15 Best Places to Visit in Upstate New York, According To Reddit

Upstate New York is one of America's most underrated travel destinations. It has waterfalls that rival Iceland, wine trails that rival Napa, and small towns with more character than most cities. Yet somehow, it still flies under the radar for travelers obsessed with coast-to-coast marquee destinations.

Reddit knows better. Across r/travel, r/UpstateNY, r/hiking, and r/AskNYC, the same Upstate destinations surface repeatedly — described with the kind of enthusiasm that only comes from people who've actually been there. This guide pulls together the 15 places that Reddit collectively cannot stop recommending.

1. Watkins Glen State Park — The Gorge That Stops People Cold

Redditors reach for superlatives when describing Watkins Glen: "surreal," "otherworldly," "nothing else like it in the Northeast." The park features a 1.5-mile gorge trail winding past 19 stunning waterfalls, carved into ancient rock over centuries. The Gorge Trail — with its stone bridges, misty tunnels, and cascades — is the most photographed hike in New York State for good reason. Come early or mid-week; summer weekends fill parking lots fast.

Reddit verdict: "Watkins Glen alone is worth the drive from anywhere in the Northeast."

2. Saratoga Springs — The Adirondacks' Most Elegant Gateway

Called "the Asheville of the North" in multiple Reddit threads, Saratoga Springs delivers a rare combination: natural mineral springs, a legendary horse racing track, vibrant downtown dining, and immediate access to the Adirondacks. Saratoga Spa State Park has a genuine geyser, mineral springs you can drink from, and trails that feel a world away from the city. The downtown thoroughfare — boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and live music — makes it one of Upstate's most complete destinations.

Reddit verdict: "Great food, great energy, beautiful park, and the Adirondacks are 45 minutes north. Perfect base camp."

3. Lake Placid — Olympic Village in the Mountains

Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, and the infrastructure — ski jumps, bobsled runs, Olympic museum — is still there and accessible. But what keeps Redditors coming back is the mountain town energy: independent shops on a walkable main street, Mirror Lake for kayaking and paddleboarding, and some of the best trail access in the Adirondacks. The High Peaks Wilderness begins practically at the town's doorstep.

Reddit verdict: "Lake Placid is genuinely one of the best small towns in America. The mountains, the lake, the history — it works perfectly together."

4. Ithaca — Waterfalls, Wineries, and Cornell's Campus

"Ithaca is gorges" — the famous local bumper sticker is not wrong. Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls (taller than Niagara at 215 feet), and Robert H. Treman State Park are all within minutes of downtown. The Cornell Botanical Gardens offer a free, spectacular walk any time of year. And Ithaca's walkable downtown — independent bookshops, farm-to-table restaurants, and a genuine college-town buzz — keeps visitors well beyond a day visit.

Reddit verdict: "The falls alone would make Ithaca worth it. Add the food scene and Cornell's campus and you have a full weekend."

5. Finger Lakes Wine Country — A Region, Not Just a Destination

Reddit's Finger Lakes recommendations read less like a single destination and more like a curriculum. Keuka Lake gets singled out for its wine concentration and swimming temperature. Seneca Lake for its sheer number of wineries and breweries. The trail from Watkins Glen north along Seneca catches dozens of tasting rooms. Standout Reddit-mentioned producers include Dr. Konstantin Frank, Red Tail Ridge, and Ravines Wine Cellars. Pair with a gorge hike for the definitive Finger Lakes day.

Reddit verdict: "Rent a house on Keuka Lake for a long weekend. You won't want to leave."

6. Letchworth State Park — The Grand Canyon of the East

Letchworth is routinely described on Reddit as "the most underrated state park in America." The Genesee River has carved a 17-mile gorge up to 600 feet deep through the park, creating three major waterfalls visible from dramatic clifftop overlooks. Hot air balloon rides launch from within park boundaries in summer — an experience multiple Reddit users call bucket-list worthy. Fall foliage season here is extraordinary.

Reddit verdict: "People go to the Grand Canyon and skip Letchworth. That's a mistake."

7. Beacon — The Hudson Valley's Art Town

Dia Beacon — a converted factory housing one of the most important collections of large-scale contemporary art in the world — anchors Beacon's identity. But Redditors love Beacon for the whole package: the walkable Main Street lined with galleries, vintage shops, and excellent restaurants; the hiking at Breakneck Ridge and Mount Beacon; and the train connection from NYC (90 minutes on Metro-North). It's the Hudson Valley's most accessible art destination.

Reddit verdict: "Dia Beacon alone is worth the train ride. The town around it makes it a full-day trip."

8. Cold Spring — Riverfront Charm With Real Hiking

Cold Spring sits on the Hudson River directly across from West Point, and the view across the river — mountains, fortress walls, water — is one of the most cinematic in New York State. The Main Street delivers boutiques, antique shops, and a genuine village feel. Nearby Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in the Northeast, and the West Point Foundry Preserve offers an easy, historically rich waterfront trail.

