Wondering about things to do in New York for free? Even though we live in one of the largest cities in all of New York State, Buffalo isn’t exactly the concrete jungle that many outsiders would assume it to be. Not only is the Queen City situated along one of the country’s Great Lakes, but we’re also surrounded by all sorts of exciting natural wonders that are within our reach. While some attractions may require you to pull out your wallet, one of the most fascinating natural wonders that you’ll ever see only requires that you’re willing to go on a true outdoor adventure. Ready to bring out your inner Indiana Jones? It’s time to go chasing waterfalls at one of the best New York attractions.
On the list of interesting things to do in New York, this one ranks pretty high. Barely 20 miles outside of Downtown Buffalo, Chestnut Ridge Park covers more than 1,200 acres of land inside Erie County.
Liz Ranks/Google
Out of all the areas that you can explore within Chestnut Ridge Park, you’ll find a good majority of visitors making their way along the Eternal Flame Falls Trail at this New York attraction.
Christopher Sauvageu/Google
A great thing to do in New York for free, the short but sweet hike is less than a mile long, but does require a good pair of sturdy shoes due to the fact that you’ll be traveling over rocky areas and exposed tree roots.
Joseph Marshall/Google
Along the way, you’ll follow a creek that’s made up of smaller cascading waterfalls…
Holy Totemic/Google
…and towering natural walls all around you that will leave you in awe.
Holy Totemic/Google
Before you know it, you’ll be standing in front of Eternal Flame Falls — one of, if not the most, unique waterfall in all of New York State as well as a pretty awesome free thing to do in NY.
John Bamburoski/Google
If you’re unfamiliar with this waterfall, the reason why it’s so unique is because all year round you can find a natural flame burning inside of the waterfall.
muntasir mamun Piash/Google
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you! That’s an actual flame that you’re seeing hidden away inside this small-town park and New York attraction.
McKinnon E/TripAdvisor
Eternal Flame Falls cascades down roughly 30 feet, a truly breathtaking sight to see in person and a really extraordinary thing to do in New York for free.
Holy Totemic/Google
If you’ve yet to cross this epic natural wonder off of your bucket list, explore Buffalo’s backyard by taking a trip to Chestnut Ridge Park in Erie County.
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Get the most up-to-date information about Chestnut Ridge County Park.
Liz Ranks/Google
Christopher Sauvageu/Google
Joseph Marshall/Google
Holy Totemic/Google
John Bamburoski/Google
muntasir mamun Piash/Google
McKinnon E/TripAdvisor
Sekhar Rajendran/Google
Have you ever seen this New York attraction? What are some of your favorite free things to do in NY? Tell us in the comments!
If you’re ready to continue chasing waterfalls, then be sure to read about how this secluded waterfall restaurant near Buffalo.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
New York Attractions January 11, 2023 Rachel Raimondi What are the best waterfall hikes in New York? Aside from the hike to Eternal Flames Falls, there are many other waterfall hikes in New York. Check out a few of these: High Falls Gorge: Up in the Adirondack region of New York, you’ll find this amazing gorge that you can explore no matter the time of year. And the half-mile trail to see it and its waterfalls are totally kid-friendly. It’s a really fun thing to do in NY for free. Gorge Trail: Located in the 778-acre Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region, this three-mile out-and-back trail will take you through the gorge, with 19 waterfalls to see, and some you can even walk behind! Pratt’s Falls: Located in Manlius, this waterfall is over 137 feet tall and can be reached by a relatively easy 1.2-mile loop trail. What are the most beautiful hikes in New York? When it comes to New York attractions, there are a bunch that involve the outdoors. Strap on your boots and grab some water because there is quite a lot of beautiful hiking in New York: Cascade Mountain: Located in Lake Placid, this 5.6-mile trail will take you up to two of the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks, Cascade Mountain and Mount Porter, for some outstanding views. Mohonk Mountain House: Take the one-mile Labyrinth Trail to see the Sky Top Tower. Just know that although the trail is short, it involves some crawling, climbing, ladders, and even some pretty tight squeezes. Overlook Mountain: This 4.6-mile trail is located in Woodstock. The trail is moderately difficult as you do have an elevation gain of about 1,370 feet. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with the remains of an old hotel as well as a fire tower. Are there any animal encounters in New York? There are quite a few places for animal encounters in New York. Check out some of these: Buffalo Zoo: This 23-acre zoo is not only an amazing place to see animals like big horn sheep and bison, but it also happens to be the third oldest zoo in America. As far as encounters, get up close and personal with giraffes and rhinos. The Wild Animal Park: This park in Syracuse is home to some of the biggest (and baddest) cats on the planet, like cheetahs and jaguars. You can also see giraffes, zebras, and camels. Utica Zoo: This 80-acre zoo has more than 200 animals, such as wallabies and hyenas. Encounter opportunities include an African lion, a California sea lion, and red pandas.
