New York State Year-Round Destinations: One State, Four Seasons of Adventure

From snowy trail rides and cozy winter getaways to spring waterfalls, summer lakes, and peak-fall foliage—New York State is built for every season.

If you think New York is a “summer only” destination, you’re missing three quarters of the story. New York State is one of the best places in the Northeast for year-round travel—because each season feels like a new world.

Winter: Trails, Snow Days, and Cozy Stays

Winter in NYS is all about crisp air and fresh snow—perfect for snowmobile routes, winter hiking, skiing, and small-town lodging where the day ends by the fireplace. The best part? Many trail systems connect directly to communities with food, fuel, and warm beds.

Spring: Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Easy Weekend Trips

Spring wakes the state up—rivers run high, waterfalls roar, and woodland trails turn bright green. It’s a great time for scenic drives, nature photography, and low-crowd exploring in the Finger Lakes, Adirondack foothills, and hidden-gem parks across the state.

Summer: Lakes, Village Life, and Outdoor Everything

Summer is classic New York—lakeside swimming, paddling, hiking, festivals, farm stands, and sunsets that make you stay “just one more day.” Whether you’re into big views or quiet shorelines, there’s always a place nearby that feels like a getaway.

Fall: Foliage Drives, Harvest Stops, and Golden-Hour Views

Fall is when New York turns cinematic. Scenic byways glow, small towns shift into harvest mode, and the hiking is at its best—cool, comfortable, and packed with color.

Quick Trip Ideas by Season

• Winter: Snowmobile-friendly lodging + connected trail systems + warm local diners
• Spring: Waterfall loops + state parks + short hikes with big payoff views
• Summer: Lake days + village strolls + picnic spots + sunset overlooks
• Fall: Foliage drives + farm markets + easy hikes + historic small towns

Make It a “Four Trips a Year” Tradition

Here’s the fun strategy: pick one region you love—then visit it once each season. You’ll get four completely different experiences without learning a new map every time. That’s one of the best “travel hacks” in New York State.

Up next: I’ll be building a growing list of year-round destinations across NYS—places that shine in winter, spring, summer, and fall. If you have a favorite, send it my way.

Stone Quarries in New York State: Where NY’s Building Stone Comes From

New York State has a deep history of quarrying stone for buildings, bridges, roads, monuments, and landscapes. From rugged granite and durable limestone to beautiful marble, bluestone, and sandstone, the Empire State’s geology has helped shape communities across the Northeast.

What Is a Stone Quarry?

A stone quarry is an open excavation where rock is extracted from the earth and processed into usable products. Depending on the site, stone may be cut into blocks for building and landscaping, crushed for road base and concrete aggregate, or refined for specialized uses such as cement and industrial minerals.

Major Types of Stone Quarried in New York

Limestone & Dolostone

Limestone is one of New York’s most widely quarried materials. It’s commonly used for:

• Road stone and base material
• Concrete aggregate
• Construction fill
• Manufactured sand
• Cement and industrial applications (at certain facilities)

Granite

Granite is prized for its strength and durability. In New York, granite is often used for:

• Monuments and memorials
• Curbstone and heavy-duty construction
• Architectural stone and hardscapes

Marble

New York marble has a long architectural history, valued for its classic appearance and workability. Marble is commonly used for:

• Interior stone applications
• Historic restoration projects
• Decorative building elements

Bluestone & Sandstone

Bluestone is iconic in New York, especially for patios, walkways, and traditional architectural details. Sandstone and bluestone products are often used for:

• Flagging and pavers
• Steps and retaining walls
• Landscaping and outdoor living spaces

Where Are New York’s Quarry Regions?

New York’s quarry activity varies by region based on local geology. Common quarry areas include:

• Upstate & North Country: limestone, granite, and aggregate quarries supporting infrastructure
• Capital Region: long history of stone production and industrial minerals
• Hudson Valley & Catskills: bluestone and building stone traditions
• Central & Western NY: limestone and aggregate sites supplying road and construction projects

What Happens After Stone Is Mined?

Most quarries include on-site processing to sort and shape material. Typical steps include:

• Extraction: drilling and controlled blasting or cutting stone from the rock face
• Crushing & screening: separating stone into different sizes for specific uses
• Washing: removing fines for cleaner aggregate and sand products
• Stockpiling & shipping: delivering material to construction projects across the region

Can You Visit a Stone Quarry in New York?

Most operating quarries are active industrial sites and are not open to the public due to safety and liability. However, there are a few ways visitors can experience New York’s quarry history:

• Historic quarry sites that have been converted into parks or interpretive areas
• Museums and local history centers that highlight the stone industry
• Occasional scheduled tours offered by select operations or community events

Tip: If you’re interested in visiting a working quarry, always contact the company directly and ask whether they offer any guided tour days or community open houses. Never enter a quarry without explicit permission.

