Refreshing lakeside and mountain getaways for an outdoor adventure—New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut are full of picturesque villages with scenic blue lakes, cascading waterfalls, rich forests, and tranquil hiking trails. Here are 10 small towns to explore.
Hudson Valley - Gardiner, NY
Located a few hours from New York City—Gardiner is the gateway to the beautiful Shawangunk Mountains, Wallkill Valley, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve—the historic village in the Lower Hudson Valley named after the Gardiner family tracing their lineage to William the Conqueror who defeated the Saxon’s in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The quaint countryside village is walkable in minutes, full of great eateries, and surrounded by natural wonder. Wallkill Valley Rail Trail stretching 22.5-miles through New Paltz, Rosendale, and Ulster to Kingston—offers long nature trails and cycling routes. In the distant misty Shawangunk Ridge with adventurous hikes and waterfalls throughout the Minnewaska State Park. Two great hikes are High Peters Kill Trail through the Mohonk Preserve connecting with stunning Awosting Falls at the Carriage Road Trail—and Castle Point Loop offering 4 miles of ridgeline hiking and valley views.
Within the village enjoy Julian’s Provisions, Cafe Mio, and Gardiner Liquid Mercantile—on the outskirts of town Tuthilltown Spirits, a cocktail workshop within a historic grist mill.
Lakeside Living - Bolton Landing, NY
A lakeside destination with picturesque villages, breathtaking forests, and refreshing blue waters. Lake George Wild Forest is 73,000-acre conservation area with 32-miles of shoreline—it offers countless hiking trails for all levels through dense forests and refreshing lakeside trails. Shelving Rock—50-foot cascading waterfalls on the eastern side of Lake George is a stunning and enjoyable hike along the wooded shoreline.
On the western shore is the charming village of Bolton Landing with water activities, antique shops, tasting rooms, and delicious eateries. It’s the home of the historic Sagamore Hotel and “The El Lagarto” the only speed boat to win the Gold Cup three successive times. And with easy access to Pinnacle Mountain, Cat Mountain, and Up Yonda Farm—you can surround yourself with butterflies at the farm garden and enjoy magical scenic mountain views.
Lake George offers many more waterfront villages to enjoy—Bolton Landing and Lake George Wild Forest provide easy access to a relaxing lakeside adventure in the Southern Adirondacks.
Riverside Adventure - Collinsville, CT
Classic New England town on the Farmington River centered around the iconic Old Axe Factory—Collinsville is Connecticut’s coolest town with beautiful river walks, great eateries, and stunning countryside. The area is incredible for kayaking, paddle boarding—and the Farmington River Trail is great for cycling and long nature walks.
Strolling through town is the Canton Historic Museum, antique shops, famous La Salle Market, and delicious Francesca’s Wine Bar. Flamig Farm is on the outskirts of town and a great place to learn more about farm animals. Nepaug State Forest, Ender Falls, and Talcott Mountian Park are short drives—Tacott the former Heulblein summer estate with a Bavaria style tower standing 165-feet tall and 1000-feet above the valley. The tower is seen for miles in all directions. Ridgeline hike provides a stunning panoramic view of the Farmington River Valley.
Rugged Wilderness - Hunter NY
A beautiful mountainous region, lush wilderness, cavernous gorges, winding rugged trails, whitewater rafting, fishing, historic landmarks, scenic drives, and dozens of waterfalls—Catskills is full of discovery and outdoor adventures. Its four distinct regions and 700,000 acres offer hundreds of miles of hiking—with dozens of breathtaking waterfall excursions like Tompkins Falls, Hardenburgh Falls, and Nevele Falls. The most captivating region surrounds Hunter Mountain with three wilderness preserves—Indian Head, Hunter-west Kill Wilderness, and Kaaterskill Wild Forest.
Kaaterskill Wild Forest with 260-feet cascading waterfalls is the highest in New York State—the rejuvenating two-step waterfalls with dramatic concave sculpted cliffs surround hikers and popular to visit. Indian Head with five mountain peaks Plattekill, Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, and Plateau offers rugged hiking and spectacular vistas. Hunter-west Kill known more for the ski is the largest wilderness preserve with 19,250-acres to explore. West Kill is highest with four other peaks North Dome, Sherrill, Balsam, and Sheridan. Diamond Notch Falls is a tranquil and popular stop. Sloan Gorge Preserve steep stunning rugged trek, Windham Path beautiful nature trail with wildflowers, fields, woodland, five bridges, and Batavia Kill stream—the hiking opportunities are countless.
The natural scenic beauty throughout the Hunter and Catskills is worthy to explore—and incredible colorful fall foliage will bring you back wanting more.
Ultimate Fishing - Roscoe, NY
Birthplace of American Fly Fishing, Roscoe along NY Route 17 in the Southwest Catskills is more than its famous diner where Paul McCarthy stopped. Roscoe’s world-class fishing considered the best on the East Coast with five of America’s top trout streams—and why anglers call it Trout Town U.S.A.. Its legendary fishing pools and stream make it the perfect place to enjoy nature and take a hike along the Willowemoc Creek, Beaverkill River, East Branch, and West Branch of the Delaware River.
Besides being the ultimate fishing town—the community is full of history and local spirits. From Do Good Spirits and its award-winning craft bourbon; rugged O&W Railroad Museum and famous Roscoe Diner. It’s a great place to enjoy tales of the Two-Headed Trout who sprouted a second head to enjoy the beautiful views of two streams—or just enjoy a beer named after it at the award-winning Roscoe Beer Company.
