State Parks in New York are Superior

There are many ways Americans enjoy spending their free time and money. Some people frequently attend movies, others may take trips to exotic countries, and some may find satisfaction in a trip to a New York state park. 

Taughannock Falls

New York state parks, otherwise known as the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, is the agency tasked with maintaining the vital resources across the state. 

New York has some of the best state parks in the entire nation, ranging from the west to the east. The parks’ geography ranges from the internationally recognized features of Niagara Falls, to less well-known, yet memorable, sites such as Taughannock Falls State Park. 

New York State Parks create a haven from everyday worries, and are frequently regarded as some of the best parks in the United States. 

While many other parks may provide some escape for people, state parks are exceptional because their features and attractions are undeniably unique. 

With a budget of over $300 million, there is a significant amount of money being invested to fund these parks. With parks such as Niagara Falls pulling in over 8 million people each year, the facilities being maintained must be in respectable condition to provide a memorable experience for those visiting. For parks in more rural areas, there are thousands of miles of trails to maintain, though it is worth the effort, as these trails can provide some of the greatest memories of a trip. 

Along with its parks, the emphasis on history is a great asset to New York. There are several sites that are former battlefields, which is great a preservation for both New York history, as well as the United States itself. 

There are several forts across the state which are classified both under being a state park, as well as being on the National Register of Historic Places. 

In the Finger Lakes region, there are two locations that fall under these categories: Ganondagan State Historic Site, as well as and the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. Ganondagan is a Native American site in which the history of the Seneca Indians is preserved and is the largest village of those people from the 17th century. 

Along with Ganondagan, Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is the home of a former banker, who built the current standing mansion in 1863. Today there are multiple gardens that are housed on the property, and are definitely worth the visit. 

While New York is considered a smaller state as far as size goes, it is able to provide an abundance of activities to do when it comes to parks. While the state does not house any iconic national parks, it is of no concern as the State Parks seem to provide more than enough to do. Ranging from parks deep in the woods, to some on Finger lakes and the Great lakes, the possibilities for adventure and exploration are endless.