Visit New York's State Parks as the US National Parks Service Turns 100

ROCHESTER, NY--(Marketwired - Jul 19, 2016) -  2016 is a big year for the United States' National Parks Service -- it's turning 100. The official birthday for the National Park Service is Aug. 25, celebrating a century of recreation, conservation, and preservation programs.

In honor of the big day, plan a visit to Upstate New York through the Cross Border Showcase program this summer and experience some of the state's most scenic recreational parks. Find places to hike, camp, swim, and take in the beauty of nature -- all within a short drive of the Canadian border. 

Roughly 90 minutes across the border and a short drive from Rochester, N.Y., find Letchworth State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. A brand new, four-season Humphrey Nature Center opened in Letchworth in June 2016, welcoming those who visit into the park for an educational experience. Inside, the nature center houses exhibits about the gorge, Genesee River, and local wildlife. Outside, find a butterfly garden, outdoor classroom, and access to trails that lead deeper into the park. During the summer the park offers adventure experiences like hot air balloon rides over the falls, or the opportunity to white water raft through the gorge.

For a more up-close and personal experience with New York's waterfalls, visit Stony Brook State Park. Stony Brook's beauty and hiking parallel that of Letchworth, with trails that wind through the gorge instead of above it. Wade into natural pools, stand at the base of waterfalls, or enjoy the view from the top.

To the east the earth rises in towering spires to form the amazing view that is Chimney Bluffs State Park. Located along the shore of Lake Ontario, early glacial surges formed giant drumlins, rather than gorges. Hike the trails and stand eye level with these wonders, or walk the beach and see them from below -- either way it's an awe-inspiring view.

Further east still -- near Ithaca, NY -- stands Taughannock Falls, a waterfall that stretches 50 feet (15 meters) taller than Niagara Falls. The falls plunge over 215 feet or 65 meters down, tumbling past a rocky cliff into a beautiful gorge. Hike the trails to get the full view, or drive to an overlook to find a great photo opp., without all of the work. 

Just 20 minutes south of Taughannock Falls, is Robert H. Treman State Park and Enfield Glen. The Glen is the highlight of the park, filled with rustic beauty, craggy gorges and winding trails bearing "fire and brimstone" names like Lucifer Falls and Devil's Kitchen. Hike the trails to follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls and end the day with swimming in one of the falls under the supervision of a lifeguard.

Outside of the parks, in Rochester, N.Y. the George Eastman Museum is featuring a photography exhibit called Photography and America's National Parks -- running through October 2. The former home of George Eastman -- the man who founded Kodak and pioneered popular photography -- the museum is now home to one of the largest film archives in the United States. This limited time exhibit recognizes the centennial of the National Parks Service by exploring the role of photography in the development of the parks and how we perceive these natural landscapes.

Spend a day or a weekend exploring all that New York has to offer. Find more attractions and deals specific to Canadian visitors at www.crossbordershowcase.com.

Cross Border Showcase Program

The Cross Border Showcase travel program encourages and entices Canadian visitors to explore deeper into New York State. The program showcases a unique collection of attractions and experiences that are all comfortably within driving distance from the Canadian border - beginning in Western New York, Rochester and the Finger Lakes region to well into Central and Northern New York. The program's partners include accommodations, shopping destinations, family and four-season recreational activities, communities and tourist-friendly businesses. Many of the partners offer discounts for Canadian visitors. Current offers, information and destinations can be found at www.CrossBorderShowcase.com and by following the program's Twitter or Facebook.