With more than 350 miles of trails, many know Central New York as a hiking hub. More than 184,500-plus acres of public wilderness add to this reputation for all kinds of outdoor adventure, especially in our state parks where unique features abound. Here’s a sampling of the cool sights waiting in some of our most popular outdoor venues …
Pixley Falls State Park is the home to the picturesque, 50-foot Pixley Falls. A favorite among waterfall chasers, this is a great place to spend time with friends or family thanks to a popular picnic area.
In scenic Schoharie Valley, you’ll find Mine Kill State Park and its 80-foot waterfall. This park has a different view from the rest as it overlooks the New York Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project, a plant that generates over 1,100 megawatts of electricity. It also makes for a paddle-friendly reservoir that many visitors enjoy.
Glimmerglass State Park is known for various outdoor activities, but the grounds also have a very historic building. Hyde Hall was named a national historic landmark due to the beautiful and significant architectural design. It is a building full of history that was once the home to five generations from 1819 to 1943. This 50-room country house is a great place to visit if you are looking to get your history fix while exploring the outdoors.
The Erie Canal runs from Albany to Buffalo with plenty of those miles flowing through Central New York. At the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park in Chittenango, visitors can explore the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. The museum has preserved the 19th-century dry dock which holds great history and stories from the past to present.