Quarries, Reclamation, and the Environment

Modern quarrying in New York typically includes planning for reclamation—the process of restoring or repurposing a site after extraction. Depending on the location and future land use, reclaimed quarries may become:

• Wildlife habitat and open space
• Lakes or wetlands
• Public or private recreation areas
• Industrial or storage sites

Why Stone Quarries Matter to New York’s Economy

Stone is essential to nearly every part of modern life—roads, bridges, sidewalks, homes, schools, and public utilities. Quarries help keep construction costs lower by providing materials locally, supporting jobs, and ensuring reliable supply for infrastructure projects statewide.

Discover New York’s “Stone Story”

Whether you’re fascinated by geology, history, architecture, or construction, New York’s quarries reveal a side of the state most travelers never think about. The stone beneath our feet has built cities, shaped small towns, and continues to support the future of the Empire State.

Multi-Day Horseback Riding Trails in New York State

For riders seeking true adventure, few experiences compare to a multi-day horseback journey — traveling trail to trail, camping overnight, and immersing yourself in the landscape. While New York State is known for its extensive trail networks, only a select few areas are designed to support multi-day equestrian travel with camping access.

Fortunately, New York does offer several well-established trail systems where riders can legally plan 3–4 day trips with horses, camp along the way, and enjoy some of the state’s most scenic terrain.

1. Brookfield Trail System (Central New York)

The Brookfield Trail System is widely considered the premier destination for multi-day horseback riding in New York State. Located in Madison and Chenango counties, this network includes over 130 miles of marked trails across state land, private property, and town roads.

Why It Works for Multi-Day Rides

• Extensive interconnected loop system
• Designated equestrian camps
• Horse-friendly camping areas
• Water access and open riding terrain
• Well-maintained and clearly marked routes

Riders can easily plan 3–4 day loops without retracing the same trail twice, making Brookfield a favorite among endurance riders and long-distance trail enthusiasts.

2. Allegany State Park (Western New York)

Allegany State Park is one of the largest state parks in New York and offers an extensive equestrian trail network suitable for extended riding trips. The park includes over 100 miles of trails, many of which are open to horses.

Equestrian Camping at Allegany

• Designated equestrian camping areas
• Trailer parking and horse-friendly campsites
• Access to water sources
• Loop-based trail system for multi-day planning

With its rolling hills, forested paths, and quiet backcountry sections, Allegany State Park is well suited for riders looking for a structured, legal multi-day riding experience.

3. Tug Hill Region (Selected Trail Systems)

The Tug Hill Plateau offers several equestrian-accessible trail systems that can support extended rides when carefully planned. While not all trails are designated specifically for horses, certain multi-use networks and seasonal access routes allow for longer excursions.

Important Notes for Tug Hill Riders

• Trail access may be seasonal
• Camping rules vary by location
• Advance planning is essential
• Local trail organizations are valuable resources

Tug Hill is best suited for experienced riders familiar with backcountry travel and navigation.

4. Finger Lakes National Forest (Extended Loops)

Located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, the Finger Lakes National Forest allows equestrian use on designated trails. While most rides are day-based, the forest’s loop system and nearby camping options make it possible to plan multi-day itineraries.

Riders should note that horses are not permitted in developed campground areas, so planning must align with forest regulations.

Key Planning Considerations for Multi-Day Rides

Camping & Horses

• Only camp in designated equestrian or primitive camping areas
• Use portable electric fencing or high-line systems where allowed
• Follow Leave No Trace principles

Grazing & Feed

• Confirm grazing rules before your trip
• Carry supplemental feed if required
• Use weed-free hay when mandated

Permits & Regulations

• Check state park or forest rules ahead of time
• Confirm negative Coggins requirements
• Respect seasonal trail closures

Is New York Right for Long-Distance Riding?

While New York does not yet offer a single continuous long-distance equestrian trail spanning hundreds of miles, it does provide well-managed regional systems ideal for 3–4 day horseback trips. These areas balance access, safety, and environmental protection — making them excellent destinations for riders seeking authentic trail experiences.

With thoughtful planning and respect for trail rules, multi-day horseback riding in New York State can be both rewarding and unforgettable.

