If you've been a consistent reader for Only In New York, then you've most likely heard me say before that living here is like having the perfect playground for any explorer. From hiking to rock climbing and more leisurely activities, there's an adventure to be had no matter what your skill level is. If you're looking to stay away from the city life and get back to nature, there are so many incredible areas of New York that make it the perfect place to live if you love the outdoors.

Recognized by many as being one of the best places you can live in America if you love the outdoors, New York is incredibly diverse.

Making Retale's list of America's Top 10 Outdoorsy States, New York has time and time again proved that it is an amazing place to visit and live if you want to enjoy Mother Nature.

Pictured above you can see Bastion Falls, the waterfall that greets you at the trailhead for Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York's tallest waterfalls located in the Catskills.

If you're looking to enjoy rock climbing, the Shawangunk Ridge is one of the best places you could ever visit.

Just one of the many reasons why our residents love New York, the Catskill Mountains have so much to offer. Just within the Catskill region you'll be able to find unbelievable blue holes tucked away within the mountains, trails that will lead you to unforgettable views, waterfalls that will steal your breath away and scenic byways with winding roads that can take you on endless adventures.

If you enjoy hiking, you can explore thousands of miles of trails within our state.

Pictured above you can see New York's tallest mountain and highest point, Mount Marcy. Just within the Adirondack region alone you can find 46 High Peaks that are amongst the tallest mountains in our state. From camping adventures to getting out on the water, there's no place better to enjoy the outdoors than the Adirondacks.

New York features four different mountain ranges, the Adirondacks, the Catskills, the Shawangunks and the Taconic.

If you prefer to get out on the water, our state has over 3,000 ponds and lakes for you to check out.

Thousands of lakes? What more could we ask for! Pictured above you can see one of our most popular lakes to visit that you can find within the Adirondack Park, Lake George. The stunning lake draws in an incredible amount of visitors every year, not just from New York, and is perfect if you're looking to enjoy a weekend away outside. Surrounding the lake you can find a variety of mountains to take on that will give you views of the water, or you can simply take a parasailing ride on the lake that will give you the most perfect bird's eye view. If there's one thing we suggest doing, it's spending the weekend here camping. Leave the fancy hotels behind!

Speaking of water, we can't forget about the incredible outdoor spaces you'll find within the Thousand Islands.

We can't take full claim of the Thousand Islands, but we certainly will enjoy the territory that we do have! If you're looking to not only get out on the water, but to also go in it, this region of New York is famous for scuba diving. The Thousand Islands are home to a handful of famous shipwrecks that have become a favorite place for divers to come and explore.

The western section of New York has a mass amount of underrated gems, including all of the natural wonders you can find within the Finger Lakes region.

If you don't recognize the picture above, then we may need to double check that you're actually a resident of New York. Tucked away within the Finger Lakes you can find one of the most beautiful places in all of our state, Watkins Glen State Park. Just one of the 215 state parks you can explore within New York, the park is famous for it's 2-mile Gorge Trail that features nineteen waterfalls. If you're a lover of the outdoors and you've yet to explore this particular state park, then we suggest you start planning a visit now! You won't regret it.

From dense forests to dream-like beaches, Long Island has a variety of outdoor spaces for you to explore.

Pictured above, you can see a shot form Long Island's Sunken Forest and another of the coastline at Montauk Point. New York gets to call nearly 130 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline it's home, making Long Island an amazing place to live if you love being outdoors and by the ocean. A fact you may not have known about New York? Our state actually has highest number of sailing schools and ski resorts!

Does this post have you feeling inspired to hit the road and explore some of our extraordinary outdoor attractions? Then check out This Natural Wonders Road Trip That Will Show You New York Like Never Before or read about the 14 Most Incredible Natural Wonders you can find within our state!