This Beautiful New York State Park Is Ranked Among the 5 Best In the Nation

Did you know that the oldest state park in the United States is right here in New York State? It's true! This 400 acre park, nearly half of which is under water, was established in 1885 as the Niagara Reservation. Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY is the oldest but is it the best?

According to the National Association of State Park Directors, there are 6,792 state parks in the United States. To be ranked among the Top 10 Best State Parks in America is impressive. One New York State Park made it into the Top 5.

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The pandemic of 2020 ushered many people out of doors for recreation. In 2021 New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York's State parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails set a record of more than 78 million visits that year. The numbers have remained strong since.

The same park popularity was felt from coast to coast and, based on research by Time Out, these are the Top 10 Best State Parks in the United States of America.

#10 - Big Bend Ranch State Park - Presidio, Texas

#9 - Franconia Notch State Park - Lincoln, New Hampshire

#8 - Ecola State Park - Near Seaside, Oregon

#7 - Quoddy Head State Park - Lubec, Maine

#6 - Chugach State Park - Anchorage, Alaska

#5 - Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park - Big Sur, California

#4 - Letchworth State Park - Castile, New York

#3 - Goblin Valley State Park - Green River, Utah

#2 - Custer State Park - Custer, South Dakota

#1 - Amelia Island State Park - North Jacksonville, Florida