Reddit verdict: "Cold Spring for the morning, Breakneck Ridge for the afternoon. Perfect Hudson Valley day."

9. Hudson — Antiques, Architecture, and Unexpected Cool

Hudson has undergone one of the most dramatic small-city reinventions in America. Once a down-and-out former whaling port, it's now home to dozens of high-end antique dealers, design studios, James Beard-recognized restaurants, and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. Warren Street is the main drag — and it's like a curated design magazine brought to life. Accessible by Amtrak from NYC in under 2 hours, Hudson gets consistent Reddit praise as "the most genuinely surprising town in Upstate New York."

10. Cooperstown — More Than Baseball

Yes, the National Baseball Hall of Fame is the headline attraction, and it's genuinely worth several hours. But Reddit travelers note that Cooperstown has more to offer: Glimmerglass State Park delivers stunning lakefront views, the Fenimore Art Museum houses an impressive collection of American art and Native American artifacts, and the Farmers' Museum recreates 19th-century rural life with real charm. The village on Otsego Lake is one of Upstate's most picturesque settings.

11. Niagara Falls — Still Unmissable

Reddit is honest about Niagara: the tourist trap elements are real, but the waterfall is genuinely awe-inspiring at any age. Goat Island and the Cave of the Winds experience (where you stand within feet of the Bridal Veil Falls) receive consistent recommendations. The New York side is quieter and less commercialized than the Canadian side — which many Redditors prefer.

Reddit verdict: "You have to go at least once. It's bigger and louder than you'll expect no matter how many photos you've seen."

12. The Catskills — Woodstock, Tannersville, and Endless Trails

The Catskills isn't one destination but a whole region worth exploring. Reddit's most recommended towns include Woodstock (legendary music history, strong art scene), Tannersville (great hiking access, proximity to Kaaterskill Falls), and the Sullivan County villages of Livingston Manor and Callicoon for an unspoiled, genuinely rural experience. Overlook Mountain near Woodstock offers an easy-moderate hike to a fire tower with 360-degree views.

13. The Thousand Islands — Castles on the St. Lawrence

The Thousand Islands region — where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario — contains over 1,800 islands, many with extraordinary Gilded Age estates and castles. Boldt Castle on Heart Island is a Reddit favorite: a six-story Rhine-style castle begun in 1900 as a valentine's gift that was famously abandoned mid-construction. The island-hopping boat tours are genuinely spectacular, and the region remains far less crowded than more-publicized Upstate destinations.

14. Storm King Art Center — Outdoor Sculpture at Epic Scale

Storm King, in the Hudson Valley near Newburgh, is 500 acres of rolling meadows and woodlands dotted with large-scale sculptures from artists like Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Andy Goldsworthy. Reddit art and hiking communities both embrace it, often describing it as "the best outdoor experience in the Hudson Valley." The Opus 40 bluestone sculpture environment nearby — built by a single man over 37 years — is another Reddit favorite in the area.

15. Lake George — Summer Resort Town With Real Outdoor Credentials

Lake George anchors the southern Adirondacks and appears in more Upstate NY Reddit threads than almost any other town. The lake itself — 32 miles long, surrounded by forested mountains — is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the Northeast. Fort William Henry adds history. The surrounding Adirondack wilderness offers serious hiking directly from town. Reddit families in particular call Lake George "the most complete summer destination in Upstate New York."

The Bottom Line

Upstate New York rewards travelers who look past Niagara Falls and Manhattan's orbit. The gorges, mountains, wine trails, art institutions, and small cities of Upstate collectively offer more variety per square mile than almost any comparable region in the country. Reddit travelers — who tend to research obsessively and return with honest assessments — have been discovering this for years.

Whether you road-trip the Finger Lakes, base camp in Saratoga Springs, or spend a long weekend hike-hopping in the Catskills, Upstate New York will exceed your expectations. That's the Reddit consensus. And in this case, the crowd is right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most visited place in Upstate New York?

Niagara Falls remains the most visited attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. However, Reddit travelers frequently rank Watkins Glen State Park, the Finger Lakes wine region, and the Adirondacks as the most rewarding destinations for those seeking genuine experiences over tourist spectacle.

How many days do you need to explore Upstate New York?

A focused road trip covering the Finger Lakes and one additional region (Catskills, Hudson Valley, or Adirondacks) typically takes 4–5 days. A comprehensive Upstate tour covering most of the destinations on this list warrants at least 10–14 days.

What is the best time of year to visit Upstate New York?

Fall (September–October) is peak for foliage and widely considered the most beautiful season across the region. Summer is ideal for Finger Lakes wine trails and Adirondack lake activities. Spring brings spectacular waterfall flows. Winter offers skiing near Lake Placid and a quieter, atmospheric version of the Hudson Valley towns.

Is Upstate New York worth visiting without a car?

Some destinations — Beacon, Cold Spring, and Hudson — are easily accessible by train from New York City. However, to explore the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, Letchworth State Park, or Thousand Islands, a car is essential. Most Reddit travelers recommend renting a car for the full Upstate experience.