Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

"New York is fortunate to have four distinct seasons each year and geographic diversity across the state- and that means there is always something new and different to do in our great outdoors," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage New Yorkers and tourists alike to join us and see all that New York State Parks and public lands have to offer in every time of the year."

New Yorkers and visitors are encouraged to get outdoors this winter:

• Make the most of the snowy conditions and enjoy some outdoor winter fun. Bundle up and try snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing and more. Find activities here and here.
• State Parks offer unique events throughout the winter, including guided seal walks, bald eagle surveys, snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski treks, ice hockey tournaments, winter festivals and more. Find an event.
• Department Environmental Conservation (DEC) Environmental Education Centers offer a host of family-friendly winter programs and events across the state, including introductory snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, guided wildlife walks, birdwatching, and winter tree identification. Find an upcoming event.
• Spend the weekend in one of New York's year-round cabins or cottages at State Parks this winter. Winterized lodging is available at: Taconic, Wellesley Island, Allegany, Betty & Wilbur Davis, Golden Hill, and Oquaga Creek State Parks. Book online here.
• Nearly 40 State Parks offer groomed snowmobile trails and many connect to New York's more than 10,000 miles of snowmobile trail network. Find a park here. Before heading out, riders are reminded to check trail conditions with local snowmobile clubs. To find a club, visit the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) website atwww.nysnowmobiler.com.

• For information about snowmobiling in the Adirondack and Catskill parks and state forests, visit here.

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "Across much of the state, wintry conditions have provided the snow and ice that so many outdoor enthusiasts look forward to each year. Visit a State Park, and you might be surprised by the variety of outdoor adventures in the winter months - or just simply go and enjoy the quiet beauty of this time of year."

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "From the Adirondack Park to the South Shore of Long Island, to the Catskills and Niagara Falls, New York's magnificent state lands and forests have something to offer outdoor adventurers of all ages and abilities. From skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, to ice fishing, skating and sledding, New Yorkers and visitors alike are encouraged to discover their own winter wonderlands while making memories to last a lifetime."

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 69 million people annually. Spending by State Parks and its visitors support $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation manages 4.6 million acres of public lands, including 3 million acres in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve, more than 50 campgrounds and day-use areas, more than 5,000 miles of formal trails, and hundreds of trailheads, boat launches, and fishing piers. Plan your next outdoor adventure at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/, including great winter hikes across the state, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.