17 Most Instagrammable Places in Upstate NY

Post summary: 17 most beautiful places in Upstate New York.

New York State is mostly known for its famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park, making it a hotspot for photography. But New York City isn’t the end-all-be-all — there is so much more to the state than meets the eye.

Having lived in New York my entire life, I can confidently say that the most Instagrammable places in Upstate New York beat anything you’ll find in the city.

If you’re on the hunt for the most beautiful spots in New York that provide epic photo opportunities, this post has you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Top Tip: Fall is one of the best times to capture photos in the area, so make sure you check out my post on the best fall foliage in New York.

17 Beautiful Places in Upstate New York

Ready to explore some stunning and aesthetic spots in Upstate New York? From waterfalls to scenic overlooks, here are my top picks you absolutely can’t miss!

1. Kaaterskill Falls

First up is Kaaterskill Falls in the Great Northern Catskills of Greene County. This two-tier waterfall is a dream for any photographer all year round.

Kaaterskill Falls is actually two waterfalls – the upper and lower falls. Together, they make the highest waterfall in New York State with an impressive 260-foot drop.

To reach the falls, follow the trail from the parking lot off Laurel House Road.

If you don’t feel like walking far, you can snap some great photos from the overlook about 0.5 miles from the trailhead.

Otherwise, hike just over a mile to the base of the middle falls, or continue about 1.6 miles down to the base of the lower falls.

2. Niagara Falls

This one needs no introduction! Niagara Falls is a jaw-dropping set of three waterfalls along the border of New York and Ontario, Canada.

The sheer size and power of the falls will blow you away, even without a camera.

You can photograph the falls from the viewing areas or even rent a room at a nearby hotel with a falls view.

For the very best shots, take a Maid of the Mist boat tour right up to the waterfalls. Just remember to waterproof your gear beforehand. You won’t regret it!

Tip: I know we’re focusing on the most Instagrammable spots in Upstate New York, but trust me, the view of Niagara Falls is even more impressive from the Canadian side. If you have the time, definitely cross the border to check it out!

3. Taughannock Falls Upper Overlook

I absolutely love Taughannock Falls State Park in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York. It’s an incredible spot to capture some beautiful shots of nature, no matter the season.

However, I recommend visiting in summer when the waterfall is at its fullest. Or for the fall because the golden foliage around the main overlook makes your photos *chef’s kiss*.

The overlook is a short walk from the Visitor Center and your go-to spot for THE best view of Taughannock Falls. To get there, just type in “Taughannock Falls Upper Overlook” into Google Maps and it will take you to the right place.

4. The Stairs on Whiteface Mountain

Did you know that Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-largest mountain in New York? It’s one of the most impressive sights in the state, but the Stairway Ridge Trail takes that to the next level.

To get there, take a drive up the Memorial Highway and start a short hike from the parking lot to the stairs.

The trail up the stairs is only a quarter mile long, but it offers a picturesque view of the mountain and the valleys below — a photographer’s dream.

Getting there: The Whiteface Memorial Highway is open daily from 8:45AM – 5:30PM between mid-May to October. Entrance is $20 for vehicle + driver, plus an extra $20 for each passenger. Visit the website for more details.

5. Gertrude’s Nose in Minnewaska State Park

You’ve probably seen this hike all over Instagram in the fall.

The hike up to Gertrude’s Nose in Minnewaska State Park is a fall favorite but looks good in the summer, too. While the hike is pretty demanding, the views at the top are well worth every step.

At the top, you’ll see the flat, rocky surface that juts out from the side of the cliff, overlooking the forest below.

The natural beauty is amplified in fall when the bright colors pop across the valley, so if you can, save this hike for autumn!

6. Mirror Lake, Lake Placid

Kayaking and ice skating on Mirror Lake is one of my favorite things to do in the Adirondacks, but it’s also an amazing photo spot. Mirror Lake is quite literally the center of the town of Lake Placid and looks great from every angle.

For best photos, walk the loop trail around the lake or rent a kayak for photos out on the water (you’ll thank me later).

Be sure to take plenty of photos of the droves of trees and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. And if you think the lake is stunning during the day, just wait for sunset to hit.

