New York

Home to 176 state parks, the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves, thousands of miles of rivers, streams, canals, lakes and ocean shores, New York State offers outdoor activities for everyone. Bring your bicycle, boat or hiking boots and explore breathtaking views of mountain ranges, lush river valleys, shimmering lakes and more.

Biking in New York
As you pedal through New York State’s eleven vacation regions, you are bound to make memories that will last forever. Explore New York’s statewide Canalway Trail System, enjoy a leisurely guided bicycle tour or push yourself to the limit on New York’s mountain biking trails. Whether you are traveling to New York City, Greater Niagara or any region in between, don’t forget your bicycle, camera and water bottle!

Fishing and Hunting
With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and hundreds of miles of coastline, New York State has some of the finest fishing in the country. There is world class fishing for a wide variety of coldwater, warmwater and saltwater fish species. Whether it's smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie, brook trout fishing on a crystal clear Adirondack lake, Pacific salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, fishing for stripers on the Hudson River, brown trout fishing on the Beaver Kill or fishing for bluefish in Montauk's surf, there's something special here for everyone.
Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in New York State. New York offers many exciting opportunities to hunt a large variety of wildlife, including big game, small game, game birds and furbearers. About 85 percent of New York State is private property and that is where most hunting occurs. Most private property is posted against trespass, but many landowners will allow access if people ask permission. Hunters should ask permission on private lands whether or not it is posted. There are also abundant state lands, such as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and some parks, on which to hunt. Hunters must complete a mandatory hunter education course to obtain a hunting license.

Hiking and Climbing
New York State is a hiker's and climber's haven! Some of New York’s most spectacular views can be seen from trails in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The famed Appalachian Trail winds through the Bear Mountain State Park and the Hudson Valley. The Shawangunks are among the most well-known rock climbing sites in the country.
In the central area of the state, be sure to try the trails through deep glens, gorges and waterfalls in several New York State Parks. Allegany State Park in Western New York is another hiker's favorite.

Off Roading/ATVs
Get off the main road in New York State with miles of trails on public and private property that welcome All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts. Bring your own ATV, or rent one and have it delivered to your location ready to roll.

Sky Adventures
Take to the air in a hot air balloon, sailplane or ultralight aircraft. Try parasailing over a lake, free fall from 9,000 feet on your first tandem sky dive or enjoy a scenic airplane tour over the mountains. New York State has it all.

Water Sports
If you love water, New York State has plenty to share! Whether it's diving, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, waterskiing, boating or sailing – you will find it in New York. Adventure and action can always be found on New York State’s canals, lakes and rivers.

Winter Sports
With over 50 downhill and 50 cross-country ski areas to choose from, skiers of all abilities and tastes will find what they’re looking for in New York State. Other winter activities include snow tubing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, dog sledding, ice fishing, snowshoeing and tobogganing.