When it comes to searching for some of the most extraordinary hiking trails in New York, generally you’ll hear people suggesting that you look in regions like the Adirondacks or the Catskills. But what if I were to tell you that there’s an out-of-this-world lakefront trail in New York waiting for you in our state’s untamed wilderness? Stealing your breath away, find out why you’ll want to go for a hike around one of our state’s most beautiful lakes.

Located out in the village of Fayetteville, Green Lakes State Park is one of the most heart-stopping places that you’ll ever explore.

Scott Johnson/Flickr

All around both Green and Round Lakes you’ll find interconnecting trails that will take you through the woods…

Green Lakes State Park/Facebook

…And give you an up-close look at the crystal-clear water that makes up both of theses incredible lakes.

Green Lakes State Park/Facebook

Resembling the colorful water that you would find down in places like the Caribbean, the water here experiences no turnover and allows you to see all the way down to the bottom of the lake.

Scott Johnson/Flickr

Which means you won’t have to strain your eyes to see the wildlife that calls these beautiful bodies of water home!

Scott Johnson/Flickr

Open all year long from dawn to dusk, the hiking trails here are flat and easy for visitors of all ages to explore.

Larry Neuberger/Flickr

One of the best parts of this state park? The fact that there’s a beach here, giving you the chance to actually go swimming at the northern end Green Lake!

Andy Arthur/Flickr

With gorgeous water that’s as vibrant as this, you’ll have no choice other than to fall head over heels for Green Lake State Park.

Leah D/TripAdvisor There are so many amazing outdoor activities that you can enjoy at this one state park, it’s an absolute must-see! From hiking and swimming to fishing and camping, this park makes for a wonderful spring and summertime getaway. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 7900 Green Lakes Road Fayetteville, NY 13066

To get a bird’s eye view of Green Lake State Park and what is arguably the best lakefront trail in New York, check out the jaw-dropping drone footage captured by Yankee Reb below!

Scott Johnson/Flickr

Green Lakes State Park/Facebook

Larry Neuberger/Flickr

Andy Arthur/Flickr

Leah D/TripAdvisor

There are so many amazing outdoor activities that you can enjoy at this one state park, it’s an absolute must-see! From hiking and swimming to fishing and camping, this park makes for a wonderful spring and summertime getaway. To find out more information, click here.

How to get here: 7900 Green Lakes Road Fayetteville, NY 13066



Out of all the vibrant lakes that you can find in our state, which one do you love the most? To check out another stunning natural wonder, read about how This One Destination Has The Bluest Water In New York!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Rd, Fayetteville, NY 13066, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Lakefront Trail In New York March 22, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the best scenic hiking trails in New York? The Empire State is often coveted for its ginormous metropolitan area, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience it’s larger-than-life city. However, there is also a great abundance of scenic hiking trails in New York. In fact, there’s arguably more space occupied by meadows, mountain, and other rural and untamed spaces than that occupied by cities. The most scenic landscape, however, boils down to preference. There are short hikes, hikes to ruins, and state park hikes that are worthy of enjoying. What is considered to be the most beautiful lake in New York? The most beautiful lake in New York, one can argue, is a tossup between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. These two magnificent Great Lakes border the western portions of the state, and their shows often attract tourists wondering where to go hiking in New York. Another magnificent yet touristy area is the region surrounding the Finger Lakes, which are long, narrow, and amazingly reminiscent of fingers. These interesting natural features could almost be mistaken for rivers, but they are lush and still. Can I camp on a lake in New York? Camping is abundant in New York, and many tourists actually come to the state in search of its lush natural landscapes. As you explore your camping site options, you’ll find several impressive locations in the Finger Lakes region in particular. Truth is, you’ll have a magnificent time no matter which campground you stay at. Nighttime in New York is magical, and there’s nothing more rewarding than an evening under the stars. Speaking of which, you might decide to try stargazing here… and it is an experience any New Yorker would recommend! Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is one of the darker places in the state, and it makes for a magical summertime stargazing. The park even has a Dark Sky Observatory that’s open to the public on select dates throughout the warmer months!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Lakefront Trail In New York

March 22, 2020

Nikki Rhoades

What are the best scenic hiking trails in New York? The Empire State is often coveted for its ginormous metropolitan area, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience it’s larger-than-life city. However, there is also a great abundance of scenic hiking trails in New York. In fact, there’s arguably more space occupied by meadows, mountain, and other rural and untamed spaces than that occupied by cities. The most scenic landscape, however, boils down to preference. There are short hikes, hikes to ruins, and state park hikes that are worthy of enjoying. What is considered to be the most beautiful lake in New York? The most beautiful lake in New York, one can argue, is a tossup between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. These two magnificent Great Lakes border the western portions of the state, and their shows often attract tourists wondering where to go hiking in New York. Another magnificent yet touristy area is the region surrounding the Finger Lakes, which are long, narrow, and amazingly reminiscent of fingers. These interesting natural features could almost be mistaken for rivers, but they are lush and still. Can I camp on a lake in New York? Camping is abundant in New York, and many tourists actually come to the state in search of its lush natural landscapes. As you explore your camping site options, you’ll find several impressive locations in the Finger Lakes region in particular. Truth is, you’ll have a magnificent time no matter which campground you stay at. Nighttime in New York is magical, and there’s nothing more rewarding than an evening under the stars. Speaking of which, you might decide to try stargazing here… and it is an experience any New Yorker would recommend! Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is one of the darker places in the state, and it makes for a magical summertime stargazing. The park even has a Dark Sky Observatory that’s open to the public on select dates throughout the warmer months!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Empire State is often coveted for its ginormous metropolitan area, attracting visitors from all over the world to experience it’s larger-than-life city. However, there is also a great abundance of scenic hiking trails in New York. In fact, there’s arguably more space occupied by meadows, mountain, and other rural and untamed spaces than that occupied by cities. The most scenic landscape, however, boils down to preference. There are short hikes, hikes to ruins, and state park hikes that are worthy of enjoying.

What is considered to be the most beautiful lake in New York?

The most beautiful lake in New York, one can argue, is a tossup between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. These two magnificent Great Lakes border the western portions of the state, and their shows often attract tourists wondering where to go hiking in New York. Another magnificent yet touristy area is the region surrounding the Finger Lakes, which are long, narrow, and amazingly reminiscent of fingers. These interesting natural features could almost be mistaken for rivers, but they are lush and still.

Can I camp on a lake in New York?

Camping is abundant in New York, and many tourists actually come to the state in search of its lush natural landscapes. As you explore your camping site options, you’ll find several impressive locations in the Finger Lakes region in particular. Truth is, you’ll have a magnificent time no matter which campground you stay at. Nighttime in New York is magical, and there’s nothing more rewarding than an evening under the stars. Speaking of which, you might decide to try stargazing here… and it is an experience any New Yorker would recommend! Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is one of the darker places in the state, and it makes for a magical summertime stargazing. The park even has a Dark Sky Observatory that’s open to the public on select dates throughout the warmer months!