What are the largest parks in NY? (New York, Smithtown: how much, camping)

[Soul Affect]

name at least the top 3


k, thanks

[ckhthankgod]

Adirondack Park - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I'm not sure of the other 2 but, here's some information on parks in NY state:New York

NYSRPS.ORG

New York State Parks :: Heritage Areas

this might be one of the 2:Campground Details - ALLEGANY STATE PARK, Ny - New York State Parks

and some more info.:Articles

[newyorkborn&raised]

Don't forget about the Catskills. The Adirondaks are very beautiful and prestine, but it is a long drive from NYC or points west (NJ, PA, etc.). The Thousand Islands area is also a great place to vacation and do camping. I should note the best time to go to the TI Region would be summer. Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County is right on the St. Lawrence Seaway (empties into the Atlantic). Sackets Harbor, NY is also in Jefferson County but is on Lake Ontario. This town is very small just like Alex Bay, but has more of a family atmosphere during the summer. This village played a pivatol role in the War of 1812 against the British. Tours of the Battlefield are available starting in the spring. Long Island is also very nice. Nearly everywhere from Smithtown to Montauk is dotted with tourism. Here are some websites that could help you out.

Catskills Region, New York Visitors Guide, Catskills Area

Welcome to Your 1000 Islands NY Guide - Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Bay, New York

http://www.sacketsharborny.com/, Sackets Harbor, NY

Long Island New York - Long Island's Most Popular Web Site - LongIsland.com, Long Island, NY

VISIT THE 1000 ISLANDS » Welcome, Thousand Islands, NY

[Jeromeville]

If you are talking actual parks (and not "national-forest-style" preserves like Adirondacks and Catskills)... I think the 3 biggest state parks are Allegheny, Letchworth and Harriman.

As for municipal parks... other than Central Park, I have no idea...

[LINative]

Originally Posted by Jeromeville

If you are talking actual parks (and not "national-forest-style" preserves like Adirondacks and Catskills)... I think the 3 biggest state parks are Allegheny, Letchworth and Harriman.

As for municipal parks... other than Central Park, I have no idea...

Alot of websites (including those from NY State!) do not mention the Adirondacks and Catskills because they are considered parks-forest preserves instead of just state parks. But in reality:

Adirondacks--------6,000,000 acres
Catskills-------------700,000 acres
Allegany--------------65,000 acres (considered the largest state park)
Harriman--------------46,000 acres (next to Bear Mountain SP)
Minnewaska-----------21,106 acres (Shawangunk Mts aka the Gunks)
Sterling Forest--------17,953 acres (brand new, next to Harriman)
Taconic---------------14,400 acres (mountains on the border of Mass.)
Letchworth-----------14,350 acres (should be National Park!)
Clarence Fahnestock--14,000 acres (in the Hudson Highlands)

I know the top four are in correct order. Incidently I read Allegany is considered the third largest state park in the nation (I guess it would be fifth if the Adirondacks and Catskills are counted) which if true --- shows just how big the New York system trully is!

[Tioga]

LINative..what is really surprising(nice job on the park research,btw), is how ignorant much of the rest of the U.S. is about how much park acreage, rural and farm land, and outdoor opportunities that NY state has to offer.....or maybe..that's not such a bad thing...hhmmmm.

[LINative]

Originally Posted by Tioga

LINative..what is really surprising(nice job on the park research,btw), is how ignorant much of the rest of the U.S. is about how much park acreage, rural and farm land, and outdoor opportunities that NY state has to offer.....or maybe..that's not such a bad thing...hhmmmm.

Thanks

Funny you mention the ignorance about New York State from other parts of the country. I was just on a thread a few days ago where I mentioned how large the Adirondacks are --- and I was basically told I was mistaken or even a liar. All the Florida guy had to do was look up "Adirondack Park" on the web to see that I am right.

[cheese9988]

Originally Posted by LINative

Thanks

Funny you mention the ignorance about New York State from other parts of the country. I was just on a thread a few days ago where I mentioned how large the Adirondacks are --- and I was basically told I was mistaken or even a liar. All the Florida guy had to do was look up "Adirondack Park" on the web to see that I am right.

I have met southerners who think that the entire state looks like NYC....little do they know.

[Krisps]

Consider also all the acreage of NY public lakes, I would guess only Michigan has more.

[Jeromeville]

LINative, thanks for the reminder about Minnewaska's size. I always forget that one for some reason.

I don't know about lakes (maybe Minnesota has more?) but, New York is the No. 2 state for number of waterfalls (Michigan is No. 1). I'll bet New York's waterfalls tend to be taller and more voluminous, however. See New York Waterfalls and Nature - Photography, Maps, Information, Forums for all the lovely sights.