What are the best State Parks?

[Jeromeville]

Thanks for the postings about Long Island parks. I suspect many people not from that part of the state would overlook them as nice places to visit. I have heard good things about Caumsett elsewhere.

I visited Letchworth a couple years ago and was bowled over not just by the scenery but by the park itself ... the roads, the facilities, are unbelievable. Of course, it is a huge park, but I was not expecting the lavishness of the facilities. I have been to national parks that aren't this fancy. I wondered about this until my cousin said that it was basically built up as a playground for rich executives from Kodak and Xerox (who lived in nearby Rochester). Which made me think harder about the parks system and there being certain inequalities in their administration. And also how the state really needs to market some of these parks better to people who live downstate. (Also Long Island could stand to market itself better as a natural tourist destination for those who love the sea... it has the reputation as being for Rich People Only.)

[BuffaloTransplant]

Letchworth, truly the Grand Canyon of the East! I cannot count the days I have spent hiking and driving and biking there. Best places are the upper falls and the overlook into thegorge.Phenomenal. All the other locations in WNY are great, but Letchworth is totally unspoiled! [Anyone who can, try to stay at the Glen Iris and stay in the area for a few days.] And by the upper falls, look at the slate/rock steps -- one has a carved flag of the state of Texas on it; left by the worker who built the steps in the 1930s. It always struck me as kind of a simple way to leave your mark saying you helped build all this....Minimum 3 days.

[ki0eh]

Other than what's mentioned already, Pinnacle State Park in Addison (SW of Corning) is pretty interesting to hike around in. Not wham-o postcard scenery but a nice full day walking around the interlocking trail loops in the varied woods. Off in isolated corners away from the golf course there is an abandoned ski lift, a cemetery in an isolated meadow, and a pond almost reminiscent of the North Country. Continuing off into the adjacent McCarthy Hill State Forest will make a really full day.

However, a visit to this park will make you wish for the contour maps that most PA state parks have. The ad-filled cartoon sketch map handouts at most NY state parks just do not add as much to one's enjoyment.

[boomvang]

Of the few things I miss about Long Island two parks in particular stand out, the aforementioned Jones Beach and my favorite place in the world, Planting Fields Arboretum. There is something about that place that resonates with me with wonderful gardens, a Tudor manor house, and beautiful green houses. The place is never too crowded (except during concerts and other events) and had been kept beautifully. The last time I was there it seemed a little run down, but still a treat.