This Scenic Road Trip Takes You To All 10 Wonders Of New York
By now, everyone is familiar with the 7 Wonders of the World. You know, the most epic list of creations compiled from around the world that leave us all at a loss for words. But if you asked us, “What are the top seven natural wonders in New York,” we’d tell you that our state is too huge to narrow things down to just seven…and instead, hit you with a list of 10! That’s right; we scoured the state – from up in the Adirondacks to out in western New York and beyond. We didn’t stop there, though. We took things a step further and compiled said wonders into a road trip, which, we believe (and we’re sure you’ll agree) is one of the most scenic road trips in New York. So, gas up the car and get ready to explore the most beautiful places in New York.
To view the entire trip on Google Maps, click here.
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm up in Keeseville is actually America's oldest natural attraction! Welcoming visitors since 1870, people from all over the country come to Ausable Chasm to see the incredible mile-long gorge that creates some unbelievable scenery. There's a variety of ways to enjoy an adventure here throughout the year. You can go hiking through the park's trails, tubing through the canyon, or climb your way through adventure trails that will leave you in awe. Between the history and the views, there's no way we'd leave Ausable Chasm off of this list!
The entire Adirondack Park belongs on any list of the best natural wonders in New York, but if we had to narrow it down to just one of Mother Nature's creations - we have to go with Whiteface Mountain. One of our 46 High Peaks and New York state's fifth tallest mountain, Whiteface Mountain offers a unique adventure with options to drive, bike, or hike your way up to the summit. Out of all our Adirondack Mountains, the climb to the top of Whiteface is one that you can't forget. With a historic stone staircase and summit that's unlike any other, it's not hard to see why so many people choose to visit this particular mountain time and time again.
Drive out of Adirondack Park and start heading towards Green Lakes State Park - one of our state's most unique state parks, and quite possibly, one of the most beautiful places in New York. Search the entire planet and guess what? You'll only find a handful of other lakes like the ones you'll see in Green Lakes. Within the village of Fayetteville, both Green and Round Lakes experience no turnover, which means that the water stays incredibly clear, allowing you to see all the way down to the bottom. The park rents crystal kayaks, so you can elevate your experience even further.
New Yorkers may have their own favorite waterfalls, but there's no denying the epic beauty that is Niagara Falls. Attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year, Niagara Falls State Park gives you a look at grand waterfalls, a whole other country, and other natural wonders that you'll wish you had seen for yourself sooner. The oldest state park in the country, there are so many noteworthy reasons why you should make the trek out to Niagara Falls.
One of the best state parks in the entire country just so happens to sit along one of the most scenic rivers in New York state. Taking you out to the peace and quiet that makes up western New York, the roar of three major waterfalls along the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park will awaken you in this green oasis. Covering over 14,000 acres and featuring more than 60 miles of hiking trails, inns, and a campground, it's hard not to feel spoiled as a New Yorker when you visit magnificent places like this.
Letchworth may be known for being one of the best state parks in our country, but if you drive on over to Watkins Glen State Park, you'll quickly see why so many people argue that this is the most beautiful place in New York. Living up to its reputation, it features a 2-mile long gorge trail, which takes you past nearly 20 waterfalls. You'll actually get to walk underneath and alongside waterfalls - most of which look too mesmerizing to even be real. One of the many reasons why people fall in love with small-town New York, there's nothing else in our state quite like Watkins Glen.
If you're looking to kill an entire flock of birds with one stone, then a visit to Ithaca won't disappoint. Known as the City of Waterfalls, it's the best way to see lots of waterfalls in a short amount of time. Just outside the heart of Ithaca, in the town of Trumansburg, is another well-known state park that features a breathtaking waterfall that'll stop you in your tracks. The tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River, Taughannock Falls flows down 215 feet. With both an overlook and a gorge trail that give you different ways to experience the falls, this is one stop along this road trip that'll bring out the adventurer in you.
If you're someone who truly spends their time exploring New York, then you probably already know about quite a few hidden caves that you can easily explore aboveground. But one of the most easily accessible and absolutely jaw-dropping caves that you can explore in all of the Empire State is Dover Stone Church. Easy to find in the town of Dover Plains, a quick and easy hike will lead you to an aboveground cave that has a waterfall flowing inside!
Playing the ultimate game of opposites, after exploring an aboveground cave in Dover Plains, you'll make your way to Howe Caverns in Schoharie County to head below the Earth's surface. Taking you 156 feet underground, you'll walk through one of the deepest caves in our state and even take a boat ride on an underground lake! Talk about an adventure!
Last but not least, you'll end your natural wonders road trip to a place that's undeniably magical. Inside Saratoga Spa State Park in Upstate New York, you'll find Saratoga Geyser Island Spouter, the only island spouter in our state. The geyser itself has been around since the early 1900s, but over the years the tufa deposit has grown in size - resulting in the creation of an entire island along Geyser Creek in the park. The springs inside Saratoga Spa State Park are known for having magical healing properties and a variety of health benefits. End your road trip by taste-testing all the different springs here.
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Address: Ausable Chasm, NY 12911, USA
Address: Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington, NY 12997, USA
Address: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA
Address: Niagara Falls, NY, USA
Address: Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile, NY 14427, USA
Address: Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA
Address: Taughannock Falls State Park, Ulysses, NY 14886, USA
Address: 3128 NY-22, Dover Plains, NY 12522, USA
Address: 255 Discovery Dr, Howes Cave, NY 12092, USA
Address: Island Spouter, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Road Trips In New York
July 15, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other can’t-miss natural wonders in New York?
There seems to be no shortage of natural wonders in New York. One that you don’t want to miss is Eternal Flame Falls. Located within Orchard Park’s Chestnut Ridge Park, the 30-foot waterfall is broken up into two segments. The top tier features a narrow cascade, while the bottom tier fans out to more than twice the width of the upper portion. The waterfall’s moniker may seem strange at first, but it makes sense once you learn that the small grotto near the fall emits a natural gas that can be ignited to produce a small flame. It’s important to remember that Eternal Flame Falls flows seasonally and will most likely be dry in warm weather.
What are some lesser-known beautiful places in New York?
Among the lesser-known beautiful places in New York is Grime Glen Park. Located in the small village of Naples, the park boasts a long, deep gorge and several waterfalls. The waterfalls are easy to find, thanks to the well-marked trails that wind through the park. Even if you don’t take in all three falls, you’ll definitely want to hike as far as the second cascade, which is about 60 feet in height. It should be noted that the trek to the third fall is a bit more difficult and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Are there any other must-visit places in New York?
There are tons of sites that qualify as “must-visit places in New York” – and Cohoes Falls is one of them! There are small waterfalls scattered throughout Upstate New York, so much so, that it’d be easy to overlook a few. However, Cohoes Falls, which is shared by the town of Waterford and the city of Cohoes, is one that shouldn’t be missed, and that’s because it’s absolutely breathtaking! The waterfall’s flow can halt to a trickle in the summer, but come the cooler months, it flows with force, cascading over a 1,000-foot series of rocky ledges. For the best views of the fall, head to Falls View Park. True to its name, park-goers are afforded incredible close-up vistas.
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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
