If you're living in New York then you know first-hand just how lucky we are to have so many incredible views right in our backyard. Take the time to look beyond all of our industrial skyscrapers and you will find the jaw-dropping beauty that is nature, throughout all of the Empire State. While we could spend all day discussing each and every gem packed into New York, below we've made things a bit easier for you. Dive into the 14 most incredible natural wonders of New York:
1. The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks, a region with beautiful sites to see and growing even faster than the Himalaya Mountains! While we often remind you that it is indeed the largest state park in the U.S., sometimes really picturing a visual can prove to be difficult. If you were to take Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier parks and then add on to that the Smoky Mountains AND Grand Canyon, you'd find yourself with the ability to put all of those things inside the Adirondacks! Incredible huh? With clearly so much land to explore, you'll never find yourself running out of weekend getaways.
2. Chimney Bluffs State Park
Looking to go hiking on some of New York's unique terrain? Check out the jaw-dropping clay rock formations you can hike at Chimney Bluffs State Park! Sitting along the shores of Lake Ontario you can experience an incredible view if you make it to the top of these bluffs!
3. Howe Caverns
Opening up its underground beauty to the world in the mid 1800s, Howe Caverns has been a longtime spot for residents to experience unique adventures. As New Yorkers we're often looking up to the sky for beauty, forgetting all the amazing adventure that lie literally beneath our feet! Make sure to check out spot, open all year round!
4. Herkimer Diamond Mines
Known for its uncommon diamonds that have points at both ends, Herkimer is one of the rare places you can locate these special shaped crystals. The mines offer you tool rentals and the opportunity to possibly stumble across a gem that will make your family's day trip unforgettable.
5. Ausable Chasm
While this may have managed to slide under your radar, Ausable Chasm is one of New York's best tourist attractions. Located in Keeseville, this historical sight to see is made up of beautiful sandstone and allows you to see the Ausable River powerfully running through it.
6. Chittenango Falls
An absolute favorite amongst all New Yorkers, Chittenango Falls is not only a mouthful but also a sight for sore eyes. With a waterfall standing at over 160 feet tall, we appreciate that this state park is open all year round.
7. Lake George
Coming in at over 32 miles long and 3 miles wide, Lake George is an absolute must for anyone visiting New York, especially during our warmer months. Scattered across the lake you can find 186 islands, almost all of which are owned by the state. While the village itself offers people so much, it's really the lake itself that has captured our hearts. From parasailing to fishing and of course swimming, we always find ourselves coming back for more each and every year.
8. Hudson River
With over 300 miles of flowing water, the Hudson River has been known to be called "Americas Rhine." Beginning all the way up in the Adirondacks, the Hudson then flows its way south down New York to empty out into the Atlantic Ocean.
9. Niagara Falls
Another famous natural wonder on our list we have the pleasure of sharing with Canada, Niagara Falls! With a vertical drop of over 160 feet, it's probably best if you stray away from the whole taking a trip over the falls in a barrel, sort of thing.
10. Lake Ontario
Although we cannot fully claim this beautiful body of water as our own, we are more than happy to share it with our great friends up north in Canada. While this lake may be the 14th largest in all of the world (take a moment to pick your jaw up off the floor), it is indeed the smallest of all the Great Lakes.
11. Montauk Point
Located off the southern fork of Long Island, Montauk Point is home to many of New York's fisherman. While Montauk may be an area of interest to many in the fishing world, its impressive lighthouse is what also brings in many tourists to the area!
12. Watkins Glen
If you find yourself needing a little alone time with the peaceful sounds of flowing water, Watkins Glen may be the place for you. Containing several waterfalls inside this state park, Watkins Glen is considered to be a very tourist friendly adventure to take!
13. The Finger Lakes
Those with impaired vision may need to whip out their glasses for this one, but captured in the first picture above you can see the Finger Lakes all the way from space! Providing the perfect land for grapes to thrive in, the Finger Lakes region has become the main source of New York's produced wines. With 11 lakes making up the Finger Lakes, you have plenty of water to explore all year round!
14. Thousand Islands
Found at the borders of New York and Canada, the Thousand Islands are home to more than 1,800 islands!
There you have it! So, which one of these New York natural wonders is your favorite to visit? Is there a spot on our list you've yet to visit but are dying to check out? Tell us in the comments below and find us on Facebook!
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