Hidden Gems in New York State:

• Tupper Lake Triad (Adirondacks): A family-friendly hiking challenge with three mountains, perfect for beginners. Earn a special patch for completing all hikes and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Overlook Park and Falls View Park (Capital-Saratoga): Stunning waterfalls and a pedestrian bridge offer a picturesque setting and a glimpse into Cohoes' industrial heritage.
• Sundown Wild Forest (Catskills): Explore 30,100 acres of hiking trails, waterfalls, trout streams, and enjoy beautiful sunsets in this vast park.
• Hyde Hall Bridge (Central New York): Visit the oldest covered bridge in the US, located in Glimmerglass State Park near the charming town of Cooperstown.
• WAG Trail (Chautauqua-Allegheny): A nine-mile trail perfect for biking, hiking, and fishing along the Genesee River, rich in railroad history.
• Urbana State Forest (Finger Lakes): Embark on an adventure in this 2,700-acre forest known for its wildlife spotting and tranquil hikes.
• Deer Lick Nature Sanctuary Trail (Greater Niagara/Chautauqua-Allegheny): A family-friendly 3.2-mile loop trail offering stunning views of a gorge and abundant wildlife.
• High Falls (Hudson Valley): Take a 1.4-mile loop to a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall, a serene and less-traveled spot.
• Ridge Conservation Area (Long Island): Marked trails, a pond, fishing pier, and excellent bird watching make this a nature lover's retreat.
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park (NYC): Enjoy unique views of Manhattan's skyline from this 3.5-acre property featuring a historic lighthouse.
• Selkirk Shores State Park (Thousand Islands-Seaway): Boasting shoreline, boating, fishing, and bird-watching opportunities, this park is a hidden gem within the Thousand Islands.

Must-Do Activities in New York State

• Parasailing above Lake George and horseback riding along a Long Island shoreline: Experience the thrill of flying above the lake and the tranquility of a beachside ride.
• Visiting "The Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park, or exploring the rock formations at Ausable Chasm: Discover breathtaking natural wonders and landscapes.
• Whitewater rafting in the Adirondacks, hiking in the Catskills, and touring picturesque villages or palatial homes: Adventure and culture combine in these scenic and historic locations.
• Sampling local cuisine in the Hudson Valley or exploring world-renowned museums and cultural institutions: Savor the flavors and history that make New York State unique.

Instagrammable Spots in New York State

• Taughannock Falls State Park (Finger Lakes): Capture the majesty of a 215-foot waterfall and scenic trails.
• Empire State Plaza (Capital-Saratoga): Architectural marvels set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains and Catskills.
• Letchworth State Park (Greater Niagara): Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," this park offers dramatic gorge views and waterfalls.
• Singer Castle (Thousand Islands-Seaway): A Scottish-inspired castle perfect for architectural and historical photography.
• Lake George (Adirondacks): With 109 miles of shoreline and over 300 islands, the scenic possibilities are endless.
• Oheka Castle (Long Island): A historic French-style chateau surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Bear Mountain State Park: Offers outdoor activities with panoramic views from Perkins Memorial Tower.
• Windham Mountain (Catskills): A picturesque year-round destination with stunning mountain vistas.
• Main Street in Cooperstown (Central New York): Quaint shops, unique eateries, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
• Noble Winery (Chautauqua-Allegheny): Enjoy wine with views of vineyards and Lake Erie.

Hidden Gems in NYC:

Wetland Trail (Staten Island, NYC): Part of the Staten Island Greenbelt, this trail is a true hidden gem within the city, featuring nearly 3,000 acres of meadows, wetlands, and hiking trails. The Wetlands Trail is an easy, educational path where you can learn about local birds, wildlife, and ecology​​.

Must-Do Activities in NYC:

• Observation Decks: Experience breathtaking views from the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, The Edge at Hudson Yards, and Summit One Vanderbilt. Each offers a unique perspective of the city's iconic skyline​​​​​​​​​​.
• Times Square: Immerse yourself in the vibrant, eclectic culture of Manhattan at any time of day or night. The dazzling lights and energy make it a quintessential New York experience​​.
• Skyline from the Water: Take a cruise along New York's rivers for a unique view of the cityscape. Options include sightseeing and dinner cruises, offering different perspectives of the city's landmarks​​.
• Brooklyn Bridge Walk: Stroll across this historic bridge towards Manhattan for stunning skyline views. Early morning or late night are recommended times to avoid the crowds​​.
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Explore these iconic symbols of hope and freedom. A guided tour offers in-depth insight into their rich history and significance​​.
• Central Park Bike Ride: Ride through this vast green oasis to see famous sites like Bow Bridge and Belvedere Castle. It's a perfect way to experience the park's beauty efficiently​​.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Reflect at the Reflecting Pools and learn about the event's impact at the museum. It's a poignant tribute to the lives lost and affected​​.
• Grand Central Terminal: Discover the secrets of the world's most famous train station. From a food market beneath to an indoor tennis court above, it's full of surprises​​.
• Broadway Show: See a classic or new show in the iconic theater district. From long-running hits to new productions, there's a performance for every taste​​.
• Eat Like a New Yorker: Sample the city's best bagels, pizza, cheesecake, and more. Consider a food tour to dive deeper into NYC's culinary scene​​.

Instagrammable Spots in NYC:

• Graffiti Hall of Fame: Capture vibrant street art that reflects the city's dynamic culture. It's a colorful backdrop for photos with a real New York vibe​​.
• One World Observatory: Snap shots from one of the highest points in the city, offering panoramic views of the skyline and beyond​​.
• Top of the Rock: Take in awe-inspiring views of the city, including Central Park and the Empire State Building, from 30 Rockefeller Plaza​​.
• Summit One Vanderbilt: Experience art installations, glass ledges, and glass-floor elevators for a unique photo opportunity​​.
• Edge at Hudson Yards: Capture the city from this outdoor observation deck, providing awe-inspiring views and a thrilling experience​​.
• Caribbean Cultural Tours: Immersive experiences that offer vibrant photo ops and a taste of the diverse cultures that make up NYC​​.
• Yankee Stadium: A must-visit for sports fans, offering a storied background and a piece of New York history​​.
• Historic Richmond Town: Step back in time and capture images in this living history village that reflects centuries of American life​​.
• Louis Armstrong House Museum: Jazz enthusiasts can photograph the preserved home of a music legend, offering a personal glimpse into his life and legacy​​.
• Explore Chinatown: Dive into the sights, sounds, and colors of this vibrant neighborhood for a sensory-filled photo experience​​.

These hidden gems, must-do activities, and Instagrammable spots showcase the diversity and dynamism of New York, offering experiences that range from the iconic to the obscure, all worthy of being part of your journey through the state. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, history, or just a great photo, NY has something to offer everyone.

A mix of nature, history, adventure, and iconic cityscapes, making them must-visit spots for anyone looking to explore the beauty and diversity of New York State. Whether you're a hiker, history buff, city lover or simply seeking the perfect photo, these gems provide countless opportunities to create lasting memories.