7. Cascade Lakes Day Use Area

If you’re in Lake Placid, stop by Cascade Lake Day Use Area for photos.

This spot is the perfect place to set up your tripod and capture the gorgeous surroundings or the sunset/sunrise glow across the reflective surface of the water.

On a calm day, this also is a great spot to capture reflections of fall foliage!

8. The Docks at Algonquin Restaurant

In Bolton Landing near Lake George, there’s a small restaurant called Algonquin Restaurant. Grab some food and then walk outside to the docks overlooking Lake George’s bay.

The water reflects the mountains in the distance and the trees nearby, creating a picture perfect scene. The boats in the docks themselves just add that extra bit of charm to your shot.

9. Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail

Letchworth State Park is known as “the Grand Canyon of the East,” and easily one of the most Instagrammable places in Upstate New York for waterfall pics.

With dramatic cliffs, three stunning waterfalls, and scenic views, every spot in this park is worthy of a spot on your IG feed.

The best views are along The Gorge Trail. If you hike the whole thing, it’s about 14 miles (22.4 km) and takes over six hours to complete.

But don’t worry, you definitely don’t have to hike the whole way for great photos! In fact, all three of the waterfalls are located right near the parking lot. Just start at the Upper Falls parking lot and follow the trail past the Middle Falls and down to the Lower Falls.

10. Sleeping Beauty Mountain Summit, Lake George

Near the east shore of Lake George, there’s a charming hiking trail leading to the summit of Sleeping Beauty Mountain.

Depending on how adventurous you feel, you can choose a route between four and eight miles long.

The two starting points are at Hog Town and Darcy Clearing Trailheads. Starting at Dacy Clearing makes the hike slightly shorter.

This moderate hike starts off as an easy walk and then gently climbs to panoramic views of densely-packed forests and Kattskill Bay in the distance.

11. Hawk’s Nest Highway

Hawk’s Nest Highway is famous for its S-curve turns which make for some super unique photos.

This long, winding road is four miles from New York State Route 97 and snakes along the Delaware River.

The pull offs can be a bit tricky to navigate, so be super careful when you’re getting ready to take photos. While you’re there, make sure you take a second to look at the view of the river down below — it’s breathtaking!

12. Vroman’s Nose Hike

Vroman’s Nose is one of the best hikes in Upstate New York, and you’ll quickly see why.

The views here are a lot different than others on this list. Instead of dense forests and winding rivers, the peak of Vroman’s Nose looks out across acres of farmland in Schoharie Valley.

The hike starts at the Middleburgh Road parking area and ends at the top of a flat rock formation, locally known as the “dance platform”. The hike is kind of steep but overall quick and easy, which makes it accessible for a lot of people.

13. Cobble Lookout in Wilmington

Cobble Lookout is an all time favorite of mine because you get such a huge payoff for very little effort!

It’s an easy 1.5 mile hike (one way) through the beautiful Wilmington Wild Forest, and the panoramic view at the top is worth every step.

This hike is perfect all year round, but is especially beautiful in summer and fall.

Top Tip: Cobble Lookout is just one spot to visit in this part of Upstate New York. Be sure to check out some other incredible things to do in Lake Placid.

14. Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen

This is another place that you’ve definitely seen on social media.

Watkins Glen State Park has a lot to offer, but Rainbow Falls is a must-see for photographers and nature lovers.

This iconic spot feels like something out of a fairy-tale with moss covered rocks, perfectly round pools, and the layered canyon walls.

As you can imagine, a place like this attracts quite a crowd. Because of this, patience and timing are key for getting good photos.

The park is open from dawn to dusk, so you’ll want to go super early or right before they close for the best chance at getting photos with less people.

Tip: It costs $10 to park, but your parking ticket is also valid for other NY State Parks. Combine your trip to Watkins Glen with nearby Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls State Park, or Robert Treman State Park to find some more gorgeous photo spots.

15. Barton Orchards Sunflower Field

Who doesn’t love a good flower field moment? The Barton Orchards farm is home to five acres of sunflowers blooming across the fields and is probably one of the most unique attractions in the Hudson Valley area.

There are over 100,000 flowers, brightly colored and absolutely gorgeous. The best time to capture these beauties is during the annual Sunflower Festival, which runs between August 23rd and September 2nd.

