The snowy New York winters, crisp, sunny autumns and green summers can be enjoyed all over Upstate New York. Its vast territory encompasses two mountain ranges, the great Hudson River, Lake Champlain and Lake George. Farming regions offer the freshest dairy and produce, centuries-old villages and busy cities welcome tourists. Upstate New York touches the shores of the Great Lakes and the waters of Niagara. Outdoor recreation for active people and family-friendly destinations promise fun and adventure in this rural part of the Empire State.
Cooperstown Baseball
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see in Upstate New York. It has been there since 1939 and has more than 38,000 three-dimensional items in its collection. There are 500,000 photographs. Visit the Plaque Gallery and go to the Babe Ruth Room. The museum is there to honor the game and preserve its history. Some memorable exhibits are Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience. It tells the history of African-American players since the time of the Civil War. Today's Game is another exibit that holds up-to-the-minute mementos from each of the 30 major league teams.
Ski Cross-Country
New York state, with its long winter and 40 inches or more annual snowfall is cross-country skiing country. State parks and resorts account for more than 50 cross-country ski centers and thousands of miles of trails. Most trails are in the Catskills and Adirondack mountain regions. Belleyare Mountain and Minnewaska State Preserve are choices in the Catskills and Hudson Valley Region. Just east of Lake Ontario in the Snow Belt try Tug Hill, but don't forget Lake Placid. With its 31 miles of trails, it is considered one of the premiere cross country destinations.
Summer Games
Participate in or watch the Empire State Summer Games. This is where the potential Olympians from New York State compete to move on to National qualifying games. Every sport from archery to lacrosse, golfing and swimming, to soccer and martial arts are slated. Held annually in different locales, the games were played in Syracuse in 2010. About 4,000 athletes narrowed from a field of 30,000 New Yorkers play the Empire State Summer Games. The event is sponsored by the State of New York and recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.
Ice Fish
Lake George claims bragging rights to the best ice fishing in the Northeast. In early January the holes are cut and the die-hards are on the ice. They pull out landlocked salmon and lake trout. There are perch called hack perch in the lake. The fish is abundant and prized by Lake George ice fishermen. You can Ice fish at most Upstate ponds and lakes. Walleye, trout and pike are found in deep waters and perch and sunfish in more shallow lakes and ponds. But if you can handle the cold you can't go wrong at Lake George.
Mountain Hikes
You can hike 88.4 miles on the Appalachian Trail through New York. This is a good choice for an adventure that begins close to New York City. The trail can be accessed as close as Harriman State Park two hours from the city. The New York State stretch of the trail is wooded and provides a mixed terrain from flat to rocky and steep. The Hudson Highlands is another great hiking choice with a 7-mile ridge hike from Breakneck to Cold Spring. Further north, try Black Mountain standing above Lake George. The wildlife and vistas are hard to beat.
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