New York State

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park is located in the City of Niagara Falls in New York. The park, recognized as the oldest state park in the United States, contains the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls (or Canadian Falls). The Park itself is over 400 beautifully sculpted acres.

Prior to being protected, the lands surrounding Niagara Falls on both sides of the river were largely controlled by private interests, and public access to the falls was limited. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, an early champion of the falls’ surroundings, began advocating for their preservation in the 1860s. Through Olmsted and other’s efforts, Niagara State Park received its designation in 1885.

Some Fun Facts about the Falls:

The Falls at Niagara are about 12,000 years old
Falls were formed when melting glaciers formed massive fresh-water lakes (the Great Lakes) one of which (Lake Erie) ran downhill toward another (Lake Ontario). The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and at one point passed over a steep cliff like formation (the Niagara escarpment).
The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles/hour (56.3 kilometers/hour).
There are actually two waterfalls in Niagara, the American Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Letchworth State Park, NY The “Grand Canyon of the East”

One of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S., the Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs–as high as 600 feet in some places–surrounded by lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. Check out Letchworth State Park for more details.

Watkins Glen State Park – NY

Watkins Glen State Park with 19 waterfalls and 200 ft cliffs will leave you breathless…especially if you hike The Gorge Trail!!! Providing amazing scenery, you get a workout to boot. With 832 staircase steps (non-consecutive) leading upward throughout the gorge to follow the path of the running waters of Glen Creek over 1 mile. It’s rated moderately challenging, but provides a lot of resting places along the route. Visitors will find the gorge trail paved with natural stone, as well as some concrete walkways. Most trail areas have uneven places, and watching for missing pavers or crumbled areas makes a good rule for a safe hike. Stairways of natural stone look as if nature intended them. Like the paths, watch for a few uneven steps, though most stairways feel very even. As always, make sure to pack water or if you forget to bring some, you can always purchase water at the visitors center.