New York state boasts 180 state parks that offer a sweet reprieve from Manhattan's madness. Since 1733 New York has been protecting large swaths of land for future generations to enjoy. Visitors will be astonished by incredibly diverse state parks that offer stunning waterfalls cascading from mountain springs, mysterious old-growth forests, and many wildlife refuges populated with eagles, wolves, and more.

This is an epic jumping-off point for the perfect Upstate New York road trip created for those who love nothing more than long strolls through the great outdoors and quiet moments with furry friends. Let's get started on this journey to the 10 best Upstate New York state parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

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10 Bear Mountain State Park

Established in 1913, Bear Mountain State Park has been an escape for city dwellers for over 100 years. Two mountains with 34 trails to explore and river and lake fishing access allow for year-round fun. Hikers, bikers, boaters, swimmers, and even cross-country skiers will have more than enough to enjoy at this gorgeous 5,205-acre park on the banks of the Hudson River. Kids will love a visit to the Trailside Museums and Zoo which feature exhibits with injured wildlife that have been rescued and are no longer able to live in the wild.

9 Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Located between Buffalo and Rochester Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is one of the first Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the United States. The refuge habitats and wetlands cover a total of 10,828 acres. Residents of the Iroquois Refuge include 266 different types of birds, and 42 species of mammals, plus countless reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The reserve is a birder's paradise and many recreational activities, including snowshoeing, hiking, and boating (without a motor) are encouraged. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is dedicated to its mission of, "encouraging compatible wildlife-dependent recreation and...a deep understanding and appreciation for the refuge's ecological integrity."

What is this gorge you speak of? Gorges are narrow valleys between hills or mountains. They usually have steep rock walls and a stream or river running through them.

8 Taughannock Falls State Park

The highest single-drop plunge waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, ringing in at 215 feet is the namesake of this state park. To give some perspective, Niagara Falls is only 167 feet tall. Located near Ithaca, the 'city of gorges' Taughannock Falls State Park takes the cake for a gorge so large it can be considered a canyon. Visitors walk the rim trail which takes them above the falls where they can get a view of Cayuga Lake and winds down to the bottom of the massive waterfall. This park is a must-see upstate and highly recommended for travelers visiting the Finger Lakes region.

Related:Hike Pharoah Lake Wilderness To See New York's Fiery Foliage

7 Watkins Glen State Park

The poster girl of Upstate New York state parks, Watkins Glen, is not to be missed. The Gorge Trail is perfect for any traveler who wants to get a lay of the land. On the trail, visitors will find 19 waterfalls crashing down from soaring rock walls and venture across a bridge that crosses the entire expanse of the gorge. Watkins Glen State Park is extremely accessible, with well-maintained sidewalks and stairs throughout. Travelers can get up close and personal with the waterfalls by walking under, behind, over, and around them, including the famous Rainbow Falls.

6 Green Lakes State Park

Within an abundant upland forest, two glacial lakes glimmer with a shocking blue-green color in Fayetteville, NY. Green Lake is the most studied meromictic lake, a lake where the layers don't intermix, in the world. The lush old-growth forest in the park is the largest in Central New York. Travelers can paddleboard across Green Lake or take a luxurious swim in the middle of the emerald woodland during the summer months before returning to their campground. Golf buffs will be thrilled with the 18-hole course that is also a part of the park.

5 Catskill Animal Sanctuary

A very special experience is to be had at this sanctuary for rescued farm animals. Over the past 20 years of being in operation, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary has been a home for thousands of creatures. Visitors can go on tours through the 148-acre property in the Hudson Valley and learn the stories of the furry and feathered residents and even give them a snuggle. Vegan cooking lessons and educational programs that advocate for ethical food choices are also a highlight of the refuge. Travelers can even stay overnight at the sanctuary!

Related; The Ultimate Travel Guide To Upstate New York: Areas To Explore & Where To Stay

4 Letchworth State Park

The Genessee River roars through the gorge at the center of Letchworth State Park. USA Today ranked Letchworth at number one in their list of top state parks in America in 2015. It's no wonder the park is so popular with its three major waterfalls that lie within the rushing river which passes rock walls that are up to 600 feet tall. Hikers that visit the park are treated to 66 trails that offer lush forest strolls and breathtaking vistas. The Autism Nature Trail is a treat for individuals with autism and other related disabilities, it offers accessibility and eight different sensory stations.

  • Admission: $10 Per Vehicle
  • Lodging: BrickInn

3 Robert H. Treman State Park

The rock formations made of sandstone in Robert H. Treman State Park date back to the Devonian age over 400 million years ago. The gigantic gorge that makes up the majority of the park is called Enfield Glen; winding trails take visitors past 12 waterfalls nestled in the lush forest past the soaring rock walls. A very popular swimming area is located at the base of Lower Falls, the easternmost waterfall in the park. Most of the recreational areas in the park are wheelchair accessible, guaranteeing a fun time for all!

2 Niagara Falls State Park

America's oldest state park is the home of one of the great wonders of the world. Travelers may not know that Niagara Falls is actually three separate falls. Horseshoe Falls are the most famous, about 90% of the water from the Niagara River blasts over the falls every day. The other 10% is split between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors are able to hop on the Maid of the Mist boat tour to get face-to-face with this force of nature. Niagara Falls is definitely an experience that has to be checked off every traveler's bucket list.

1 Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge's 10,000 acres are situated in one of the most active flight lanes in the world, the Atlantic Flyway. This makes Montezuma a rest stop for hundreds of thousands of birds each year, where they can safely obtain food and mate on the property's great land holdings. Many birds like it so much that they decide to make the refuge their permanent home. The massive complex of swamps, pools, and channels guarantees awesome bird watching from observation decks and towers, as well as hiking trails that allow guests to get a glimpse of over 300 species of birds.