New York State offers an abundance of gorgeous views, especially in the summer, and hiking is a great way to experience them.
While Binghamton-area residents may have their go-to local hiking trails to get outside on a nice day, there are plenty of incredible hiking trails that offer jaw-dropping views and climbs for all levels that are worth the drive.
Here are six spots throughout the state that should be on your must-go list this summer, from the Hudson Valley region to the Finger Lakes region, that are well worth the road trip.
Letchworth State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park offers 66 miles of hiking and biking trails that allow guests to experience the gorgeous scenery and views of the area. The park encompasses a section of the Genesee River, which flows through the gorge and over three waterfalls, according to the park website, and offers cliffs as high as 600 feet.
Letchworth State Park won the USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Award for Best State Park in the U.S., making it a must-see, especially for hikers.
Where: 1 Letchworth State Park, Castile. The park is a little over two hours from Binghamton.
Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls is the most popular destination in the Catskill Park Forest Preserve, according to the Catskills Visitor Center, offering a “260-foot relief from the top of the falls to the base of the second tier.”
The hike to the viewing platform is relatively short and easy, as it is only a 0.6-mile round trip, allowing even more inexperienced hikers to experience the breathtaking views. For those looking for a longer day of hiking, the Kaaterskill Clove offers various other viewpoints, according to the visitor center.
Where: Laurel House Road, Haines Falls, which is around two and a half hours from Binghamton.
Bear Mountain State Park
Situated in the Hudson Valley, Bear Mountain State Park offers an abundance of hiking and biking trails for all levels of expertise. Offering spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Hudson Highlands, hikers can choose from an easy, 1.5-mile loop around Hessian Lake or a challenging, 6.5-mile loop that crosses the Appalachian Trail.
History buffs and hikers alike are sure to have a great experience at the park, as it also holds deep history within it and is connected to the American Revolution, according to the park website. Its history can be examined not only within the Trailside Museum, but also through the various hiking trails, as there are trails and signs that explore the remains of Fort Clinton, which was built in 1776 by American forces to protect the Hudson River from British control.
Where: 3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY. The park is around two and a half hours from Binghamton.
Watkins Glen State Park
As the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, according to the website, Watkins Glen State Park encompasses 19 waterfalls and took third place in the USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Poll for Best State Park in the U.S., ensuring an unforgettable hiking experience.
The park is also home to the iconic Gorge Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that weaves hikers over and under the gorgeous waterfalls, up 120 stairs, and over various bridges, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the park.
Where: 1009 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, which is just a little over an hour from Binghamton.
Cascade Mountain
Located within the Adirondack region, Cascade Mountain is New York State’s 36th tallest peak, according to the Lake Placid website, and is ideal for more experienced hikers.
A 4.8-mile round trip, the hike takes climbers to an elevation of 4,089 feet, allowing a panoramic, jaw-dropping view of the Adirondack Mountains. The hike is steep and rocky at times, according to the website, but is also quite popular among hikers, as the views are worth the difficult climb.
Where: The trail begins on Route 73 in Lake Placid, just before Upper Cascade Lake, around 4 hours from Binghamton.
Finger Lakes Trail System
The Finger Lakes Trail System offers 1,000 miles of hiking, according to the FLT website, spanning from Allegany State Park to the Catskill Forest Preserve. The main trail is 580 miles long, with six branch trails and 29 loop trails and spur trails that go off of the main trail.
The trail passes near or through eight New York State Parks, and offers hikes for all levels of expertise. Experienced, dedicated hikers can do the hike from end to end, while casual, beginner hikers can stroll through one of the many loops or easier paths.
For more information, including starting points and trail maps, visit the Finger Lakes Trail website.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Six breathtaking New York hiking trails for all skill levels
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
