The deep roots in brew, agriculture and American history make Central New York state more than a destination. The burgeoning craft beverage scene, hardy farm-to-table movement and mile after mile of Main Street USA create a true experience for every visitor.
The history here begs to be embraced while cruising U.S. Route 20, hiking an old-growth forest or paddling the Erie Canal. The natural beauty abounds in all seasons, offering something to suit any visitor ready to explore.
Central New York engages the senses and attracts adventurers of all kinds. This unique brand of exploration takes many forms, but perhaps none greater than in the outdoors.
The region teems with watchable wildlife of all kinds, from all walks (and wings) of life.
Central New York boasts plenty of places to bust out the binoculars or get up-close with winged things, including some rare bird and butterfly species.
Stretching from the southern edge of New York’s famed Adirondack Park to the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, Central New York presents numerous opportunities for watching wildlife.
Birders consider New York state one of the tops in the Northeast and the central region attracts some of the most desired varieties.
With more than 184,500 acres of public wilderness, Central New York holds many hidden gems when it comes to watchable wildlife sites.
- Visitors looking to craft their own adventure should look up to Franklin Mountain near Oneonta. One of BirdWatching magazine’s national hotspots, the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch produces regular sightings of golden eagles among many other raptors. The Hawkwatch highlights the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary, a 100-acre property featuring hiking trails through a variety of watchable wildlife habitats, including open fields, forest, former pastures and wetlands.
- Those just starting out in the birding hobby might want to get their feet wet at the Great Swamp Conservancy tucked in the heart of rural Madison County. The conservancy hosts more than 200 bird species easily spotted from the five miles of trails that traverse a variety of habitats.
- The 16,000-acre Rome Sand Plains Resource Management Area might be Central New York’s most unique habitat. The high sand dunes and low peat bogs characterize the rare landscape known as an inland pine barren. It’s one of just a handful in the U.S. Outdoor adventurers might catch a rare glimpse of the frosted elfin butterflies, which float among many warblers and spotted turtles of the sand plains.
- With features ranging from forest to farmland, the Pharsalia Bird Conservation Area boasts one of the state’s few breeding grounds for Swainson’s thrush.
- Watchers also stop at the nearby Long Pond Bird Conservation Area to sight rare sparrows.
- Local birders recommend the Cascade Valley State Forest for the adventurous. The 533-acre preserve near Binghamton rewards trail-less hikes with a wide variety of favorite species.
- Chenango Valley State Park makes the Binghamton area an ideal perch for bird enthusiasts planning a multi-day trip. The 3,000-acre park includes camping and some of the best bird watching in Central New York.
- The watchable wildlife isn’t limited to the flying variety. There are plenty of other insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians to discover in Central New York.
From forests and trails to pine barrens and wetlands, Central New York consistently shows why it’s worth a peek for watchable wildlife for those who know where to look.