New York: Nature, History and Waterways
Accommodation in New York
In the state of New York, expansive landscapes, impressive waterfalls, historically significant cultural sites and varied trails come together. Adirondack Park covers six million acres. Under Article XIV of the Constitution of the State of New York, its Forest Preserve lands are protected as "forever wild." Those looking for a vacation rental in New York can therefore choose their focus deliberately: nature, history, outdoor activities or regional specialties.
Landscapes with Waterfalls and Gorges
Several state parks demonstrate how differently New York’s landscapes can appear. Enfield Glen in Robert H. Treman State Park is home to twelve waterfalls, including the 115-foot-high Lucifer Falls. In Letchworth State Park, the Genesee River has formed three unique gorges. The park is also designated as a Bird Conservation Area; more than twenty species of wood warblers regularly breed there every year. For visitors who want to experience gorges and waterways at their most impressive, Taughannock Falls State Park offers a distinct contrast: Taughannock Falls plunges 215 feet past cliffs that rise nearly 400 feet above the gorge.
The views there can be enjoyed from different directions. Gorge and rim trails offer views of the waterfalls from above, as well as from below at the end of the gorge trail. A multi-use trail is suitable for hiking and cross-country skiing. At Watkins Glen State Park, the gorge trail leads over and beneath waterfalls. The Watkins Glen Gorge Tour follows Glen Creek through tunnels, alongside two waterfalls and beneath them. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between peaceful viewpoints and a route with especially abundant water features.
History, Culture and Regional Flavors
New York also offers opportunities to combine days in nature with history. Women’s Rights National Historical Park tells the story of the first women’s rights convention, held on July 19 and 20, 1848, in Seneca Falls, New York. Wesleyan Chapel is the site of this first women’s rights convention. Park ranger programs address women’s rights in Seneca Falls. In another historical direction, the grounds of Old Fort Niagara lead to 18th-century fortifications in several original buildings.
Architecture is also part of the region’s diversity: Saratoga Spa State Park is a National Historic Landmark and is distinguished by its classical architecture. For culinary discoveries, Taste NY Markets offer the opportunity to try and sample local food and beverages. This allows you to tailor your choice of accommodation to your preferred travel rhythm: nature experiences, visits to cultural and historical sites, or regional products.
Out on the Trails and the Canalway Trail
For active days, the state of New York offers more than 2,000 miles of trails, 215 parks, and more than 3,000 ponds and lakes. The Erie Canalway Trail runs 360.3 miles from Buffalo to Albany and is part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail. The Canalway Trail offers opportunities for cycling, hiking and jogging, as well as other seasonal activities on the trail. At many locations, trailheads have parking areas, information kiosks with historical information about the canal system, picnic tables and benches, bike racks, and repair stations. Old Erie Canal State Park is designated as a National Recreation Trail.
When searching for a vacation rental, it helps to have a clear focus. If you primarily want to experience gorges and waterfalls, you should choose your search area based on the natural destinations that matter most to you. For a trip focused on history, Seneca Falls, Old Fort Niagara or Saratoga Spa State Park can provide thematic orientation. Those planning to cycle, hike or jog can consider the Canalway Trail and the other trails as starting points for their regional search.
Further Regional Search Destinations
You can continue your regional search through the following subregions: Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, Ulster, Steuben, Chautauqua, Greene, Tompkins, Albany, Otsego, Erie, Schenectady, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Monroe, Warren, Essex, St. Lawrence, Rensselaer, Genesee, Oswego, Niagara County, Cortland, Saratoga, Lewis, Fulton, Broome, Columbia, Chemung, Cayuga County, Wyoming County, Franklin, Olean, Montgomery County, Ontario County, Tioga County, Clinton County, Schuyler County, Schoharie County, Seneca County, Jefferson County, Cattaraugus County, Putnam County, Herkimer County, Delaware County, Wayne County, New York City, Kings, Chenango County, Livingston County, Yates County, Washington County, Allegany County, Orleans County and Hamilton County.
For the higher-level travel overview: USA.
