New York’s state park system offer some incredible trails, many with stunning waterfalls, that will bring you back to nature, particularly as you enjoy the foliage in the fall.
There are more than 180 state parks in the Empire State – from Niagara Falls to Long Island.
Here are five favorite state parks to explore this fall:
Robert H. Treman State Park
Located several miles west of Ithaca in Tompkins County, the 1,072-acre state park boasts nine miles of hiking trails and many waterfalls, including the 115-foot cascade – Lucifer Falls – in the upper park. The 2-mile-long Gorge Trail easily gets the most foot traffic and offers stunning views of autumn hues. This moderate-level trail has loads of stairs, but also hugs Enfield Creek. There are several spots along the creek perfect for skipping stones, and at times you walk alongside steep gorge walls carved by glaciers.
Treman’s 2 1/4-mile Rim Trail offers a panoramic view of Lucifer Falls and has the aptly-named Cliff Staircase, a steep switchback of stone steps that span more than 100 feet. The top of the staircase offers a wide view of the glen and park. Much of the Rim Trail takes hikers through a mature forest.