Top Tip: Take a look at the Baton Orchards events calendar for festival times.

16. Historic Town of Skaneateles

Skaneateles is one of the best Upstate NY towns to capture on camera. This small, hidden gem in Onondaga County is on Skaneateles Lake and has a rich maritime history dating back to the 1800s.

With turquoise water, lots of sailboats and historic houses right on the lakeshore, it’s no wonder they call it “the Jewel of the Finger Lakes Region.”

The best time for photography is in late spring and throughout the summer.

Consider walking along the dock and snapping some photos of the boats on the lake during the day, or wait until sunset to see the colors dance across the water.

Other cute towns for social media photos: 

• Woodstock, NY
• Ithaca, NY
• Lake Placid, NY

17. John Boyd Thacher State Park

John Boyd Thacher State Park near Albany NY has an amazing scenic overlook that deserves a spot on your list!

To get there, head to the Hop Field picnic area and parking lot and walk up to the trailhead.

No matter where you are on the trail, the views are endless. But once you reach the overlook, you can set up your tripod or simply use your phone to capture the view.

Tip: If you’re up for a bit more adventure, tack on a short hike on the Indian Ladder Trail. It’s another popular hike in Thacher Park with super unique views of the limestone cliffs and waterfalls.

Instagrammable Places in Upstate NY | Frequently Asked Questions

Got some lingering questions about the most Instagrammable spots in Upstate New York? No worries – Here are the most frequently asked questions to help inspire your next adventure!

Where to Take Pictures in Hudson Valley?

The Hudson Valley is packed with beautiful spots to boost your social media engagement.

Besides must-see places like Kaaterskill Falls and Minnewaska State Park, check out Awosting Falls, Boscobel House and Gardens, Stonecrop Garden, and Poet’s Walk.

If you need more inspo, unlock my Upstate New York map for a giant list of places to see and things to do.

What is the Prettiest Town in New York State?

Picking just one is so tough, but a few towns definitely stand out as the prettiest towns in New York State.

Lake Placid is stunning with the Adirondack Mountains and spots like Mirror Lake or Cobble Lookout. Ithaca and Woodstock NY are also top contenders.

New Paltz is another good one, with a more medieval charm, old-school buildings and the Wallkill River running through it.

How Do You Take Good Pictures in New York?

There’s no right or wrong way to capture the beauty of New York, but here are three quick tips to help you step up your photography game:

• Visit in the fall — Upstate NY is extra pretty in the fall. In fact, People visit from all over the world to photograph fall foliage here because it’s world-renowned for vibrant foliage in all shades of red, orange, and yellow.

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• Play with the time of day — Don’t just stick to mid-morning or afternoon. Try catching a sunrise, staying for a sunset, or even shooting at night to add variety to your portfolio.

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• Stop overthinking it — Despite what a lot of people think, you definitely don’t need the latest or most expensive equipment to take great photos. Whether you have a fancy camera or an iPhone, whatever gear you have is perfect to capture the moment.
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Download my interactive NY map – Use my Upstate New York map to find over 140 of the best waterfalls, hiking trails, and instagrammable cabins across Upstate New York. You can download it right to your phone with the Rexby app and save yourself the stress of planning and researching where to go to take the best photos.

Wrapping Up Instagrammable Places in Upstate NY

So, there you have it — my ultimate list of the prettiest spots to take pictures in Upstate New York.

Whether you’re looking for shots of the iconic Niagara Falls or of smaller, more unknown spots like Skaneateles, this is a great list to keep in mind to capture the most beautiful places in Upstate New York.

Which one are you visiting first? Let me know in the comments!

Read Next: Now that you’ve got those Insta-worthy spots on your travel bucket list, here is my list of the best travel captions for Instagram to get you inspired.

Did you enjoy this guide to the most Instagrammable places in Upstate NY? Let me know in the comments!

More Upstate New York Travel Guides:

Adirondack hiking: Short Hikes With Incredible Views in the Adirondacks

Lake Placid hikes: 10+ Amazing Hikes Near Lake Placid in the Adirondacks

NY Wineries: 15+ Hudson Valley Wineries and Vineyards You Need to Visit in NY

Adirondacks campsites: Best Waterfront Campsites in the Adirondacks