Found within 180 state parks, beyond the concrete jungle of New York lies a vast wilderness.
More then 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails carve through the state. Stunning views and many textures of landscapes draw people from all over the U.S. Among the hills, tower the forty-six peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Surrounded by 6.2 million acres, it’s a sought-after destination for hikers and climbers whose goal is to reach the top of every peak and join the “46er’s club.” Flowing through the valleys are over 7,600 lakes and ponds, as well as 70,000 miles of rivers and streams. It’s a paradise for recreational fishing, kayaking, and canoing.
Whether they come to sleep under the stars, to feel the exhilaration of fighting and landing a big fish, or push their physical limits to reach a mountain summit, more than 78 million visitors per year have escaped to find their connection to the wild.
Matt Klinger walks through the trees on the Indian Ovens Trail at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, New York, on October 1, 2021. The park is known for its two glacial lakes including Round Lake, a registered National Natural Landmark. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Matt Klinger walks through dolomite formations on the Indian Ovens Trail at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, New York, on October 1, 2021. The park is known for its two glacial lakes including Round Lake, a registered National Natural Landmark. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Trees at Morgan Hill State Forest in Cortland, New York, on September 25, 2021. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Caitlin Brink climbs the path to the top of Tabletop Mountain in Lake Placid, New York, on October 10, 2021. Tabletop is one of 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks, reaching 4,427 feet in elevation. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Matt Groff celebrates hooking a fish while on the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York, on October 9, 2021. The river is home to chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Will Watkins sews a line into a chinook salmon's mouth while fishing on the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York, on October 9, 2021. Watkins, a 30-year veteran fishing the Salmon River, runs A Will To Guide Service. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Matt Klinger searches through excavated dirt for Herkimer diamonds at Diamond Mountain Mining in Little Falls, New York, on October 8, 2021. Diamond hunting is one of Klinger's favorite hobbies. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
Hikers walk the path to the top of Tabletop Mountain in Lake Placid, New York, on October 10, 2021. Tabletop is one of 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks, reaching 4,427 feet in elevation. (Photo by Kelsey Hockenberger) New York state is well known for the busy city life of the big apple, New York City. Those not native to the state may think of typical stereotypes such as taxis, skyscrapers and sidewalks swarming with people. What outsiders fail to realize is that New York is so much more than that. There is a vast wilderness waiting for visitors and locals to soak in its beauty.
The state is carved with over 2,000 miles of trails for any hiker or biker. Along these trails are astonishing views and textures of nature. Amongst the beautiful hills are the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, covering over 6.2 million acres, perfect for any hiker in the summer or snow enthusiast in the winter. For any passionate fisher, there are over 7,600 bodies of water and 70,000 miles of rivers and stream for all recreational fishing.
These lands are welcoming all year-round for any age or experience. They are here for humans to relax from the busy pace of work or the city. Though connecting with nature, people are able to let go of their problems. They’re able to live in the moment by taking in the views whether that be sleeping under the stars, feeling the exhilaration of fighting a fish, or pushing their physical limits to reach a peak.
