The Best New York State Parks for Fall
In the Empire State, the cool air of fall kicks off the change from lush green to brilliant reds, yellows, oranges and gold. With average daily temperatures in the low 60s, the stage is set at these New York State Parks and Campgrounds for an experience the whole family is sure to remember.
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Moreau Lake State Park
Located in the beautiful foothills of the Adirondacks, Moreau Lake State Park offers more than 27 miles of hiking and biking trails. It's a natural paradise with adventure awaiting visitors at every grove and rocky ridge throughout the heavily forested region.
For a truly unique camping experience with the comforts of home, check out one of six cabins available year-round.
Schodack Island State Park
This 1,082-acre park sits off the eastern shore of the Hudson River just south of Albany. With approximately seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline, the park provides great fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing opportunities, including bald eagles, cerulean warblers and great blue herons. Stay the night at one of 66 campsites and check out the eight miles of multi-use trails winding through the park.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park
Just 60 miles from New York City, in the highlands of Putnam County, sits Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. The park offers access to the Appalachian Trail as well as breathtaking vistas for fall colors from the peaks of Mt. Beacon and Breakneck Ridge. The scenic campground, formed along the park's natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers and the perfect backdrop for landscape photography.
Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area
Located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range, Taconic State Park offers spectacular views and stunning fall color. The campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate all camping preferences, with 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms, 36 trailer sites and 18 cabins.
While there, be sure take in the splendor of fall along the 46 mile Harlem Valley Trail, once a rail extension of New York City.
Allegany State Park
Imagine 65,000 acres of parkland awash in color—that's the payoff when you immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn camping at Allegany State Park. Lodging options include 38 cottages, 318 campsites, 362 cabins and two group camps for visitors who want to experience the sweeping views, various wildlife, hiking and biking trails, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing that this park offers.
Letchworth State Park
Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, this park offers stunning fall vistas of the Genesee River Gorge and the lush forest surrounding three major waterfalls. Campers can take advantage of tent and trailer campsites or cabins. A must-do for hikers and campers is the popular and scenic Gorge Trail which begins at the southern end of the park and follows the gorge rim past the Upper and Middle Falls to the overlook at Inspiration Point, before ending at the river flats near St. Helena.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, a new nature center with guided activities, Native American history, paddling, fishing and more.
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If oatmeal or cereal isn't the kind of camping breakfast that excites your appetite, we've got a few other good ideas that just might do the trick.
Give one of these 10 breakfast ideas a try on your next camping trip—they're easy to make, taste delicious and won't be a headache to transport.