Big Backyard - Livingston Manor, NY
From Small Town to Big Backyard—Livingston Manor is where the fish tales continue at the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum and Annual Trout Parade. The small town surrounded by nature and full of delicious eateries and breweries—Brandenburg Bakery, Kaatskeller Beer Garden, Main Street Farm, Upward Brewing Company, The Smoke Joint, Catskill Brewery—and unique pop-up shops you wouldn’t expect. Enjoy a hike at Round Top, Willowmoc Wild Forest, and Cattail Brook Falls—or a beautiful view of Livingston Manor Covered Bridge—1 of 23 remaining historical covered bridges in New York.
Adirondack Experience - Inlet, NY
Nestled between the Fourth and Fifth Lake in the western Adirondacks with quaint lakeside cottages and pristine forests—Inlet’s cool blue lake is a great summer village for canoeing, boating, swimming, and relaxing after a strenuous day of hiking and sightseeing. And winter is magical with plenty of snow—ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Inlet hosts a number of outdoor festivals including a winter carnival, Frozen Fire & Light, and Black Fly Challenge bike race—and known as “The Little Town That Could” for setting the Guinness World Record for creating a 3,150-boat floating raft.
Arrowhead Beach is active with beachgoers and boaters, a village center with caboose style diner, coffee house, sports shops, organic farmer market, and half-dozen fine eateries—the mountain region around Inlet offers plenty of moderate and challenging hiking. Enjoy Fern Park’s casual nature trails to Limekiln Falls or take a loop around Moss or Cascade Lake—ascend to Rocky Mountain Summit with stunning views of the valley and lake or steeper climb to Black Bear Mountain. Inlet is a wonderful lakeside community and a great way to enjoy the Adirondack experience.
Mountain Retreat - Milford, PA
A beautiful blend of outdoor living and rich heritage—Milford in Pocono Mountains is full of adventure, delightful eateries, historic architecture, and the birthplace of America's Conservation Movement. The spas, natural mountainous forest, and waterfalls are refreshing—and picturesque Grey Towers Estate and historic downtown district with antiques, boutique shops, casual café, and refreshing mountain air relaxes the soul.
Raymondskill Falls is south of Milford—the beautiful three-tiered cascading waterfalls are the tallest in Pennsylvania—Raymondskill Falls at 178-feet high is a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. It is a short hike with two viewing platforms—and plenty of trails in the surrounding Delaware Water Gap region. The Milford Knob has moderate trails with beautiful wildflowers. Cliff Park’s scenic hiking trails and Minisink Overlook provide stunning views of the valley and river—enjoy white water rafting or calming water canoeing on the Delaware River. For more on the Pocono Mountains and Milford.
History & Heritage - Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg and Adams County are more than the historic battlefield—Spring and summer blossoms colorful flowers, golden fields, and lush green forest and woodlands. And the annual Baseball Festival celebrates America's favorite summer pastime. Fall brings crisp mornings and colorful foliage—Adam County is home to the National Apple Museum, with great orchards bursting with apples, fresh pies, apple cider donuts, and hot cider. Skiing in the nearby Liberty Mountain keeps winter refreshing.
Surrounded by half-dozen State Parks—Michaux, Mont Alto, Kings Gap, Pine Furnace, Cunningham Falls, and Codorus State Parks there are endless opportunities to enjoy nature and the great outdoors. Find quiet solitude in Mont Alto the oldest state park with short tranquil hikes and beautiful flora attracting a variety of wildlife and woodland bird. Cunningham Falls beautiful cascade waterfalls and rolling brook in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains—or enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on pristine Lake Margurg in Cordorus State Park.
History comes alive at Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the Civil War's bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties, and President Abraham Lincoln’s most famous speech—The Gettysburg Address. The 6000-acre park and 18 square miles of battlefield include a series of historic walks, monuments, evening campfire programs and preserves this piece of American History. The famous battlefield can be toured by car, bicycle, horseback, or foot on its many nature trails and roads—and interprets the 3-day long battle.
Gettysburg has a lot to offer—beautiful farmland, natural forests, history, and casual eateries are charming and enjoyable for the entire family.
Refreshing Waters - Cazenovia, NY
Perhaps Cazenovia is not the first place you think of for an outdoor adventure, but this charming lakeside village in Madison County combines art, delicious eateries, stunning countryside, refreshing waterfalls, and activities year-round. Lakeside Park with scenic views, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing is a great way to spend the summer—or enjoy a lakeside meal in a glided-age mansion at The Brewster Inn.
Cazenovia with quaint shops and restaurants surrounded by beautiful farmland and three countryside tasting rooms—Madison County Distillery, Owera Vineyards, and Critz Farm Cider. The Cazenovia Preserve has 13 miles of scenic cross-country skiing and hiking trails along the former Canastota Railroad and nearby forest. Or enjoy nature trails at Stone Quarry Hill Park—a partnership between art and environment featuring emerging and established artists. The outdoor art space is open year-round embracing the four-seasons, the passage of time, and an ever-changing landscape where art interacts with the environment.
East of Cazenovia Lake is one of the larger Madison County attractions featuring 167-foot waterfalls. Chittenango Falls cascades over 400-million-year-old bedrock into Chittenango Creek. From the top ridge, it offers a breathtaking view of the lush valley and below the dramatic gorge. A few miles west in the town of Pompey—Pratt’s Falls is a breathtaking 137-foot ribbon-style cascading waterfalls formed by retreating glaciers with scenic trails, archery range, and picnic area. And south on Limestone Creek picturesque 52-foot waterfalls—Delphi Falls is a refreshingly natural pool and great spot to cool off in the summer.
New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut offer many more quaint towns, refreshing water adventures, tranquil hikes, and amazing landscapes — so get out and explore. For more outdoor activities visit 18 Waterfall Adventures. Return for future posts on Nashville and Great Coastal Getaways. All prints are available — DM for more information.
Sources: Wikipedia
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