Outdoor activities to try this spring in New York State
From jet boat tours to exploring a natural cave, here are fun activties to try this season in New York State. Credit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Beyond the beaches and forests (and malls) of Long Island, there are many natural wonders to be found upstate — some challenging, others just exciting — to add to your bucket list. Here are five places that will get your adrenaline pumping and let you enjoy the great outdoors.
For those who like a challenge, try a zipline trail at Mountain Ridge Adventure in Schenectady. Credit: Michael Cellini
CLIMB IT: CONQUER COURSES AT THE ZIP LINE PARK
A treetop challenge course experience located atop a mountain, Mountain Ridge Adventure has seven courses, and some of the obstacles you’ll encounter are not what one might expect to see while navigating such aerial trails — like a grand piano hoisted 50 feet off the ground, or a 50-foot-long slinky-like hurdle. The intent is to make for a challenging jaunt, but there are options for guests of all ability levels. The facility also includes a zip line park, which includes a zip trip over a 500-foot-long gorge. A $55 “Treetop Pass” (must be at least 10 years of age and over 54 inches tall) includes three hours of access to both the treetop courses and the zip line park; two hours of zip line only (also must be at least 10 and over 54 inches tall) is $50, and kids 6 and older (at least 48 inches tall) can try the $40 “Starter Pass,” which includes two hours on two of the park’s aerial trails (minors 11 and younger must be accompanied by an adult).
INFO 300 Weatherwax Rd., Schenectady; 518-227-1058, mountainridgeadventure.com
Check out Howe Caverns, largest natural show cave in the northeast. Credit: Howe Caverns
SPELUNK IT: EXPLORE NEW YORK’S FAMOUS CAVE
Billed as the largest natural show cave in the Northeast and the second most-visited natural attraction in NYS (after Niagara Falls), Howe Caverns does not require any added equipment to tour its depths, which lie 156 feet below ground. The company behind the caves will be focusing on its 90-minute, traditional guided tour, which actually takes place on a boat that glides along a subterranean lake. A candlelit lantern tour package for two is also available on Saturdays; the deal includes a night’s stay for two at the caverns’ on-site motel (pricing for April 1 through June 16 starts at $172). Traditional tours are $25, $15 ages 5-12, kids ages 4 and under are free.
INFO 255 Discovery Dr., Howes Cave; 518- 296-8900, howecaverns.com
Hop aboard and explore the seas with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Credit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
RIDE IT: TAKE ON A WHIRLPOOL AND RAPIDS
The Niagara Gorge is a canyon created by the Niagara River, which runs along the Canada-U. S. border and flows at more than 40 mph at some points. Also located in the gorge are the Niagara Whirlpool — which is generally as deep as 125 feet — and the Devil’s Hole rapids, said to be categorized as Class V or “expert” on the International Scale of River Difficulty (americanwhitewater.org). Certainly not a place for an average paddle, but Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours offer a pair of 45-minute round-trip tours into the Niagara Gorge, that go through the Class V rapids at Devil’s Hole and then to the Niagara Whirlpool. Customers can ride in the “Wet Jet” — an open boat in which all get totally soaked — or the “Freedom Jet,” an enclosed vessel that keeps passengers dry. Slated to open its season on May 1 (subject to change due to weather and river ice flow), rates are $64.95, children ages 6-12 are $39.95, but keep in mind there’s a minimum height requirement of 40 inches for the covered boat and 44 inches for the Wet Jet.
INFO 115 S. Water St., Lewiston; 1-888-438-4444, whirlpooljet.com.
Hike Mount Marcy with High Peaks Mountain Guides in New York State. Credit: Lake Placid (ROOST)
HIKE IT: CLIMB THE HIGHEST POINT IN NYS
At 5,344 feet above sea level, Mount Marcy is the highest point in New York State — and it’s also one of 46 mountains found in Adirondack Park (visitadirondacks.com). The High Peaks Mountain Guides company, based in Lake Placid, offers guided hiking trips. Attendees bring along the proper equipment, which ranges from appropriate clothing to suggestions like bug spray and even bathing suits (should you come across a swimming hole) Rates for a guided hike up Mount Marcy start at $500 for 1-2 people.
INFO 2733 Main St., Lake Placid; 518-523-3764, hpmountainguides.com
Catch some fish on Lake Ontario with Cohomotion Charters. Credit: Brian Neal
FISH IT: CATCH A FISH ON A GREAT LAKE
Explore Lake Ontario, an ideal place to fish, as trout and salmon are among the possibilities. At 193 miles long and 53 miles wide, it’s a big body of water, and you can find fishing charters offering excursions. One option would be Cohomotion Charters, and its boat, the Coho Motion. Based out of Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario, it’s equipped with fish-tracking technology to get a catch, and all the necessary fishing gear is provided; free fish cleaning is offered. (Anglers must have an NYS fishing license to take part, and bring whatever food, drink and weather protection is necessary or preferred.) Current rates start at $750 per person for two people for two seven hour trips over two days; per person rates drop for larger groups. Cruises around Sodus Bay are also available for $250 per couple, $350 for two couples, $300 for three people.
INFO 6615 Lake Bluff Rd., North Rose; 585-704-8765, cohomotion.com
