Many of the best attractions in New York are free, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t come with a crowd! There are handfuls of destinations that are worth visiting in our state, but if you aren’t a fan of sharing your exciting experiences with groups of other people who are doing the same, then this list is perfect for you. Pointing you in the direction of some peace and quite, keep reading to find out what spots made our list of places you’ll want to check out if you hate crowds.
- Cumming Nature Center - Naples
Mountain Horse Farm/Facebook Located in one of our favorite Finger Lakes towns, Naples is where you’ll find the Cumming Nature Center. A great place to escape from it all, the nature center makes for a wonderful spot to go snowshoeing, cross country skiing or a simple stroll through the beautiful wooded area. Covering 900-acres of land, you’ll find the perfect variety of short and long trails to explore. To find out more information, click here.
- Whetstone Gulf State Park - Lowville
John D/TripAdvisor A hidden gem we love to have all to ourselves, the Whetstone Gulf is a natural wonder you need to see for yourself if you’ve yet to already. Covering over 2,000 acres of land, the park is built around a beautiful 3-mile long gorge that will leave you speechless. Open during the winter for seasonal activities, now’s the perfect time to explore this serene setting. To find out more information, click here.
- The Windham Path - Windham
Windham Area Recreation Foundation/Facebook If you’re longing to get outdoors in this small Catskills town but are looking to avoid the crowds that you’ll find at places like Windham Mountain, then try The Windham Path as a nice alternative! A great place for a short stroll, you’ll find a 1.5-mile long trail just off of Route 23 that will give you amazing, secluded views of the area and surrounding mountains. To find out more information, click here.
- Wilton Wildlife Preserve - Wilton
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park/Facebook Made up of over 20-miles of hiking trails, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve is a nice alternative to more popular outdoor spots like Saratoga Spa State Park. Just a 15-minute drive from Saratoga, the wildlife preserve will take you out in the woods where you’ll find nothing but a gorgeous forest surrounding you. During the summer you’ll find yourself walking amongst a great amount of Karner blue butterflies that will make your experience all the more magical. To find out more information, click here.
- Turning Point Park - Rochester
evanrochester/TripAdvisor When you’re living in a big city like Rochester, it’s always nice to know which secluded spots you can slip away to on a moment’s notice. Covering nearly 300-acres of land, the park is made up of wonderful boardwalks that will take you through the woods and out onto the water for a relaxing walk outside. To find out more information, click here.
- Secret Caverns - Howes Cave
Alexis N/TripAdvisor Another great alternative to a popular spot, Secret Caverns is like experiencing a smaller version of Howes Caverns except you usually get the chance to enjoy this place all to yourself! While people next door will deal with crowds, you’ll be walking down a staircase that will lead you to an underground world you’d never expect to find. To find out more information, click here.
- Two Rivers State Park - Waverly
acphifer/TripAdvisor Open all year long from dawn to dusk, Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area is a beautiful place to visit out along our Southern Tier. Right near our state border in Tioga County, this piece of land only became a state park just over 10 years ago and features beautiful nature trails that are great for hiking, skiing, biking or snowshoeing. To find out more information, click here.
- Schodack Island State Park - Schodack Landing
Schodack Island State Park/Facebook Out in Rensselaer County, Schodack Island State Park can be found along the Hudson River just south of the city of Albany. Covering just over 1,000-acres of land, the park is open all year long and even features a Bird Conservation Area where you can have the chance to get a look at bald eagles! To find out more information, click here.
- Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park - Worcester
Julie D/TripAdvisor Out in the small town of Worcester in Otsego County, Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park is set right on top of a hill and will give you beautiful views of the area. Open all year long, the park provides a peaceful place that’s quiet for nature lovers to visit who are out this way. To find out more information, click here.
Have you been to any of these New York gems? Let us know below.
Mountain Horse Farm/Facebook
Located in one of our favorite Finger Lakes towns, Naples is where you’ll find the Cumming Nature Center. A great place to escape from it all, the nature center makes for a wonderful spot to go snowshoeing, cross country skiing or a simple stroll through the beautiful wooded area. Covering 900-acres of land, you’ll find the perfect variety of short and long trails to explore. To find out more information, click here.
John D/TripAdvisor
A hidden gem we love to have all to ourselves, the Whetstone Gulf is a natural wonder you need to see for yourself if you’ve yet to already. Covering over 2,000 acres of land, the park is built around a beautiful 3-mile long gorge that will leave you speechless. Open during the winter for seasonal activities, now’s the perfect time to explore this serene setting. To find out more information, click here.
Windham Area Recreation Foundation/Facebook
If you’re longing to get outdoors in this small Catskills town but are looking to avoid the crowds that you’ll find at places like Windham Mountain, then try The Windham Path as a nice alternative! A great place for a short stroll, you’ll find a 1.5-mile long trail just off of Route 23 that will give you amazing, secluded views of the area and surrounding mountains. To find out more information, click here.
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park/Facebook
Made up of over 20-miles of hiking trails, the Wilton Wildlife Preserve is a nice alternative to more popular outdoor spots like Saratoga Spa State Park. Just a 15-minute drive from Saratoga, the wildlife preserve will take you out in the woods where you’ll find nothing but a gorgeous forest surrounding you. During the summer you’ll find yourself walking amongst a great amount of Karner blue butterflies that will make your experience all the more magical. To find out more information, click here.
evanrochester/TripAdvisor
When you’re living in a big city like Rochester, it’s always nice to know which secluded spots you can slip away to on a moment’s notice. Covering nearly 300-acres of land, the park is made up of wonderful boardwalks that will take you through the woods and out onto the water for a relaxing walk outside. To find out more information, click here.
Alexis N/TripAdvisor
Another great alternative to a popular spot, Secret Caverns is like experiencing a smaller version of Howes Caverns except you usually get the chance to enjoy this place all to yourself! While people next door will deal with crowds, you’ll be walking down a staircase that will lead you to an underground world you’d never expect to find. To find out more information, click here.
acphifer/TripAdvisor
Open all year long from dawn to dusk, Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area is a beautiful place to visit out along our Southern Tier. Right near our state border in Tioga County, this piece of land only became a state park just over 10 years ago and features beautiful nature trails that are great for hiking, skiing, biking or snowshoeing. To find out more information, click here.
Schodack Island State Park/Facebook
Out in Rensselaer County, Schodack Island State Park can be found along the Hudson River just south of the city of Albany. Covering just over 1,000-acres of land, the park is open all year long and even features a Bird Conservation Area where you can have the chance to get a look at bald eagles! To find out more information, click here.
Julie D/TripAdvisor
Out in the small town of Worcester in Otsego County, Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park is set right on top of a hill and will give you beautiful views of the area. Open all year long, the park provides a peaceful place that’s quiet for nature lovers to visit who are out this way. To find out more information, click here.
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