Looking for fun places to get outside with your family this summer? New York is full of adventures featuring history, nature, and activities in its many State Parks. We have five State Parks within an hour drive from Rochester’s city center, and a few honorable mentions that we travel a bit further to explore.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State park is the home of the “Grand Canyon of the East”. A short drive south brings you to an extensive park featuring three large waterfalls, gorgeous hiking trails, a pool, playgrounds, the Indian Council House, William Pryor Letchworth Museum, Autism Nature Trail, Humphrey Nature Center, Mount Morris Dam, and the annual Balloons over Letchworth event. You can spend a day exploring or stay at the campground, cabins, or the Glen Iris Inn.
Hamlin Beach State Park
Hamlin Beach State Park is a favorite summer getaway for many Rochester families. It has a large campground, playgrounds, and a sandy beach on Lake Ontario where you can get away to relax for a day or a weekend.
Chimney Bluffs State Park
Chimney Bluffs State Park is one of the more unique parks in New York. Just on the edge of Lake Ontario, this park features drumlins, large glacial deposits, that tower over the pebble beach. The spires create a sense of awe as you walk along below, or hike above for a rare view.
Stony Brook State Park
Stony Brook State Park is a great place to adventure, just south of Rochester. Don’t forget your bathing suits, so after you hike the trails you can take a dip in the natural stream-fed pool. You can choose to spend the day, or make a weekend of it, as you camp with the family.
Sampson State Park
Sampson State Park is a close-by park with a military history. You can spend the day enjoying the Sampson Memorial Naval & Air Force Museum, marina, beach, playgrounds and trails. The park also has a campground the family can enjoy!
Honorable Mentions
To the West
- Artpark State Park
- Beaver Island State Park
- Fort Niagara State Park
- Niagara Falls State Park
- Whirlpool State Park
To the East
- Buttermilk Falls State Park
- Green Lake State Park
- Robert H. Treman State Park
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Watkins Glen State Park
The Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. It is full of history, science, and recreation; all nested among spectacular views. There are more than 20…
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