New York State Parks saw an increase in attendance for an 11th consecutive year in 2023.

What You Need To Know

  • 84.1 million people visited New York State Parks in 2023.

  • This is a record attendance number that went up by nearly 4.7 million people or 6% compared to 2022.

  • The New York State Park System is marking its 100th anniversary in 2024, and Gov. Kathy Hochul said her administration plans to continue expanding access to the parks and outdoor recreation.

Even on a rainy day, Stephen Yesko and his family are hiking the trails at Sterling Forest State Park.

“It's very quiet today with the rain keeping people away. But if you have the right gear, you can come out and make a day of it,” Yesko said. “The kids love it. Just everybody just really enjoys getting out into the outdoors.”

Yesko travels from Queens to take in the sights of upstate New York parks frequently.

“They're a great resource for people. We get out here into nature, and avoid the crowds of the city,” Yesko said. “We just love getting out and getting the fitness and exercise we need.”

Yesko is just one out of 84.1 million people who visited New York State Parks in 2023. This is a record attendance number that went up by nearly 4.7 million people, or 6%, compared to 2022.

This comes as no surprise to Sterling Forest State Park Manager Michael McElroy.

“We saw a huge increase with COVID. Everybody was looking to parks for a place to get away,” McElroy said. “And then, our attendance has just continued to grow since. I think people really found a place with state parks.”

From hiking to fishing, biking, swimming and more, state parks have a lot to offer.

Now in his 22nd year working for New York State Parks, McElroy is seeing firsthand how more and more people take advantage of state parks.

“Watching people come and enjoy the parks after you've put in all the work to make it ready and it really makes it worthwhile,” McElroy said.

As spring gets underway and with summer around the corner, parkgoers can plan their visits by learning what each individual park has to offer and making sure they have proper gear.

“I’m an old Eagle Scout, so you’ve gotta be prepared any time you’re out here. Any time of year,” Yesko said.

The crews are also preparing for an influx of visitors.

“Most of it is just clean up, making sure things are safe, beautifying the park,” McElroy said.

The New York State Park System is also marking its 100th anniversary in 2024, and Gov. Kathy Hochul said her administration plans to continue expanding access to the parks and outdoor recreation.