New York

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Beautiful 25-Acre Botanical Garden In New York Is A Sight To Be Seen

Explore the Cornell Botanic Gardens in Ithaca, a historic and expansive garden offering a variety of beautiful and educational experiences.

Published May 15, 2019

Written by 

Lea Monroe

Out in the Finger Lakes, Ithaca is known for a lot of things, like the fact that it's so gorge-ous and it's taken on the title of being the Empire State's City of Waterfalls! If you've had the pleasure of already exploring all of the city's waterfalls, then we not only commend you but challenge you to cross off one more natural wonder-based attraction here in town. With adventures waiting around every corner, you can experience things like an adrenaline-inducing suspension bridge on Cornell's campus, but if you're looking for some a little more easy going then it's time to head further down the street to spend an afternoon outdoors.

You don't have to be a student of Cornell University to enjoy all the incredible attractions around campus, so with that said, it's time to spend the day exploring the Cornell Botanic Gardens.

alt
Jim L/TripAdvisor

The botanic garden that you see in Ithaca today is one that actually dates all the way back to the 1930s, a local attraction that's been the main part of Cornell's agricultural interests.

advertisement
alt
DoverDad/TripAdvisor

Since the gardens originally came to be, they've graciously expanded over time, now giving the public so much to explore and learn about.

alt
Cornell Botanic Gardens/TripAdvisor

As you stroll through the breathtaking grounds, you'll find everything from extravagant herb gardens to young flower gardens and rock gardens to vegetable gardens, you'll be genuinely amazed by all that is showcased here.

alt
DoverDad/TripAdvisor

Now that it's officially spring, May becomes one of the most beautiful times of the year to come and explore the botanic gardens.

alt
Jim L/TripAdvisor

Throughout the gardens, during the month of May, you'll start to see amazing flowering trees that bring a beautiful pop of color to Ithaca that we've been longing for all winter.

alt
clherrick/TripAdvisor

If you've never explored the Cornell Botanic Gardens, a great way to ease into this expansive property is to start off with one of their informational group tours that are offered throughout the year.

advertisement
alt
Jim L/TripAdvisor

To find out more about the Cornell Botanic Gardens, click here.

alt
Stefania P/TripAdvisor

Address: 124 Comstock Knoll Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850

To enjoy more outdoor fun this year, take a look at how New York's Annual Lavender Festival Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Completely Free Nature Spot Hiding in a New York Park Is a Must-Visit

Webster Pond is an amazing secret pond in New York that offers a stunning slice of nature not far from the big city.

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

As I explore more and more of the Empire State, I've developed a love for the unique cities of upstate. There is so much to do, see, and eat in these cities that it can be a little overwhelming in the best way. Still, sometimes I need to get away and decompress, and that's the perfect time to explore one of the city's charming county parks. A perfect example can be found in Syracuse, hiding in the humble Rand Tract Park. A heavily-wooded park filled with easy hiking trails, it's also home to Webster Pond, a unique and beautiful pond that has been designated as a nature preserve and is teeming with life. It's one of the most accessible nature spots in Syracuse, so discover this gorgeous hidden pond in New York below!

advertisement
alt
Kyra Carp/AllTrails

Rand Tract Park is a laid-back upstate New York destination, and it can be seen via the Webster Pond and Rand Tract Trail, which is an easy 2.2-mile loop trail. You'll encounter some uneven terrain, but the heavily wooded area is beautiful.

alt
Erin Hanlon/AllTrails

The main highlight of the area is Webster Pond, a stunningly beautiful pond that has been maintained as a nature preserve since 1890. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail - likely to ensure the ecosystem here remains undisturbed.

alt
Erin Hanlon/AllTrails

The pond is designed as a refuge for the local fish, game, and birds - especially birds. Lots and lots of birds, making this an incredible spot for birdwatchers to visit.

alt
Ali Shela/AllTrails

The pond is surrounded by handicaped-accessible bridges and plenty of benches, so this is a great laid-back spot for people to visit when they need a break from the hustle and bustle of Syracuse. It's an ideal spot for the whole family - the kids can look for birds while grandpa takes a break.

alt
Joe Bessette/AllTrails

At some points, it feels like it's really the birds' pond and we're just visiting - and that's exactly how we like it. This pond is an amazing spot to visit through the year.

Have you visited Webster Pond in Rand Tract Park before? Let us know about your visit to this hidden pond in New York in the comments section! You can see more pictures of the pond and the surrounding area on the Webster Pond and Rand Tract Trail listing on AllTrails. This might be an easy trail, but the trail guides and point-by-point directions on AllTrails + might still be useful to someone new to the area. And when you're done with nature, why not visit Syracuse's spectacular Destiny USA - one of the largest malls in the United States?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Natural Water Park In New York Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Aug 16, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Visiting a summer waterpark in New York is always a lot of fun, but during those hot summer days, it doesn't always work to beat the heat! The crowds are out in full force and the sun is beating down on the concrete and plastic. That's why when that summer heat gets to be too much, many adventurous types prefer to instead head off the beaten path and discover a natural adventure. We found exactly that at Lake George Wild Forest, a sprawling destination with over 40 individual rustic trails and some of the region's most beautiful sights. But we were the most surprised to find out that it was home to what might be the only natural waterslide in New York! This is Bear Slide Trail, a simple hike not far off the beaten path that allows you to get your feet wet and take a wet-and-wild adventure down a flowing path, far away from the area's busiest tourist destinations!

advertisement

Lake George Wild Forest is a choose-your-own-adventure of a park, with almost fifty trails leading to stunning mountaintops...

alt
Harriet Santisi/AllTrails

And peaceful waterfronts. But there's one hidden gem of a trail that most people don't know about.

alt
Web Surfer/Google Local

The Bear Slide Trail is a fairly short, easy-to-access trail that follows a racing brook. Some of the brook is rocky...

alt
Dan Steltz/Google Local

But at a certain point, it smoothes out while still flowing downhill. After heavy rain, it'll be a rushing river that you can simply sit down in...and let it sweep you away!

alt
Visit Lake George

Your final destination is a small waterfall with a shallow pool at the end, the perfect cool finish to this natural waterslide!

alt
Dan Steltz/Google Local

You can even camp on the ground, with 63 primitive camping sites available around the forest. It's the perfect rustic adventure for summer.

alt
Web Surfer/Google Local

Have you taken the often-wild ride on the Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest? Let us know what you think of this unique natural waterslide in New York in the comments section! To learn more about this massive natural destination, check out the Lake George Wild Forest page on the NY website. There is so much hiking to do in this area, with many of the trails being challenging, so we recommend a subscription to AllTrails + - this is the kind of destination this app was made for, letting you stay connected with downloadable trail guides no matter how remote your hike is. And if you're in the mood for a different kind of local adventure, Six Flags Great Escape just opened a new and thrilling wooden roller coaster!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trip Ideas
Travel Preparation & Advice

You Can Explore Your State Like Never Before With Our Dashboard

by OnlyInYourState Staff
on Nov 6
OIYS dashboard
Nature
Hiking

This Natural Wonder in Oregon is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 6
alt
Stays
Camping

The Amazing Campground in Hawaii We Want to Visit All-Year Round

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Nov 6
A camper van light up at night beneath a starry sky.
Nature
Hiking

The Remote Destination in Missouri Where the Drive is Worth the Final View

by Alana Fravell
on Nov 6
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Decorah, Iowa for the Holidays

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 6
alt