We won’t deny it, we love taking road trips in New York! And why wouldn’t we enjoy this classic way to take a break from daily life? There’s nothing better than packing up the car and spontaneously hitting the road with your loved ones in search of new adventures. When you see the map that we laid out for your next getaway, you’ll be floored by all the mind-boggling places you get to see. You might think you know New York, but you will be thrilled to get to see it in a whole new light. Ready for an adventure? Are you asking yourself, “what are the natural wonders of New York?” Then be sure to check out this amazing natural wonders road trip that you’re going to want to take! Of all the scenic road trips in New York, this one is one of our best. We can’t wait to hear how much you love every stop on it and which one was your favorite on the list.

Numbered, mapped out, and ready to go! You can follow along on the official route on Google Maps.

Google Maps We’ve planned out the entire trip so you don’t have to! Your only job now is to pack your bags and fill up your vehicle with gas. Get ready for a fabulous trip that you and your family won’t forget anytime soon!

  1. Panama Rocks Scenic Park - Panama

Jonathan W./Yelp First up, we have one of our favorite places to visit in the whole state, the otherworldly New York park that is Panama Rocks. Open every day, the park features towering rock formations and passageways hidden in the beautiful forest! It’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale once you start exploring this place. Be sure to take plenty of pictures. The photo opportunities are never ending here. This beautiful place is a Chautauqua County favorite that’s perfect for all ages. The littlest members of your family will be especially enchanted! Panama Rocks Scenic Park, 11 Rock Hill Rd, Panama, NY 14767, USA

  1. American Falls - Niagara Falls

Richie Diesterheft/Flickr If you haven’t been to the striking American Falls before, then now is the time to go! The one waterfall every New Yorker should see at least once in their lifetime, American Falls will almost quite literally blow you away. Enjoy the view from the top of the falls at one of our parks or get soaked while you enjoy the view of the base on a Maid of the Mist boat tour! You won’t be able to take your eyes off of the beautiful waterfall. American Falls, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA

  1. Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen

David Beyer/Flickr A spot that just had to be a part of this road trip, the 19 New York waterfalls you’ll find inside the impressive Watkins Glen State Park will have you convinced you’re dreaming. How many parks can you find that feature so many waterfalls in one place? This destination is one-of-a-kind for sure. A two-mile gorge trail will bring you around, beside, and underneath amazing waterfalls that are worth the hundreds of steps you’ll have to climb in order to see all of them. Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA

  1. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge - Seneca Falls

Kaju_Shi/TripAdvisor Operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the scenic park was made a National Natural Landmark back in 1973! Currently 8,000 acres in size, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge makes for a beautiful place to check out New York’s wildlife. Animal lovers, this place is the right one for you to explore. The sights you will get to see definitely make Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge one of the best national parks in New York! Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA

  1. Salmon River Falls - Orwell

Breanna M./Yelp Found out in Oswego County, the 110-foot Salmon River Falls waterfall is a great place for visitors of all ages to come and explore! The hike to the falls is nice and short, leading you along a flat trail that won’t drain you of all your energy. This path is a favorite of kids and adults alike. It’s not too difficult of a challenge and it’s certainly beautiful the whole way down. Salmon River Falls, Orwell, NY 13302, USA

  1. Ausable Chasm - Keeseville

Jay Flaventurier/TripAdvisor Adventure is waiting at America’s Oldest Natural Attraction! This is one of the many places within New York that will bring out the explorer in you. You will feel like you are starring in an adventure movie when you look around and start taking in the natural beauty all around you here. Being surrounded by cliffs here is truly an experience unlike any other. You’ll feel like you are millions of miles away from the busy city. AuSable Chasm Bridge, AuSable Chasm Brg, New York 12944, USA

  1. Natural Stone Bridge And Caves - Pottersville

Jo Amelia Finlay Bever/Flickr If you’ve been looking to explore one of New York’s many caves but have been hesitant to adventure underground, then Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is always a perfect place to start. The largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States, there’s plenty of exploring to do not only inside this fascinating cave, but also out all around it. With historic trails and amazing geological formations, you’ll love checking out this outdoor attraction. It’s truly incredible that this formation is all natural. You won’t be able to believe your eyes! Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA

  1. Saratoga Springs Geyser- Saratoga Spa State Park

Lea Monroe/OnlyInYourState The fascinating city of Saratoga Springs is home to eighteen mineral springs, each having their own unique tastes and healing qualities. But there’s one out of these many springs that you absolutely must make a point to see. Easily found inside Saratoga Spa State Park, you’ll discover the Geyser Island Spouter, a stunning spot that looks too beautiful to actually be real! Spa State Park Hall of Springs Path, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

