Central-Ny

A 167-foot waterfall that is one of the tallest in New York State, visible from multiple overlook platforms connected by stone stairways. The falls drop in a single dramatic plunge over a ledge of resistant limestone. The main viewing platform is just a short walk from the parking lot making it accessible for all ages. A trail descends to the base of the falls through a gorge. The park is home to the endangered Chittenango ovate amber snail found nowhere else on Earth. A picnic area and playground round out the visit.

A unique geological park with a glacial plunge basin lake surrounded by 175-foot cliffs. Glacier Lake at the bottom of the basin is a deep green meromictic lake. Trails wind along the rim and down to the lake shore with views into the rocky basin. The geology here is fascinating and interpretive signs explain how glaciers carved the landscape. The park is small but packs a lot of natural drama into a compact area. Rock climbing is popular on the cliff faces. A great short nature outing near Syracuse.

A state park on Delta Lake with one of the best swimming beaches in central New York. The 900-foot sandy beach has a gradual entry and lifeguards on duty during summer. The lake is warm and calm, perfect for young swimmers. The park has a 101-site campground and a large picnic area with shelters. Fishing is good from the shore and boat rentals are available. It is a straightforward, no-frills family park that does the basics really well. The beach alone is worth the trip on a hot day.

Two stunning glacial lakes with impossibly blue-green water that looks like the Caribbean set in the woods of central New York. Green Lake and Round Lake are meromictic, meaning their layers never mix, which gives them their striking color. The beach on Green Lake has lifeguards and the water is refreshing on hot days. A 3-mile trail loops around Green Lake through beautiful forest. The park also has an 18-hole golf course, playground, and campground. The lake color alone makes this worth the visit.

A small roadside state park with a short trail to a 50-foot waterfall on Lansing Kill Creek. The walk to the falls is just a few hundred yards from the parking lot making it one of the easiest waterfall hikes in the state. The falls cascade over a wide rock ledge into a rocky pool below. A picnic area with tables and grills makes it easy to turn the quick waterfall visit into a longer outing. The park is a perfect rest stop on the way to or from the Adirondacks. No swimming is allowed but the falls are beautiful to watch.

A family park on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake with a 1000-foot sandy beach, campground, and nature trails. The beach is excellent for families with a gentle slope into the water and lifeguards during summer. The lake is warm and shallow near shore. The 45-site campground is set back in the woods. Trails wind through a variety of habitats including wetlands that are great for birding. The park connects to the Erie Canalway Trail for biking. Oneida Lake sunsets from the beach are gorgeous.