10 Small Towns In New York State That Are Near Scenic Natural Wonders

Abstract

• Uncover hidden gems and beautiful pure wonders in New York State’s small cities, like Haines Falls and Castile.
• Expertise the great thing about the Thousand Islands area in Alexandria Bay via water actions and immersive occasions.
• Escape into nature in cities like Dover Plains, Wolcott, and Watkins Glen, which provide entry to distinctive pure sights and scenic trails.

From lovely gorges with magical waterfalls to peaking mountains adorned with lush forests, New York State is home to stunning natural wonders and landmarks to behold. Sights like Niagara Falls, Adirondack Mountains, Finger Lakes, and Watkins Glen State Park are sometimes on each traveler’s bucket record. Providing entry to those scenic natural wonders in New York State are lovely small cities which are price exploring as effectively.

Vacationers visiting New York State will discover quaint cities lined with historic buildings and filled with charming synthetic sights to complement the state’s numerous and beautiful pure magnificence. Whether or not planning a street journey via nature or seeking to spend a weekend away from the bustle of the cities, listed below are 10 small cities in New York State which are close to scenic pure wonders​​​​​​.

10
Haines Falls

This city is barely 0.7 miles from Kaaterskill Falls

The Nice Northern Catskills of Inexperienced County are house to many hidden gems, and Haines Falls is only one of them. Standing amidst beautiful landscapes, this hamlet within the city of Hunter presents an escape to the scenic Kaaterskill Falls. At 260 toes, Kaaterskill Falls is without doubt one of the highest cascading waterfalls in New York State.

Vacationers can attain the cascade by climbing Laurel House Trail. Though steep, the hike is completely price it. Different issues to do within the space embody taking a scenic Skyride on the Kaatskill flyer (the one six-person chairlift in New York State), discovering Fawns Leap, climbing to the height of Hunter Mountain, and ziplining Hunter Mountain (the longest and highest zipline cover in North America).

9
Castile

This city presents entrance to Letchworth State Park’s most hiked space

Usually referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is a powerful pure surprise within the Finger Lakes area and one of many most beautiful nature spots in Upstate New York. Whereas it spans components of a number of cities and has a number of entrances, the Castile entrance presents the closest entry to discover the Decrease Falls space, one of many nice climbing locations within the park. With so many scenic trails, out of doors fanatics will get pleasure from climbing and biking.

8
Alexandria Bay

This charming city sits proper within the coronary heart of the well-known Thousand Islands

Affectionately known as “A-Bay,” Alexandria Bay is a scenic city within the coronary heart of the picturesque Thousand Islands Area on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. It charms guests and locals with its pure magnificence and an array of thrilling actions. As a result of the primary attraction right here is the underrated yet magical Thousand Islands archipelago, leisure is centered round water actions, together with swimming, fishing, and boating. There are additionally loads of immersive occasions all year long, like Fish Day within the Bay, Fourth of July Fireworks at Boldt Citadel, the Annual Powerboat Poker Run, and Blues within the Bay Competition.

7
Dover Plains

Hike 0.3 miles from Dover Plains to the namesake pure surprise that resembles a Gothic church window

If there may be one underrated but lovely vacationer vacation spot price a go to, it must be Dover Plains. Regardless of remaining low-key, it presents entry to one of many state’s distinctive pure wonders — the pure rock “church.” Off Route 22, guests can stroll via a meadow previous maples to achieve the Dover Stone Church. Proper on the coronary heart of the protect, vacationers will discover this cavern whose entrance resembles a steeple, giving the attraction its identify. There’s a 30-foot waterfall cascading right into a pool of water that flows via and out the cavern entrance and continues because the Stone Church Brook. Guests don’t wish to miss Crown Maple at Madava Farms.

6
Wolcott

Simply 13 minutes from essentially the most dramatic panorama on the shores of Lake Ontario

Wolcott is an exquisite city overlooking Lake Ontario and one of many must-stops when touring New York State’s Seaway Path. The city is maybe well-known for a spread of issues, together with the Statue of “Venus Rising From the Sea” and Walcott Falls. However the space’s most dramatic attraction is Chimney Bluffs. Guests can expertise the large earthen spires from above or alongside the lakeshore on nature trails. There are additionally alternatives for snowmobiling, fishing, and cross-country snowboarding right here.

5
Watkins Glen

The gateway to Watkins Glen State Park, which is house to many scenic trails

Watkins Glen is a dream trip spot for many vacationers. It’s positioned on the southern shore of the scenic Seneca Lake within the coronary heart of the extremely beautiful Finger Lakes Area. On the city’s proximity is Watkins Glen State Park, an exquisite park identified for its pure magnificence, notably the magnificent waterfalls and beautiful gorges. The park is an outdoor enthusiasts’ paradise, with hiking trails for all skill levels. Apparently, the park entrance is correct on Essential Avenue within the city, so vacationers are by no means removed from conveniences whereas having the ability to escape into nature.

4
Alabama

Lower than 2 minutes from Iroquois Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, New York’s largest wildlife refuge

Centrally positioned between Buffalo and Rochester, Alabama, is a captivating city in Genesee County. Though it has been overshadowed by bigger cities close by, it packs so much for guests seeking to expertise the wonders of nature. The city is house to many sights, together with the Iroquois Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and the Swallow Hollow Nature Trail. Visiting the Iroquois Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, the most important wildlife refuge within the state, is an opportunity to see and find out about quite a lot of wildlife and pure environments. There are additionally countless snowboarding, snowshoeing, boating, and biking alternatives.

3
Lake Placid

An extremely lovely city throughout the picturesque Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Park is without doubt one of the most scenic and well-liked pure wonders in New York State. The region is home to many charming small towns that invite vacationers to discover them. However Lake Placid stands out for good causes. Whereas many individuals go to the Adirondacks within the fall to hike the scenic trails, Lake Placid is a winter wonderland certain to appeal guests of all ages. It’s no shock it has turn into New York’s Winter Sports Capital. The area presents unbelievable climbing alternatives, world-class snowboarding, fly-fishing, and different out of doors adventures.

2
Lewiston

The birthplace of the Niagara Falls

Lewiston is a quaint and charming village positioned simply 10 minutes north of the cascading waters. Whereas the city is well-known for its wealthy historical past, unbelievable eating places, and distinctive retail outlets, there may be way more to it. Lewiston will not be solely the birthplace of the world-famous Niagara Falls but additionally house to the primary main battle of the Warfare of 1812 and was as soon as the final cease on the Underground Path. After a day exploring the falls, guests can spend the night on the Artpark, probably the greatest live performance venues within the area.

1
Keeseville

Solely a 5-minute drive from the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks

Simply west of Lake Champlain, Keeseville is a small city alongside the banks of the Ausable River. It’s well-known for being close to the Ausable Chasm, one of the oldest natural attractions in the US, often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.” The city is scenic, with historic buildings and scenic roads providing unbelievable views of the Chasm and the encircling mountains. However many individuals come right here to discover the Ausable Chasm. Guests can expertise the chasm’s magnificence by climbing, rafting, rappelling, or on lantern excursions.