Largest, Tallest, Oldest: 8 Standout State Parks
Summer is a great time to seek out adventure and, luckily for us, New York State is filled with beautiful and exciting natural places that are waiting to be explored. Not sure where to start? Check out this list of eight State Parks and historic sites that hold title to some of the largest, tallest, oldest, or best features in the nation. Then go see for yourself what makes these sites stand out from the crowd.
1. Riverbank State Park in Manhattan: the largest rooftop park of its kind in the western hemisphere
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is a 28-acre rooftop park that rises high above the Hudson River in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. The unique park offers a wealth of athletic, cultural and leisure activities ranging from ball courts, pool, skating rink and playgrounds, to an amphitheater, greenhouse, carousel and restaurant. Beyond the amenities, the park also offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Palisades and the iconic George Washington Bridge.
2. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie: one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world
One of the Hudson Valley’s top attractions, the Walkway Over the Hudson provides commanding views of the surrounding landscape. Standing 212 feet above the river and nearly 1.3 miles long, this elevated walkway offers a visitor center on each side. The Friends group provides programming, self-guided tours and interpretative signage to learn more about the unique history of the Walkway.
3. Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg: the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River
The namesake falls is the highest in the Northeast, plunging past cliffs that soar nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Follow the gorge or rim trail for fantastic views of the falls, which are particularly phenomenal this summer due to the wet weather, from both above and below. Taughannock Falls State Park also sits on Cayuga Lake, offering a beach and water sport opportunities, plus a summer concert series, a multi-use path and a variety of tours for you to enjoy.
4. Buffalo Harbor State Park in Buffalo: the largest marina in New York State with 1,100 boat slips.
Calling all nautical enthusiasts! Beautiful views of Lake Erie and water adventures await visitors to this state park. Beyond the record-setting marina, the park includes a fish cleaning station, full-service beach and even a nautical themed playground. The park offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year and is adjacent to the popular Tifft Nature Preserve.
5. Allegany State Park in Salamanca, the largest state park in New York (not including the Adirondacks or Catskills, which are officially Forest Preserves)
Allegany’s two main areas, Red House and Quaker, offer nature enthusiasts a whopping 65,000 acres to explore. The park is a quintessential destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, providing visitors with every manner of adventure, ranging from watersports and mountain biking to horseback riding and world-class bird watching. Allegany also offers a wide variety of lodging opportunities, including campsites and cabins that are winterized for those seeking a snowy adventure. Visit the park’s Friends group for more information about the interactive programs happening this summer and fall.
6. Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh: the first publicly-owned state historic site in the nation
For history buffs, a tour of the place where American history was made is a must! In the months that General George Washington spent here, he made some of the most important contributions that shaped the American republic. Explore the museum, which houses the award-winning exhibit ‘Unpacked & Rediscovered: Selections from Washington’s Headquarters’ Collection.’ Any trip here would be incomplete without a tour of the site’s Tower of Victory and restored belvedere.
7. Letchworh State Park in Castile: voted best state park in the United States in 2015.
Letchworth, renowned as the “Grand Ca nyon of the East,” is one of the most magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through a deep gorge over three major waterfalls and between cliffs-as high as 600 feet in some places-highlighting exceptional geology and surrounded by lush forests. Trails for hiking, biking, snow shoeing and horseback riding enable visitors to explore the unique site all year-round. The museum, Humphrey Nature Center, and historic Glen Iris Inn are also worth a visit. Check out the Friends group at the park to learn more about their exceptional programs and events.
8. Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls: the oldest state park in the nation, established in 1885.
One of the state’s most iconic and popular locations is also the place that started it all, and the only way to know why tens of millions of visitors are drawn there is to experience the magnificence for yourself! Awe-inspiring scenery all year-round, thrilling attractions and miles of hiking trails for the entire family, the park has everything you need for an action-packed adventure. The Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds tours are a must to experience the awesome power of the falls.
Are you finding yourself inspired by this list of superlatives? If so, we recommend downloading the New York State Parks Explorer App. The free smartphone app provides you with everything you need to have a great experience discovering our natural spaces and historic places, including general information, listing of events, directions and even interactive trail maps and guides. It is the perfect companion for your adventures this summer!
With thousands of members and supporters across the state, Parks & Trails New York is a leading voice in the protection of New York’s magnificent state park system and the creation and promotion of more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, river walks, and trails. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers by improving and expanding access to parks and trails so individuals can enjoy the outdoors and benefits of nature close to home.