Castles of NYS Castles originated in Europe in the 9th and 10th centuries. They were built by the nobility as fortified residences to control the area surrounding them. The castle was also a symbol of power. Their purpose was both offensive and defensive. In the 15th and 16th centuries, castles were not the residences they once used to be due to the invention of gun powder in the 14th century and the improved canon fire that came later, which could break the castle walls, therefore the original castle was being replaced by artillery forts. Then in the 18th century, mock castles were being built. In the Americas, some true castles were being built by the Spanish and French colonies. In New York State, there are many structures called castles. The usage of the word castle has changed over time and most of the structures we call castles are not true castles for they were not built for defensive purposes. But, these structures were designed with the true castles in mind and each has its own story. New York State is home to many of these magnificent structures. The following is just a sample of the "castles" and does not include the several private residences that are not open to the public. Adirondacks and North Country: Boldt Castle - Around 1900. Inspired by the castles of Germany's Rhine Valley ...more Singer Castle - 1905. Architect Ernest Flagg designed the Castle after inspiration from Sir Walter Scott's novel about Woodstock Castle (1832) in Scotland ...more New York State Military Museum - 1889. Armory architecture. Located in Saratoga Springs ...more Hudson Valley: Bannerman Castle - 1901. Simulated Scottish castle. The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of Bannerman Castle as an educational, cultural, and heritage tourism resource in the Hudson Valley ...more Castle Rock - 1881. The estate of former Illinois Central Railroad president William H. Osborn in Garrison, New York, United States. The Osborn family has owned and lived in it since it was built by J. Morgan Slade in 1881 as a summer residence, although the original acreage has been subdivided considerably since then. Most of the remaining land is now open to the public for hiking.The house property remains private. Cat Rock - 1919. In process of restoration, also privatley owned. ...more Emma Willard School - 1910. Three of the first structures were of Tudor Gothic style. Current home of the nation's oldest secondary school for girls, and carries on the tradition of leadership in women's education begun in 1814 by its founder, Emma Hart Willard ...more Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library - 1905. "The architectural character of this building, which mixes clear, box-like, Beaux-Arts massing with complex Gothic decorative detail, provides the dominant formal theme for the west side of the campus." At Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY ...more Lyndhurst - 1838. Gothic Revival. Tours, hiking and biking Mount Saint Alphonsus - Around 1908 Seminary school. Olana - 1870's -1891. "FredericChurch spent the next two years working with Vaux designing and building a home that would be, as he called it 'Persian, adapted to the Occident' " ...more Ward Manor Gatehouse - 1918. Jacobean/Elizabethan structure "In 1963 Bard purchased the Ward Manor property, significantly expanding its campus and dormitory capacity. Originally known as Gate Lodge, it was designed by Francis Hoppin and built in 1918 as the gatehouse to the Louis Hamersley mansion, later called Ward Manor. The gatehouse now houses the vocal arts program." Wing's Castle - located in Millbrook NY. Ajoins the Millbrook Winery property. Tours available. ...more Long Island: Hempstead House and Castle Gould - The design of Castle Gould (1904) was based on Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. Hempstead House, designed in the style of a Tudor manor house, was completed in 1912 ...more La Falaise - 1923. The architecture is French eclectic. The design is based on a 13th century Norman manor house ...more Westbury House - or Castle - 1906. Charles II-style mansion ...more Mohawk Valley: Beardslee Castle - 1860. Replica of an Irish Castle, located in Little Falls, NY. Creative cuisine, wedding receptions, banquets, special events. 123 Old State Road, Little Falls, NY 13365 New York City: Belvedere Castle - late 1800?s. Contains exhibit rooms and an observation deck. Reopened the structure on May 1, 1983, as the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions/belvedere-castle.html Castle Williams - Designed and erected between 1807 and 1811. Protect New York City from naval attacks. Located on the northwest point of Governors Island ...more The Cloisters - Reconstructed in the 1930s from several other buildings. A branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe ...more Fonthill Castle - 1852. A Gothic Revival style building consisting of a cluster of six octagonal towers at varying heights. Part of the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. Westchester County: Glen Island Castle - 1879. German Rhineland. No longer in use. Located in Glen Island, New Rochelle. ...more Iona Castle - Originally was built in Germany, and then was disassembled and shipped to New York in the 1920s Leland Castle - 19th century. Also known as Castle View. Gothic revival style. Currently houses the administrative offices of the College of New Rochelle and the college's Castle Art Gallery ...more Reid Hall - 1892. Renaissance Revival style. An historic academic building located on the campus of Manhattanville College at Purchase, New York. Reid Hall was at one time a potential site for the United Nations ...more Wards Castle - 1870's. Rye Brook, NY. Second Empire, Gothic Revival ...more (Port Chester, Westchester County, NY) Whitby Castle - 1852. Contains stones from the original Whitby Abbey in England and thus the family chose "WHITBY" as the title of the estate. In 1965, the City of Rye purchased the property to be renamed Rye Golf Club as it is known today ...more