New York – The Empire State
New York

New York – The Empire State
The Finger Lakes region in New York is an outdoor wonderland, spreading over 9,000 square miles of beautiful landscape with eleven sparkling long, narrow, roughly north to south Finger Lakes and gorgeous waterfalls. The Finger Lakes region of central New York is known for several remarkable state parks, including Letchworth, Watkins Glen, and Taughannock Falls. The region is an outdoor paradise full of recreational activities, excellent hiking trails, water sports, boating, fishing, and food/wine touring. Although anytime is a great time to visit the Fingerlakes region, the best time to visit the Finger Lakes is May through September (late spring through fall). Finger Lakes is a relaxing and joyful getaway for tri-state residents with amazing outdoor recreational activities. For more info check on the official website.
These photos are from Fall 2014 and Summer 2016.
Best Things To Do
The Thousand island region is a 50 mile stretch in the St Lawrence River bordering northern New York state, USA and southeastern Ontario, Canada region. The Thousand Islands is the official name for a group of nearly 2000 attractive islands with beautiful endless shorelines. The region is a popular tourist destination that offers not only breathtaking views but also surprises with rich history and unique culture. Cruising through this region mesmerizes with its fairytale castles, historic lighthouses, and impressive mansions. Thousand Islands is definitely an outdoor paradise and water wonderland for those who love outdoor vacation.
These photos are from our visit to Thousand Islands on July 4th weekend of 2010. After visiting Letchworth State Park, New York, we drove and stayed overnight at Alexandria Bay. The next morning we took a Singer Castle tour that stops at Boldt Castle from Uncle Sam Boat Tours and it was a wonderful trip!!
Quick Facts and Tips
New York is home to many impressive state parks, but only a few are as incredible as Watkins Glen State Park located in Watkins Glen village. Watkins Glen State Park, in the Finger Lakes region of New York, is a natural jewel with amazing views. The Park features a series of waterfalls, a flowing stream, steep cliffs and scenic gorges. The glen stream descends through the scenic deep gorge and generates 19 waterfalls. Hiking the winding Watkins Glen Gorge trail along the Glen creek over and under the waterfalls is a truly magnificent experience. Everyone’s favorite, the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen, offers the most iconic Rainbow Fall, classic stone staircases, idyllic bridges, zigzagging Glen creek, a pretty gorge, and of course views of some of the most gorgeous cascades in the Finger Lakes region.
These photos are from Fall 2014.
Quick Facts and Tips
Gorgeous waterfalls, deep scenic gorge, roaring river, and a lush forest… what a majestic beauty the Letchworth State Park is! No wonder why Letchworth State Park is known as “Grand Canyon of the East”. Letchworth State Park is one of the most magnificent state parks in the Finger Lakes region in the state of New York, USA. Letchworth State park is roughly 17 miles long and spreads over 14,427 acres of beautiful lush landscape. The Genesee river roars and runs through the deep scenic gorge and cliffs as high as 600 feet. The park offers over 66 miles of excellent marked hiking trails with jaw dropping views of stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush forests. The picture perfect Upper Falls is 70 feet high and gives an impression of a picture framed by an active railroad. The largest and most spectacular among the three falls is the 107 feet high, about 285 feet wide curtain like Middle falls. Though the 50 feet Lower Falls is not easily accessible compared to other two astonishing waterfalls, the trail provides excellent views of deep scenic gorge along the hike to the viewpoint. The park looks amazing in every season, but the park turns into a colorful masterpiece in fall. The 17 mile road runs through the park making it easy to access the amazing vista points that offer different angles of impressive gorge and picturesque waterfalls.
These photos are from Fall 2014 and Summer 2010.
Quick Facts and Tips