New York State: An Outdoor Paradise
Enjoying the Great Outdoors in New York State: Rockland County
One hundred years ago, the first stretch of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail was cut through a mountainous landscape in Rockland County, New York. Located in what is today Bear Mountain State Park, the trail is among Rockland’s expansive system of paths for hiking, biking and rock-face scrambling.
A whopping 32,000+ acres of parkland makes up a third of this lower Hudson Valley county. You’d never believe this charming county teeming with trails, open space, and densely wooded mountainscapes is located within 30 minutes of New York City.
Peacefully paddle through Rockland’s Hudson River tidal wetlands and shallows to explore Iona Island, a 556-acre bedrock island and wildlife refuge, and the labyrinthine waterways of the 1,000-acre Piermont Marsh. Elevate your pulse on the 23-mile Suffern-Bear Mountain trail, one of the most challenging trails for distance and remoteness in the Hudson Valley. For a unique outdoor experience, visit Doodletown, a ghost town, abandoned after 200 years in the mid 1960s.
The magic of Rockland lies in its expansive outdoor recreation spaces being within a short reach of diverse restaurants and cafes and a thriving arts community. Expect the unexpected when you pull into Rockland County.
Image by Mike DiNardo.
Discover Rochester, NEW YORK: Your Gateway to Outdoor Adventures
Rochester, the third-largest city in New York State, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by waterways and vast parklands, this city offers endless opportunities to explore nature. Whether hiking the Genesee Riverway Trail, biking along the historic Erie Canal, or enjoying over 10,000 acres of lush parkland, Rochester, New York, is your ultimate destination for outdoor adventures.
Top Outdoor Activities in Rochester, New York:
Hiking and Biking: Explore numerous parks and trails, including protected paths along the Erie Canal and Genesee River, favored by locals and visitors.
Biking the Erie Canal. Image by Yellow House Creative/Matt Baldelli.
Water Activities: Rent a kayak, canoe, or boat to navigate the Genesee River, Erie Canal, or Lake Ontario. The Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport, New York, offers accessible kayak and bike rentals. Vessels like Riverie, the Sam Patch, and the Colonial Belle offer cruising experiences along the Erie Canal or Genesee River.
City Parks: Visit Highland Park, home to North America's largest collection of lilacs, and Seneca Park Zoo, housing over 90 species and focusing on conservation and education, both designed by the renowned Frederick Law Olmsted.
High Falls: Witness the stunning 96-foot waterfall at High Falls, located in the center of the city.
Explore Beyond Rochester: Discover the Finger Lakes region and Letchworth State Park, often called the Grand Canyon of the East.
Rochester, NY, is your starting point for unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether seeking thrilling adventures or peaceful nature walks, Rochester offers something for everyone.