  1. Montauk Point - Long Island

Devin Stein/Flickr While this road trip would’ve been significantly quicker if we excluded Long Island, we couldn’t forget about this magical area of our state. It’s always worth the trek to see the lovely sights here. With views of the ocean and beautiful landmarks, a day at Montauk Point is a day well spent. Montauk Point, Montauk, NY 11954, USA

  1. Kaaterskill Falls - Haines Falls

Sandy C./Yelp We decided to end this special road trip with one of our favorite kinds of places to go and explore. Pictured above you can see the top area of the majestic Kaaterskill Falls. If we could talk about waterfalls all day, we most likely would. We’re willing to bet you will feel the same way once you have experienced this marvelous place for yourself. One of the tallest waterfalls you’ll find in New York, this dangerous but beautiful natural wonder is amazing to see firsthand. Kaaterskill Falls, NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA

Have you gotten to check out these amazing stops? What was your favorite place to explore on this trip? It’s chock-full of stunningly beautiful sights we’re sure you will be thrilled to have seen. We would love to hear about your experiences exploring any of these spots. Please tell us all about them in the comments section!

Google Maps

We’ve planned out the entire trip so you don’t have to! Your only job now is to pack your bags and fill up your vehicle with gas. Get ready for a fabulous trip that you and your family won’t forget anytime soon!

Jonathan W./Yelp

First up, we have one of our favorite places to visit in the whole state, the otherworldly New York park that is Panama Rocks. Open every day, the park features towering rock formations and passageways hidden in the beautiful forest! It’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale once you start exploring this place. Be sure to take plenty of pictures. The photo opportunities are never ending here. This beautiful place is a Chautauqua County favorite that’s perfect for all ages. The littlest members of your family will be especially enchanted!

Panama Rocks Scenic Park, 11 Rock Hill Rd, Panama, NY 14767, USA

Richie Diesterheft/Flickr

If you haven’t been to the striking American Falls before, then now is the time to go! The one waterfall every New Yorker should see at least once in their lifetime, American Falls will almost quite literally blow you away. Enjoy the view from the top of the falls at one of our parks or get soaked while you enjoy the view of the base on a Maid of the Mist boat tour! You won’t be able to take your eyes off of the beautiful waterfall.

American Falls, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA

David Beyer/Flickr

A spot that just had to be a part of this road trip, the 19 New York waterfalls you’ll find inside the impressive Watkins Glen State Park will have you convinced you’re dreaming. How many parks can you find that feature so many waterfalls in one place? This destination is one-of-a-kind for sure. A two-mile gorge trail will bring you around, beside, and underneath amazing waterfalls that are worth the hundreds of steps you’ll have to climb in order to see all of them.

Watkins Glen State Park, 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, USA

Kaju_Shi/TripAdvisor

Operated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the scenic park was made a National Natural Landmark back in 1973! Currently 8,000 acres in size, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge makes for a beautiful place to check out New York’s wildlife. Animal lovers, this place is the right one for you to explore. The sights you will get to see definitely make Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge one of the best national parks in New York!

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US-20, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, USA

Breanna M./Yelp

Found out in Oswego County, the 110-foot Salmon River Falls waterfall is a great place for visitors of all ages to come and explore! The hike to the falls is nice and short, leading you along a flat trail that won’t drain you of all your energy. This path is a favorite of kids and adults alike. It’s not too difficult of a challenge and it’s certainly beautiful the whole way down.

Salmon River Falls, Orwell, NY 13302, USA

Jay Flaventurier/TripAdvisor

Adventure is waiting at America’s Oldest Natural Attraction! This is one of the many places within New York that will bring out the explorer in you. You will feel like you are starring in an adventure movie when you look around and start taking in the natural beauty all around you here. Being surrounded by cliffs here is truly an experience unlike any other. You’ll feel like you are millions of miles away from the busy city.

AuSable Chasm Bridge, AuSable Chasm Brg, New York 12944, USA

Jo Amelia Finlay Bever/Flickr

If you’ve been looking to explore one of New York’s many caves but have been hesitant to adventure underground, then Natural Stone Bridge and Caves is always a perfect place to start. The largest marble cave entrance in the eastern United States, there’s plenty of exploring to do not only inside this fascinating cave, but also out all around it. With historic trails and amazing geological formations, you’ll love checking out this outdoor attraction. It’s truly incredible that this formation is all natural. You won’t be able to believe your eyes!

Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, 535 Stone Bridge Rd, Pottersville, NY 12860, USA

Lea Monroe/OnlyInYourState

The fascinating city of Saratoga Springs is home to eighteen mineral springs, each having their own unique tastes and healing qualities. But there’s one out of these many springs that you absolutely must make a point to see. Easily found inside Saratoga Spa State Park, you’ll discover the Geyser Island Spouter, a stunning spot that looks too beautiful to actually be real!

Spa State Park Hall of Springs Path, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA

Devin Stein/Flickr

While this road trip would’ve been significantly quicker if we excluded Long Island, we couldn’t forget about this magical area of our state. It’s always worth the trek to see the lovely sights here. With views of the ocean and beautiful landmarks, a day at Montauk Point is a day well spent.

Montauk Point, Montauk, NY 11954, USA

Sandy C./Yelp

We decided to end this special road trip with one of our favorite kinds of places to go and explore. Pictured above you can see the top area of the majestic Kaaterskill Falls. If we could talk about waterfalls all day, we most likely would. We’re willing to bet you will feel the same way once you have experienced this marvelous place for yourself. One of the tallest waterfalls you’ll find in New York, this dangerous but beautiful natural wonder is amazing to see firsthand.

Kaaterskill Falls, NY-23A, Haines Falls, NY 12436, USA

Are you looking for other fun trips you can take in New York? Your options are endless. From terrifying places to gorgeous waterfalls to New York’s picture-perfect small towns, we’ve got a fantastic variety of road trips for every taste! To check out which one of our road trips you should take next, check out our New York road trips directory. There is definitely something for everyone to love on this list. Enjoy yourself on every one of them!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Wonders of New York February 08, 2023 Danielle Schwartz What is the most peaceful lake in New York? The most peaceful lake in New York is Avalanche Lake. It is the perfect place to visit when you are looking for a relaxing getaway in the Empire State. You will find this remote and beautiful lake in High Peaks Wilderness in the Adirondacks. Where are the best state parks in New York?  The best state parks in New York are full of natural beauty that you and your whole family can enjoy together. Try hiking in these parks:

Chittenango Falls State Park in Cazenovia Wildwood State Park in Suffolk County Letchworth State Park in Castile Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg Watkins Glen State Park in Schuyler County Cherry Plain State Park in Petersburg Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson

  What are the best water views in New York?   The best water views in New York are perfect places to go in the summer of course, but they are truly gorgeous year-round. Check them out:

Fire Island National Seashore in Robert Moses State Park Ditch Plains and Gin Beach at Montauk Skaneateles in Onondaga County Lake Ontario in Rochester Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Wonders of New York

February 08, 2023

Danielle Schwartz

What is the most peaceful lake in New York? The most peaceful lake in New York is Avalanche Lake. It is the perfect place to visit when you are looking for a relaxing getaway in the Empire State. You will find this remote and beautiful lake in High Peaks Wilderness in the Adirondacks. Where are the best state parks in New York?  The best state parks in New York are full of natural beauty that you and your whole family can enjoy together. Try hiking in these parks:

Chittenango Falls State Park in Cazenovia Wildwood State Park in Suffolk County Letchworth State Park in Castile Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg Watkins Glen State Park in Schuyler County Cherry Plain State Park in Petersburg Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson

  What are the best water views in New York?   The best water views in New York are perfect places to go in the summer of course, but they are truly gorgeous year-round. Check them out:

Fire Island National Seashore in Robert Moses State Park Ditch Plains and Gin Beach at Montauk Skaneateles in Onondaga County Lake Ontario in Rochester Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most peaceful lake in New York is Avalanche Lake. It is the perfect place to visit when you are looking for a relaxing getaway in the Empire State. You will find this remote and beautiful lake in High Peaks Wilderness in the Adirondacks.

Where are the best state parks in New York? 

The best state parks in New York are full of natural beauty that you and your whole family can enjoy together. Try hiking in these parks:

  • Chittenango Falls State Park in Cazenovia
  • Wildwood State Park in Suffolk County
  • Letchworth State Park in Castile
  • Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville
  • Harriman State Park in Sloatsburg
  • Watkins Glen State Park in Schuyler County
  • Cherry Plain State Park in Petersburg
  • Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Kerhonkson

 

What are the best water views in New York?  

The best water views in New York are perfect places to go in the summer of course, but they are truly gorgeous year-round. Check them out:

  • Fire Island National Seashore in Robert Moses State Park
  • Ditch Plains and Gin Beach at Montauk
  • Skaneateles in Onondaga County
  • Lake Ontario in Rochester
  • Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville