Free Things to Do in Upstate New York

Upstate New York is famous for its beautiful fall foliage, with a peak season that spreads from late September to early November, depending on where you're heading. There are four main areas for premium fall foliage: the Adirondacks, the Castkills region, Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley. A drive through roads like the Taconic State Parkway, US 9 or the NYS Thruway will bring you a world of yellows and reds. On the way up, stop at popular free attractions such as sandstone gorge Ausable Chasm (hiking, cave exploring and swimming are free), the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in the town of Pottersville and the Seaway Trail (which you can hike or drive through), which will take you through fishing villages, seaside towns and antique shops.

While many people associate maple syrup with Vermont, the truth is that a large part of the country's productions steams from plants and businesses located in upstate New York. From family-owned companies, such as Remsburger Maple Farm, to large manufacturers, most plants offer free tours of their facilities, coupled with free tastings or samples on completion.

From the Civil War to the American Revolutionary War, upstate New York played an important role in the history of the country. Today, visitors can stop by a series of famous locations such as Saratoga National Historical Park and the town of Victory (where monuments and open exhibits regarding the Revolutionary War are available for free viewing), the Eerie Canal Museum or the 17th century church and cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, famous for its appearance in the Washington Irving's story but also important because of its role in the growth and development of the area.