The Best of America's Outdoors
Sponsored content
Discover the Best of the Outdoors in Chemung County, NY
Harris Hill Soaring
Nestled in the scenic Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Chemung County offers a range of outdoor experiences perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike. From gliding high above the landscape to paddling peaceful rivers, Chemung County is your gateway to exploring the best of the great outdoors. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, there’s plenty to discover.
Soar the Skies at Harris Hill Soaring Center
Known as the "Soaring Capital of America," Chemung County is home to the Harris Hill Soaring Center, where visitors can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience—glider rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is especially magical during the fall, with vibrant foliage painting the landscape.
Learn more: Harris Hill Soaring Center
Camp at Historic Newtown Battlefield State Park
Step back in time while enjoying the peace and beauty of Newtown Battlefield State Park, a site rich in history. In August 1779, this tranquil forest was the site of the pivotal Battle of Newtown during the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the historic grounds, admire the granite monument, and camp overnight at this National Historic Landmark. Camping at Newtown Battlefield offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation and history for an unforgettable experience.
Learn more: Newtown Battlefield State Park
The Chemung River
Paddle and Fish the Chemung River
For water enthusiasts, the Chemung River provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Paddle along serene waters or enjoy a peaceful day of fishing surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
Discover more: Friends of the Chemung River
Upcoming Adventures: Canopy Walkway at Tanglewood Nature Center
Looking ahead, Chemung County will soon welcome the Canopy Walkway at Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum, scheduled to open in late 2025. This exciting new attraction will offer visitors a bird’s-eye view of the forest, providing a unique way to connect with nature from above.
Learn more: Tanglewood Nature Center
From high-flying glider rides to peaceful river adventures and historic campsites, Chemung County offers some of the best outdoor activities in New York. Plan your visit today and experience it all for yourself!
Start your adventure: Chemung County Tourism
Lake Superior State Park
Lake Superior State Park
Lake Superior State Park consists of 1,409 acres and features Lake Superior and Chestnut Ridge Pond. The park is operated by the County of Sullivan pursuant to a Cooperative Agreement with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The County operates two areas of the park:
Lake Superior's Beach Area (seasonal fee) features a swimming area, sand beach, picnic areas with grills, group picnic pavilions (fee), kayak (single & double), rowboat and pedal boat rentals, boat launch (electric motors only), vending machines, restrooms, shower/changing area, fishing (New York State DEC fishing license required), volleyball court and playground (ages 5-12).
The beach area operates for swimming on weekends and holidays from Memorial Weekend through June; hours of operation those weekends are 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Daily beach operation commences towards the end of June through Labor Day. The daily beach hours are 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday to Sunday and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday to Thursday, unless otherwise stated.
The park grounds are open from dawn until dusk. There is no camping or camp sites. All dogs must be leashed. There is a per-person fee to enter the beach area during beach operating hours.
Lake Superior's Dam Area features picnic tables and grills, a group picnic pavilion (fee), portable toilet facilities and fishing access to Lake Superior (DEC fishing license required). Hours Open: Dawn to Dusk.
The park grounds are open from dawn to dusk. There is no camping or camp sites.
Hunting/Fishing/Recreation/Camping
The entire park is open year-round. Hunting is permitted ONLY for Whitetail Deer, Bear, and Turkey in designated areas (New York State DEC hunting license required). Fishing/ice fishing (electric motors only), hiking, and sleigh riding are permitted at the park. Camping is not permitted. Click here for the specific hunting regulations.
Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap
Wow Journeys in Jersey
For hiking, biking, exploring and outdoors-ing, nothing beats the Garden State. New Jersey’s 58+ state and national parks span thousands of acres from the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the scenic Skylands down to Cape May Point State Park at the stunning southern shore. Check out the mobile-exclusive Jersey State Parks Passport to earn points that can be redeemed for essential adventure-ready gear, too.
Hikers and history buffs get the best of both worlds in New Jersey. Whether it’s climbing to NJ’s highest point at High Point State Park, hiking 72 miles of the renowned Appalachian Trail or enjoying breathtaking views of Sunrise Mountain at Stokes State Forest. And if you love to wander, the 1.1-million-acre Pinelands National Reserve is calling your name.
Washington Crossing Reenactment
Did you know that New Jersey is known as the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” with more battles taking place here than any other state? It’s true. The Crossroads of the American Revolution Heritage Area commemorates this with historic hotspots like Morristown National Historical Park, Princeton Battlefield State Park, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Washington Crossing State Park, Fort Lee Historic Park and Red Bank Battlefield Park.
Like a little direction? Jersey has mapped out all the details with easy-to-follow Scenic Byways, Black Heritage and American Revolution itineraries. Just grab the keys and go! Foodies will love to pull up a chair at legendary eateries featured on the Anthony Bourdain Food Trail. And the three-day Beer, Wine & Spirits itinerary (including some of New Jersey’s 50+ sip-sational wineries) is toast-worthy for sure.
