5 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In New York This Year
New York is a state of contrasts, where world-famous skylines give way to roaring waterfalls, deep canyons, forested mountains, and sunlit shores. Beyond its bustling cities lies a landscape shaped by rivers, glaciers, and time, offering natural escapes for every kind of traveler. From the thunder of Niagara Falls to the quiet beauty of Fire Island’s beaches, these five natural wonders showcase the Empire State’s wilder side. Here are the best places to visit this year.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, a natural wonder straddling the border of New York and Ontario, is made up of three distinct waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Horseshoe Falls, the largest, drops 187 feet with a crest nearly 2,600 feet wide, while the American Falls measures up to 98 feet high and 1,050 feet wide. Together, they form the most powerful waterfall system in North America, with peak flows reaching 225,000 cubic feet per second. Formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, the falls continue to carve their way through the Niagara Gorge, creating dramatic scenery shaped by erosion and layered rock formations.
On the U.S. side, visitors enjoy sweeping views from Prospect Point and Goat Island, as well as unique access to the base of Bridal Veil Falls via the Cave of the Winds. Maid of the Mist boat tours offer unforgettable close encounters with the roaring cascades. The falls can be admired year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring through early fall, when water flow is at its peak and seasonal attractions are fully open.
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is a striking sandstone gorge near Keeseville, New York. Stretching two miles long and plunging 150 feet deep, it was carved by the Ausable River about 10,000 years ago as glacial meltwater cut through layers of ancient Potsdam Sandstone. Ripple marks, ichnofossils, and even rare jellyfish fossils are preserved in its walls, showcasing the gorge’s prehistoric origins. At its southern end, Rainbow Falls drops 91 feet, marking the point where the river’s erosion began and creating one of the chasm’s most dramatic features.
Today, visitors can explore named formations like Elephant’s Head, Jacob’s Well, and the Devil’s Oven, along with five miles of trails. Guided raft rides, rock climbing, and via ferrata add adventure to the natural wonder. With its mix of geology, history, and outdoor activities, Ausable Chasm remains one of the Adirondacks’ top attractions. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when trails and river tours are fully open.
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park, celebrated as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is among the most striking landscapes in the eastern United States. The Genesee River cuts through a 17-mile gorge, tumbling over three massive waterfalls framed by cliffs that rise up to 600 feet. The park offers 66 miles of hiking trails, along with routes for biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Hot-air balloon rides provide unmatched aerial views, while rafting and kayaking deliver thrills on the river. Winter brings snow tubing and skiing, making Letchworth a year-round destination.
Visitors can explore the Humphrey Nature Center, which highlights geology, wildlife, and ecology through interactive exhibits, or stay at the restored Glen Iris Inn, offering lodging and dining in a historic setting. With hundreds of campsites, guided walks, cultural programs, and seasonal festivals, the park blends natural wonder with recreation and history. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when trails, rafting, and balloon rides are at their peak.
Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachians in southeastern New York, stretch across Greene, Ulster, Delaware, Sullivan, and parts of Schoharie counties. Rising dramatically at the Catskill Escarpment and home to more than 30 peaks above 3,500 feet, including Slide Mountain at 4,180 feet, the range blends striking geology with rich cultural history. Once a favored getaway for New Yorkers, the Catskills inspired 19th-century Hudson River School painters and later became famous for their Borscht Belt resorts, which helped launch generations of entertainers. Today, the region remains a hub for artists, musicians, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Protected within the 700,000-acre Catskill Park, visitors find miles of hiking trails, rivers, and scenic notches shaped by glaciers. The area is also popular for skiing at Hunter, Windham, and Belleayre, while Esopus Creek draws tubers and anglers alike. With opportunities for cycling, camping, and cultural escapes in towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia, the Catskills are best visited from late spring through early fall, though skiing keeps winter lively.
Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore protects a 26-mile stretch of barrier island along New York’s Suffolk County, where dunes, wetlands, and maritime forests create a haven of natural beauty. Accessible only by limited bridges, ferries, or private boats, the island remains free of public roads, giving it a secluded feel despite its proximity to Long Island. Highlights include the historic Fire Island Lighthouse near Robert Moses State Park, Sailor’s Haven with its Sunken Forest boardwalk, and the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness—the only federally designated wilderness in New York.
The seashore shelters piping plovers, herons, white-tailed deer, and countless migratory birds, while offering hiking, fishing, camping, and quiet beaches. History lovers can also visit the William Floyd Estate, home of the Revolutionary War general and Declaration of Independence signer. With ferry service, visitor centers, and seasonal facilities, the park is most enjoyable from late spring through early fall, when weather and access are ideal.
Wrapping Up
Exploring New York’s natural side reveals a world far beyond its cities. From the roaring power of Niagara Falls to the sandstone walls of Ausable Chasm, the state’s landscapes are as diverse as they are breathtaking. The rolling peaks of the Catskill Mountains, the dramatic gorge of Letchworth State Park, and the pristine shores of Fire Island National Seashore all invite discovery in their own way. These destinations are ready to be explored, photographed, and cherished by anyone eager to experience the Empire State’s wild beauty.
