Park Destinations: Nature's Best Getaway

Content sponsored by the New York State Tourism Industry Association, Cattaraugus County Tourism, Ulster County and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

Allegany State Park: A Year-Round Adventure for Nature Lovers

Naturally yours to enjoy… The Enchanted Mountains of Western New York is the perfect stop on your next road trip! Whether you love exploring from the treetops, the trails, or while floating the river, the Enchanted Mountains have something for you.

New York’s largest State Park, Allegany State Park, spans 65,000 acres, making it the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. From hiking along scenic trails and biking through diverse terrains to swimming in refreshing lakes and kayaking down meandering rivers, Allegany State Park offers endless opportunities for adventure. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in crystal-clear waters teeming with various species. Horseback riding is also a popular option, letting you experience the park’s beauty on horseback as you trot through picturesque landscapes.

For a thrilling experience, don’t miss Holiday Valley Resort, which offers year-round fun in one location. Known for its award-winning slopes, this resort is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike. However, the excitement doesn't end with the snow—try the Mountain Coaster that zips through the forest or the Sky High Aerial Adventure Park, where you can tackle high ropes courses and zip lines while enjoying sweeping views of the mountains. Holiday Valley is perfect for families and anyone looking to mix adventure with relaxation.

Art lovers won’t want to miss Griffis Sculpture Park, where nature and creativity unite. Hike the trails that wind through the park to discover large steel sculptures artfully placed to blend with the natural landscape. Each piece tells a story, inviting you to reflect and connect with your surroundings. It's a place that inspires both the mind and spirit, providing a unique backdrop for memorable photos.

If you’re looking to unwind, plan a day of fishing or paddling on the Allegheny River. This serene waterway is perfect for both seasoned anglers and families looking for a leisurely day on the water. To maximize your experience, request the Paddle the Allegheny River Rack Card by visiting EnchantedMountains.com/Paddle, which outlines various launch points and distances so you can plan your excursion with ease.

The Enchanted Mountains of Western New York promise an unforgettable experience filled with natural wonders, adventure, and art. Don’t wait any longer—start planning your trip today at EnchantedMountains.com and discover everything this breathtaking region has to offer!

Explore Ulster County IN ANY SEASON

Less than two hours from Manhattan and an hour south of Albany, with the majestic Hudson River flanking its eastern side, Ulster County is a 250,000-acre playground home to 35 peaks and 350 miles of trails ready for four-season outdoor adventure.

Explore world-class destinations like the Mohonk Preserve on the Shawangunk Ridge, or reconnect with nature in Catskill Park. Welcome the change in seasons along 75 miles of rail trails, or be dazzled by river views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Seek out well-known performers or emerging artists at our acclaimed venues, where live theater, iconic music and art of all genres thrive.

From quaint towns and bustling Main Streets in Woodstock, Kingston, New Paltz, Saugerties and Gardiner, there are hundreds of ways to explore Ulster County. Discover new culinary destinations and craft beverage tasting rooms, shop our eclectic shops and high-end boutiques, or scour for vintage. Peel back centuries of multicultural history and old Dutch architecture in the Stockade District or on Historic Huguenot Street, or take to the road on the Shawangunk Mountain Scenic Byway or the Catskill Mountain Scenic Byway for thrilling views in any weather.

Grab your crew and seek for yourself! Start planning your trip at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com.

Road-Tripping Through St. Lawrence County’s State Parks

If you’re looking for a road trip that blends outdoor adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a true sense of discovery, St. Lawrence County in northern New York is the perfect destination. Home to vast stretches of the Adirondacks and miles of St. Lawrence River shoreline, the county is dotted with state parks that showcase some of the most stunning landscapes in the state. Best of all, the parks are spread across the region, making them ideal stops for a road trip that winds through charming towns, forests, and waterfront views.

Your journey might start along the mighty St. Lawrence River. Coles Creek State Park in Waddington is a favorite for families and RV campers. With shady campsites, sandy swimming areas, and boating access to the river, it’s a summer highlight. But don’t overlook winter—when the river freezes, nearby trails offer snowshoeing, and ice fishing draws anglers from across the region. Just downriver, Robert Moses State Park in Massena is a year-round destination. In the warmer months, you can hike through island trails and visit the nature center, while winter brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching in the park’s quiet forests. For even more riverfront adventure, Jacques Cartier State Park in Morristown offers some of the best fishing and camping along the St. Lawrence, while Cedar Island State Park, accessible only by boat, gives road-trippers with kayaks or watercraft a chance to add a truly unique stop to their journey.

Heading south, you’ll find yourself drawn to the foothills of the Adirondacks. Higley Flow State Park near Colton is a gem for paddlers and anglers in summer, but in winter it transforms into a snowy playground. With over 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, fat-tire biking, and snowshoeing routes, Higley has become one of the county’s most popular winter recreation hubs. Not far away, Cranberry Lake State Campground offers an even more remote experience. While summer visitors enjoy paddling its vast waters and hiking Adirondack trails, winter adventurers often head here for backcountry skiing or simply to enjoy the peaceful solitude of a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered forest.

No St. Lawrence County road trip is complete without stopping at Eel Weir State Park in Ogdensburg, a smaller but peaceful destination along the Oswegatchie River. It’s best known as a quiet camping spot in the warmer months, but winter travelers will appreciate its nearby access to ice-covered waters for fishing and the region’s network of snowmobile trails.

What makes this road trip especially memorable is the journey between parks. You’ll pass through welcoming small towns like Canton, Potsdam, and Gouverneur, each with cozy cafés, diners, and local shops that make for perfect pit stops year-round.

So, whether you’re chasing sunsets along the St. Lawrence River, paddling in the Adirondacks, skiing snowy trails, or roasting marshmallows by a campfire, the state parks of St. Lawrence County invite you to slow down and savor the journey in every season.

For more information about outdoor fun, camping, and planning a trip to St. Lawrence County, go to www.VisitSTLC.com