Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Mobile App Now Offers Visitors and Trail Users Helpful Interactive Maps for Trip Planning  

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the launch of the latest release to its popular Parks Explorer mobile app, to orient visitors and provide helpful wayfinding information when in the parks and on the trails. The multiple new enhancements are in addition to the app's information about the destinations and activities available throughout the Empire State's parks and historic sites.

"Since its introduction, the Parks Explorer app has been a useful and easy way to plan your next outdoor adventure, and now with this latest release it delivers an elevated visitor experience with interactive mapping tools and improved wayfinding," said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid.  "Whether you're new to a park or a seasoned hiker on the trails, the new map features will help you explore the parks and discover new favorites more easily.  If you enjoy the parks and don't already have this handy mobile app on your device, I encourage you to download the app today."

The new features just introduced include upgrades to trail mapping functionality such as planning hike distance using the new trail mileage tool, offline maps for use when connectivity is a challenge, and live maps for use on Wi-Fi or with good connectivity.

Interactive map elements now provide visitors:

• Easier wayfinding: When the user's mobile device's location services are turned "on", visitors can easily follow along with where they are on the map;
• The ability to zoom in on and around each map to learn more about the facility;
• Information about trails, park features and amenities by simply tapping on a trail or icon;
• Trail segment distance; and
• The ability to change base layers in live maps from satellite view, simple street view or topography.

The app also includes a link to a brief video to demonstrate the new mapping features.

Additional improvements as part of the Park Explorer app's new release are the expansion of the search function so that visitors can search for parks and historic sites from multiple regions at a time, and users will now have easier access to NY State Parks Gift Cards and Shop.

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "New York's State Parks offer unparalleled activities and experiences that complement any trip, from a weekend getaway to an extended vacation. Tools that make our world-class State Parks system easier to explore and enjoy help visitors take advantage of all the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities awaiting them in the Empire State."

New York State Chief Information Officer Angelo "Tony" Riddick said, "The Office of Information Technology Services is proud to partner with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to share technology that makes it easier for residents to coordinate and enjoy their visit to one of the many great parks across our state. The Parks Explorer App allows residents to plan new outdoor adventures with their families and demonstrates how New York State continues to harness the power of technology to improve the citizen experience and bring New Yorkers closer to nature, and I'm all for it."

The New York State Parks Explorer App is a free, user-friendly resource for visitors to plan outdoor adventures and stay connected to favorite parks and historic sites. Fans of the outdoors can learn more about their preferred destinations and discover new must-see locations with curated content and easy-to-access to park information such as directions, hours, amenities, fees and rates, trail maps, helpful know-before-you-go details, and the ability to receive important updates and alerts.

The New York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available at no cost for download for iOS and Android devices.

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 78 million people annually.  For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.