Mountain Creek Resort
Wow up your next adventure with stops for winter recreation. Hit the slopes with skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing at Mountain Creek Resort. Watch waterfalls at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. Enjoy ice fishing at Lake Hopatcong. Love to ice skate? Lace-up and glide on rinks up and down the state. And birdwatchers, be on the lookout this winter. Chances are you may spot a bald eagle or two.
Be wowed wherever the road takes you in NJ. Access a free travel guide, sign up for the e-newsletter and discover more about parks, forests and nature in the state. As always, check with your destinations for hours and details before you go. It’s one wow after another. Find your wow at visitnj.org.
NJ Road Trip Wows: Liberty State Park
Be wowed by Liberty State Park, one of New Jersey’s most iconic and symbolic state parks. Known as the “Historic Gateway to America,” this scenic oasis is nestled in Jersey City along the majestic Hudson River. Enjoy ferry rides to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Visit the Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial and stroll the lively waterfront with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Also nearby: Liberty Science Center.
Fat-tire biking in Oswego County
Unique Winter Adventures in Oswego County
Oswego County is famous for its lake effect snow which makes it a premier destination for snowmobiling in New York State. The expansive Oswego County trail network has 400 miles of official snowmobile trails, including 245 designated as Class A Corridor Trails that connect to over 10,000 miles of trails across the state.
The network offers plenty of options for trail rides, from quick jaunts to long-range runs. A mix of long, wide straightaways and rolling curves, the trails wind through snow-covered forests and around frozen ponds, giving riders a variety of experiences in the snowbelt.
Trails are meticulously maintained by 10 snowmobile clubs located around the county. Dedicated volunteers work tirelessly year-round to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all riders come winter.
With over 33,000 acres of public land between the shores of Great Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, and the foothills of the Tug Hill Plateau, there’s more to explore in Oswego County!
Oswego County’s rolling terrain and abundant lake-effect snowfall offer outstanding cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Skiers and snowshoers of all skill levels can enjoy over 150 miles of trails across the county. Some recreation areas feature groomed trails, while others give winter enthusiasts the opportunity to be trailblazers. There are snowshoe, cross country ski, and fat bike races throughout the winter at Winona Forest State Park.
Ice-fishing in Oswego County
Visit the Chateaugay State Forest in Orwell, located on the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau, for eight miles of marked trails or check out the flat terrain of Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Parish, where the average yearly snowfall is 125 inches!
Located on the SUNY Oswego Campus, Rice Creek Field Station is a hidden gem and one of the Oswego attractions where visitors can explore the great outdoors. With nature exhibits, a weather station and an extensive trail system, this facility offers visitors plenty of things to do year-round.
Ice climbing is a truly unique winter adventure for those who are hearty enough to take the challenge. The Salmon River Falls Unique Area in Orwell is a premiere destination for ice climbers to test their skills.
Made up of 112 acres of land with a 110-foot waterfall, the site offers year-round recreation. During the winter months, it remains open only to registered ice climbers who take on these great ice formations on the cliff face. Find out more here!
Paddling in Fulton County
Adventure begins (and ends!) in Fulton County
The splendor of the seasons comes naturally to Fulton County, situated at the foothills of the Adirondacks, nearly entirely in the southern Adirondack Park. Fulton County is home to adventure, with 44 lakes and 74,832 acres of wild forest; has a rich American and Adirondack history; and is recognized in the fields of arts and culture.
Create your own memorable adventure! Take the Fulton County Five Hiking Challenge with picturesque hikes through lakes, mountains, trails, marshes and ponds. Visit the Kane Mountain Fire Tower, which is celebrating 100 years, or begin a trek on the Northville Placid Trail.
Wheelerville Trails is one of the premier downhill mountain biking parks in the northeast—a newly created kids park with extending and new trails, which takes novice to expert riders on new and exciting adventures.
Boat, paddle and fish our crystal clear lakes and rivers. The Great Sacandaga Lake is where the world-record pike was caught, while there is ample fishing access for all anglers on Caroga, Canada and Peck Lakes.
The arts flourish in Fulton County with local artists and galleries. The Caroga Arts Collective brings world-class music to the Southern Adirondacks. The Sacandaga Valley Arts Network enriches the arts throughout the county. The Glove Theatre in Gloversville provides entertainment, music, films and shows all year long, while Colonial Little Theatre in Johnstown offers great community theater.
Fulton County is rich in history and museums. Take a historic walking tour of Johnstown’s Historic Quadrangle Corner and walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton; visit Johnson Hall State Historic Site, the former home of French and Indian War hero Sir William Johnson; and take in one of the year-round events at the Rice Homestead, a 1790 Colonial homestead. The Fulton County Museum, Johnstown Historical Society Museum, Caroga Historical Museum, Northville/Northampton Historical Museum, and many others, house exhibits of local worth from Fulton County’s past.
Adventure is waiting! Visit 44lakes.com to plan yours!