Upstate NY travel recommendations
You’re living in New York, doing your NYC Grind, and then one day you wake up and realize that
You’re living in New York, doing your NYC Grind, and then one day you wake up and realize that you’re living in New York, and you are surrounded by beauty and nature. That day is today. You’ve been living your gritty lifestyle, without realizing what you’re missing out on.
A lot of people don’t know this, but if you take a short drive north of NYC, you’ll stumble upon some stunningly quiet and beautiful outdoor areas. So now that you’ve realized it, there’s nothing stopping you from driving up north for not more than a couple of hours until you find yourself in the middle of a weekend getaway.
Living in New York is like enjoying the best of both worlds. The day starts with you being in the middle of busy Boston and ending up in the beautiful wildlife of the Catskills in the same evening.
“New York is so underrated for adventuring.” Get off the grid for once.
If you’re planning a road trip from NYC, here are some must-see spots you’ll want to explore:
Hudson Valley:
18 hiking trails leading to the Valley’s most gorgeous treasure troves in the form of waterfalls, lakes and historic sites. The Dover Stone Church cave falls is the perfect summer hike, watch the sunset at Poet’s Walk, enjoy a short hike to Ferncliff Forest and the fire tower for some crazy panoramic views.
For those looking for something challenging, look no further than the hike up Mt. Beacon. It will be as if not more challenging than you expected but the view you get at top will be well worth the climb, as they say. For a relaxing evening instead, you could take a stroll along the Walkway over the Hudson, and stop at Millbrook Winery for a glass of wine and a Charcuterie Board workshop.
Catskills:
The Catskills, being the closest to NYC, is the perfect destination for a day trip. But you’d better get ready for a tiring day, fortunately followed by relaxation. The Catskills are perfect for unwinding, just start your motorcycles and hit the open road.
The Catskills boast beautiful mountains, lush forests, and plenty of scenic views. You can hike to places like Kaaterskill Falls or the top of Hunter Mountain for breathtaking panoramas.
Whether you’re into hiking, biking, skiing, or fishing, there’s something for everyone. In winter, the region offers skiing and snowboarding at places like Hunter Mountain and Belleayre. Hit up quaint towns like Woodstock for the art galleries and Phoenicia for fun shops.
Adirondacks:
Renowned not just for the breathtaking beauty of its mountains, but also for the peaceful tranquility of its lakes, Adirondacks is the perfect place for nature lovers. Adirondacks offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and camping. You get to soak up on nature and recharge after months of being stuck in the middle of glorified capitalism, polluted by none other than ourselves.
Although overfilled with a plethora of enjoyable annual events, Fall in the Adirondacks is especially eventful, with multiple festivals taking place around the same season: The Adirondack Balloon Festival, WhiteFace Mountain Oktoberfest, and the Cream Cheese Festival.
Places to visit: Indian Head, Mount Marcy, Saranac Lake and Ampersand Mountain.
Finger Lakes:
This region is famous for its stunning lakes, rolling hills, and vibrant wine country. The Finger Lakes are perfect for a relaxing getaway filled with nature, good food, and great wine.
With 11 lakes to explore, you can expect more than just breathtaking views, especially at places like Watkins Glen State Park, known for its gorgeous gorges and waterfalls. Visiting the lakes also means hiking, boating, and fishing in the summer, or skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Cayuga Lake: The area is home to over 100 wineries, so wine tasting is a must! The Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake wine trails are particularly popular.
Western NY:
Niagara Falls: About a 7-8 hour drive, this iconic natural wonder is breathtaking. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour close to the falls! If you get it, take a chance to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall from both sides of the border; the falls on the Canadian side are nicer, but you didn’t hear that from us.
Letchworth State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is absolutely breathtaking. The Genesee River crashes through the gorge, creating three epic waterfalls, with cliffs reaching up to 600 feet high. You’ll be surrounded by lush forests, making it a perfect spot for some serious nature vibes.
And if you do visit, it’s so important to remember to Leave No Trace and recreate responsibly. Explore the beautiful outdoors of Upstate NY while preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
