Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751
Some Of The Best State Parks In The Country
New Yorkers are very lucky to live in a state with tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Year after year, state parks in the Finger Lakes Region are listed as some of the best in the country. In New York State alone there are more than 200 state parks stretching from Niagara Falls to Saratoga and from Alexandria Bay to Montauk Point.
Many of New York's small towns and businesses depend on domestic and international tourism. In 2014, the economic impact on the state's tourism industry reached an all-time high of $100.1 billion.
If you're looking for a weekend getaway or if you just want to get the kids out of the house for a day trip, two of the best parks in the U.S. are in the Finger Lakes Region. A recent USA Today poll of the best state parks in the country placed Watkins Glen State Park at number three and Letchworth State Park at number one.
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
Beating out 6,000 other state parks across the country, Letchworth was voted the best out of the top 20 parks in the U.S. Also referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," the park boasts cliffs as high as 600 ft. and three separate waterfalls, 66 miles of multi-use trails and opportunities for kayaking and whitewater rafting.
WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK
Located at the southern end of Seneca Lake is Watkins Glen State Park. Aside from the world-renowned auto track, it is home to 19 waterfalls and cliffs over 200 ft. high. There are plenty of picnic facilities and opportunities for trout fishing.
HISTORIC SITES
The Finger Lakes Region is an area rich with history from the birthplace of the Women's Rights Movement in Seneca Falls to Mark Twain's gravesite in Elmira. More information on destinations in the area can be found at http://lovefreshair.com/.
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