Ausable Chasm: Not far from the shore of Lake Champlain is Ausable Chasm, a gorge that, in some places, flows more than 175 feet below the surrounding surface. You’ll find Alice Falls and Rainbow Falls amid the natural cave and rock formations that form the gorge.

Big Reed Pond: Big Reed may be small in size compared to the larger freshwater bodies immediately surrounding it, but it’s actually larger than some lakes, making it a great freshwater attraction and family-friendly NY landmark. Situated on the fringes of Long Island, at the northwestern tip of Montauk Point, Big Reed attracts families, friends and couples seeking a fun day on its pebbled shores.

You and your companions will love taking a leisurely hike to scout the surrounding North American coastal ecosystems on the Big Reed Pond Nature Trail and the surrounding nature preserve. There’s even more to do nearby, with Big Reed as just one option among a full slate of Montauk Point activities. Other highlights include golf, boating and fishing for striped bass and other aquatic game.

Cascadilla Gorge: On the edge of downtown Ithaca, NY is the stunning Cascadilla Gorge accessible at three points in and around the town’s center and nearby Cornell University. The main Cascadilla Gorge Trail provides multiple viewing opportunities for bucolic and serene lower Cascadilla Creek nestled between downtown Ithaca and Cornell’s campus. Students and visitors alike enjoy this 1.3-mile stroll down a historic and scenic stone path connecting the town to campus along Cascadilla Gorge. Additional gorge landmarks include a total of eight waterfalls ranging in size, with the largest measuring 400 feet from its crest to the creek below.

Chimney Bluffs: Melting glaciers formed the dramatic landscape of Chimney Bluffs State Park, located along the shore of Lake Ontario. The park offers short, picturesque trails around and through the bluffs.

Green Lake: During the summer months, Green Lake, within the boundaries of Green Lakes State Park, is an idyllic swim avid fans of New York State landmarks will love. You can visit the park throughout the year to see this formal National Natural Landmark, but it is during the summer months that Green Lake earns its name and reputation. The lake’s emerald hue is the result of a natural chemical process that is sure to excite science lovers of all ages. The lake achieves its green effect from its unusual depth, the chemical makeup of the water and the unique characteristic of being “meromictic,” meaning its water composition is different at different depths.

This makes Green Lake an object of fascination, not just for visitors who travel far and wide to see it but for the researchers from local universities that study it. The lake is the epicenter of a unique biodiverse ecosystem and is believed to have special importance for the evolution of thousands of plant and animal species in the area, making the lake, as well as the park, a must-see landmark.

High Falls: Tucked into the Hudson Valley just ten miles from the Massachusetts border is High Falls Conservation Area, a delightful 47-acre park featuring rock formations, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. High Falls’ main attraction, a 150-foot cascading waterfall, is best viewed in the spring or early fall.

Howe Caverns: Over the last several million years, underwater streams carved away at the limestone of Schoharie County to form Howe Caverns. The Caverns opened for tours in the mid-1800s as the country’s third commercialized cave.

Lake George: This “Queen of American Lakes” is a family-friendly outdoor destination in northeastern New York. This perfect weekend getaway is just 200 miles from New York City. The area’s lodging options include serene lakeside resorts, inexpensive motels, and charming bed and breakfasts.

Letchworth State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this 14,427-acre state park features spectacular views, invigorating hiking and family-friendly activities. Visitors to Letchworth can enjoy its magnificent sights by hot air balloon and horseback, as well as on foot.

Nearby Glen Iris Inn offers ideal accommodations for Letchworth visitors. This revered country estate combines historic ambiance with modern amenities for a charming stay in any one of its rooms or suites. The property includes several additional lodging options, each offering its own unique experience. Rent a home with a kitchen and laundry or stay in loft-style rooms outfitted with all the essentials.

Mohonk Preserve: Residents of the metropolitan eastern portion of the state can forget that there are notable natural landmarks right in their backyards; Mohonk Preserve is a perfect example. At 8,000 acres in size and home to 40 miles of winding trails, Mohonk is a hiker’s dream. The hiking here is a bit overshadowed, quite literally, by the majestic Catskill Mountains, where hundreds of rock climbers scale impressive stone shelves each year. The preserve is New York’s largest designated conservation area and is largely funded by private sources including private gifts, donations and a modest entrance fee for visitors.

The preserve is in good company with some other impressive sites in the region. A manmade example is the Victorian-style Mohonk Mountain House. Here, overnight guests are treated to old world luxury and lavish decor tucked into Mohonk’s dense, secluded forests.

Niagara Falls: New York is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the world: Niagara Falls. More than 6 million cubic feet of water tumble over the Niagara Escarpment every minute!

Thousand Islands: This unique freshwater archipelago contains 1,800 small islands at the confluence of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The islands’ combined 1,000 miles of coastline are ideal for hiking, boating and wildlife watching. The area’s renowned fisheries attract anglers from around the globe.

Taughannock Falls: It’s easy to see why New York State’s tallest waterfall, Taughannock Falls, is a beloved family- and dog-friendly getaway. The state park surrounding the 215-foot falls attracts visitors from all over the state and beyond for camping, swimming and sightseeing.

Watkins Glen: As glaciers carved away New York’s Finger Lakes, they also created rushing gorges such as Watkins Glen. Rather than one tall waterfall, there are a series of small drops throughout the glen, adding to its beauty.

Whiteface Mountain: At 4,867 feet, Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest peak in New York. Veterans’ Memorial Highway makes the mountain accessible to almost any traveler.