground, then Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is always a perfect place to start. The largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States, there's plenty of exploring to do not only inside this fascinating cave, but also out all around it. With historic trails and amazing geological formations, you'll love checking out this outdoor attraction.
Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA
8. Saratoga Springs Geyser- Saratoga Spa State Park
Lea Monroe/OnlyInYourState
The city of Saratoga Springs is home to eighteen mineral springs, each having their own unique tastes and healing qualities. But, there's one out of these many springs that you absolutely must make a point to see. Easily found inside Saratoga Spa State Park, you'll discover the Geyser Island Spouter, something which looks to beautiful to actually be real!
Spa State Park Hall of Springs Path, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
While this road trip would've been incredibly quicker if we excluded Long Island, we couldn't forget about this magical area of our state. With views of the ocean and beautiful landmarks, a day at Montauk Point is a day well spent.
Ending the trip with one of our favorite kinds of places to go and explore, pictured above you can see the top area of Kaaterskill Falls. If we could talk about waterfalls all day, we most likely would. One of the tallest waterfalls you'll find in New York, this dangerous but beautiful natural wonder is amazing to see firsthand.
Kaaterskill Falls, NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
From terrifying places and waterfalls to our picture-perfect small towns, we’ve got a road trip for everyone! To check out which one of our road trips you should take next, check out our New York Road Trips directory!
Address: American Falls, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Address: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Address: AuSable Chasm Bridge, AuSable Chasm Brg, New York 12944, USA
Address: Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA
Address: Spa State Park Hall of Springs Path, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Address: Montauk Point, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
Address: Kaaterskill Falls, NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
Address: Salmon River Falls, Orwell, NY 13302, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Panama Rocks Scenic Park, 11 Rock Hill Rd, Panama, NY 14767, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Road Trip in New York
July 29, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the most amazing natural wonders in New York?
Did you know there is a multitude of amazing natural wonders in New York just waiting to be explored? It’s true – this state is beyond beautiful, and it’s not even all that large! There sure is a lot of amazingness packed into the state, though, and we love it. Some of our favorite natural wonders in New York include awe-inspiring spots like the Adirondacks. We’re pretty sure it doesn’t get more scenic than these incredible mountains in New York during autumn. There are an unbelievable 180 state parks in New York (and state park properties), and each of them is worthy of an adventure all on its own.
Where are the most beautiful places in New York?
New York is a beautiful state, without question. It’s hard to decide where the most beautiful places in New York are; there are plenty to choose from. Check out some of the truly spellbinding waterfalls in New York, or maybe embark upon one of our amazing waterfall hikes in New York. Head to some of the most beautiful beaches in New York, or forget about life for a while somewhere that’s so beautiful it rivals the Caribbean. There are all sorts of geological wonders in New York waiting to be discovered, and we also truly love visiting the awe-inspiring scenic hikes in New York to really take it all in.
What are some places to visit in New York for nature lovers?
Well, first and foremost, the 180 state parks in New York are some great places to begin! Did you know that there are also some truly amazing caves in New York you can tour and learn all about in a hands-on experience? Did you know that some of the beaches of New York are the most beautiful on the east coast, and there are lots of small towns in New York that are perfect for nature lovers, like ones that seem to have a lot of natural attractions packed into them? The possibilities for adventure in New York are only as limited as your imagination – and how far you’re willing to drive.
Address: American Falls, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Address: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA
Address: AuSable Chasm Bridge, AuSable Chasm Brg, New York 12944, USA
Address: Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA
Address: Spa State Park Hall of Springs Path, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
Address: Montauk Point, Montauk, NY 11954, USA
Address: Kaaterskill Falls, NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA
Address: Salmon River Falls, Orwell, NY 13302, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Panama Rocks Scenic Park, 11 Rock Hill Rd, Panama, NY 14767, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
New York In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