The OIYS Visitor Center
New York Attractions
January 11, 2023
Rachel Raimondi
What are the best waterfall hikes in New York? Aside from the hike to Eternal Flames Falls, there are many other waterfall hikes in New York. Check out a few of these: High Falls Gorge: Up in the Adirondack region of New York, you’ll find this amazing gorge that you can explore no matter the time of year. And the half-mile trail to see it and its waterfalls are totally kid-friendly. It’s a really fun thing to do in NY for free. Gorge Trail: Located in the 778-acre Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region, this three-mile out-and-back trail will take you through the gorge, with 19 waterfalls to see, and some you can even walk behind! Pratt’s Falls: Located in Manlius, this waterfall is over 137 feet tall and can be reached by a relatively easy 1.2-mile loop trail. What are the most beautiful hikes in New York? When it comes to New York attractions, there are a bunch that involve the outdoors. Strap on your boots and grab some water because there is quite a lot of beautiful hiking in New York: Cascade Mountain: Located in Lake Placid, this 5.6-mile trail will take you up to two of the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks, Cascade Mountain and Mount Porter, for some outstanding views. Mohonk Mountain House: Take the one-mile Labyrinth Trail to see the Sky Top Tower. Just know that although the trail is short, it involves some crawling, climbing, ladders, and even some pretty tight squeezes. Overlook Mountain: This 4.6-mile trail is located in Woodstock. The trail is moderately difficult as you do have an elevation gain of about 1,370 feet. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with the remains of an old hotel as well as a fire tower. Are there any animal encounters in New York? There are quite a few places for animal encounters in New York. Check out some of these: Buffalo Zoo: This 23-acre zoo is not only an amazing place to see animals like big horn sheep and bison, but it also happens to be the third oldest zoo in America. As far as encounters, get up close and personal with giraffes and rhinos. The Wild Animal Park: This park in Syracuse is home to some of the biggest (and baddest) cats on the planet, like cheetahs and jaguars. You can also see giraffes, zebras, and camels. Utica Zoo: This 80-acre zoo has more than 200 animals, such as wallabies and hyenas. Encounter opportunities include an African lion, a California sea lion, and red pandas.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Aside from the hike to Eternal Flames Falls, there are many other waterfall hikes in New York. Check out a few of these:
High Falls Gorge: Up in the Adirondack region of New York, you’ll find this amazing gorge that you can explore no matter the time of year. And the half-mile trail to see it and its waterfalls are totally kid-friendly. It’s a really fun thing to do in NY for free.
Gorge Trail: Located in the 778-acre Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region, this three-mile out-and-back trail will take you through the gorge, with 19 waterfalls to see, and some you can even walk behind!
Pratt’s Falls: Located in Manlius, this waterfall is over 137 feet tall and can be reached by a relatively easy 1.2-mile loop trail.
What are the most beautiful hikes in New York?
When it comes to New York attractions, there are a bunch that involve the outdoors. Strap on your boots and grab some water because there is quite a lot of beautiful hiking in New York:
Cascade Mountain: Located in Lake Placid, this 5.6-mile trail will take you up to two of the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks, Cascade Mountain and Mount Porter, for some outstanding views.
Mohonk Mountain House: Take the one-mile Labyrinth Trail to see the Sky Top Tower. Just know that although the trail is short, it involves some crawling, climbing, ladders, and even some pretty tight squeezes.
Overlook Mountain: This 4.6-mile trail is located in Woodstock. The trail is moderately difficult as you do have an elevation gain of about 1,370 feet. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with the remains of an old hotel as well as a fire tower.
Are there any animal encounters in New York?
There are quite a few places for animal encounters in New York. Check out some of these:
Buffalo Zoo: This 23-acre zoo is not only an amazing place to see animals like big horn sheep and bison, but it also happens to be the third oldest zoo in America. As far as encounters, get up close and personal with giraffes and rhinos.
The Wild Animal Park: This park in Syracuse is home to some of the biggest (and baddest) cats on the planet, like cheetahs and jaguars. You can also see giraffes, zebras, and camels.
Utica Zoo: This 80-acre zoo has more than 200 animals, such as wallabies and hyenas. Encounter opportunities include an African lion, a California sea lion, and red pandas.
