Day Trips from New York
← All New York day tripsDay Trips from New York: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of New York, NY. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near New York
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve visitor center
Cold Spring, NY 10516
Just 1 hr 17 min from New York, rated 5.0 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Pleasantville, NY 10570
Just 51 min from New York, rated 4.8 stars by 2,432 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Kerhonkson, NY 12446
Just 1 hr 51 min from New York, rated 4.8 stars by 5,489 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Highlands, NJ 07732
Just 1 hr 12 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 6,952 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Just 1 hr 52 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 3,135 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cattus Island County Park
Toms River, NJ 08753
Just 1 hr 27 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 950 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
G. Thomas Donch Nature Preserve (formerly known as Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve)
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Just 50 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 926 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ridley Creek State Park
Media, PA 19063
Just 2 hrs 3 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 3,399 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Sterling Forest State Park
Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Just 1 hr 6 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 1,249 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Seven Tubs Recreation Area - Pinchot Forest District
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Just 2 hrs 12 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 2,101 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Bushkill, PA 18324
Just 1 hr 21 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 6,739 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Worthington State Forest
Columbia, NJ 07832
Just 1 hr 23 min from New York, rated 4.7 stars by 795 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from New York
What are the best state parks near New York, NY?
The best state parks near New York offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near New York?
Most state parks near New York charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near New York are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of New York offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near New York?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near New York. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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