New York
"Excelsior"
Nickname
Empire State
Capital
Albany
Statehood
July 26, 1788 (11th)
Motto
Excelsior
Explore New York
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About New York
New York State is often reduced to New York City, but the Adirondacks alone cover a park larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon combined, and upstate river valleys and Great Lakes shoreline make up most of the state's actual geography. That gap between the city's global profile and the rest of the state's quieter character runs through nearly everything here.
Below, the guides move from the five boroughs north through the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, and the state's other major cities.