Upstate New York: Chasing Waterfalls

Upstate New York captivated us with its breathtaking landscapes, stretching from the charming streets of Saratoga Springs to the thunderous beauty of Niagara Falls. This leg of our full time journey offered a perfect blend of natural wonders, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. But, like any great adventure, it came with its fair share of lessons learned and surprises along the way. 

Join us as we share our family’s favorite moments—and a few do’s and don’ts—from this incredible bucket list stop!

Watertown, NY

Driving through this region, we quickly realized that upstate New York presents unique challenges for RV travelers—low bridges being one of them. 

Enter RV LIFE, an app that became our go-to for navigating routes with our fifth wheel in tow. The app allows you to input your vehicle’s dimensions to avoid tight squeezes and outdated infrastructure. 

That said, even the best tools aren’t foolproof—my in-laws learned this the hard way when they ended up on the side of a mountain road! Lesson learned: always double-check your routes.

We stayed at the military base in Fort Drum, which turned out to be a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. With hiking trails, a serene pond, and space to paddleboard, it was the perfect spot to unwind.

One of the highlights? My son catching his first bass—a moment he’ll never forget. Between exploring and tackling RV maintenance (new tires, oil changes, and a thorough wash), this stop felt both productive and refreshing.

Youngstown, NY

We camped at Four Mile Creek State Park, situated on Lake Ontario and just a 15-minute drive from Niagara Falls. August brought warm, humid, and rainy weather, and while the campground was crowded and offered electric-only sites, the location made it all worth it.

Niagara Falls itself was an awe-inspiring experience. From our parking spot, it was a bit of a trek in the summer heat, but the reward was seeing Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls up close. 

Horseshoe Falls, especially at night with its light display, was truly magical. A word to the wise: you will get wet, so plan accordingly!

Another highlight was exploring the Niagara River Gorge Trails at Whirlpool State Park, but the ultimate favorite for the kids was the jet boat ride through Niagara Gorge. Fast-paced and exhilarating, it left us soaked and grinning ear to ear.

If you have the time, consider driving about 1.5 hours to Letchworth State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Although we didn’t make it there this time, it’s a spot I’d recommend if you’re spending a week or more in the area.

While the beauty of Niagara Falls is undeniable, the surrounding towns felt a bit rundown, and gas prices were high. Still, the experience was worth it, and my daughter declared it one of her favorite adventures from our three-year full-time RV journey.

Moreau Lake State Park

Our next stop brought us to Moreau Lake State Park, a campground surrounded by natural beauty. This was dry camping only, so we had to plan accordingly, but the trade-off was worth it. 

The park features a lovely beach with lifeguards and a scenic trail around the lake, which we walked daily. 

Be sure to pack bug spray, though—the mosquitoes were relentless!

Saratoga Springs

 

The park’s proximity to Saratoga Springs made it an ideal base for exploring this charming town, known for its historic horse racing. The day before the race, we strolled the walkable downtown area, rode the free trolley, and stopped by the visitor center to get the inside scoop on must-see spots.

Unfortunately, race day didn’t go as planned—we ran into some RV plumbing issues and had to miss the big event. Thankfully, my in-laws, RaeMa and Pop, still got to go, and we made up for it the next day with a celebratory meal at The Long Horn Restaurant & Pub. 

Tip: try the pulled pork—it’s a must!

Afterward, we spent our last evening playing Canasta and saying our goodbyes, wrapping up this leg of our adventure on a high note.

Overall Experience

From the grandeur of Niagara Falls to the peaceful trails at Moreau Lake, upstate New York left us with memories to last a lifetime. This region offers a little something for everyone—thrilling outdoor adventures, quaint towns, and even a dose of productivity for those on the road. Whether you’re navigating low bridges or battling mosquitoes, the beauty and charm of this area make it all worthwhile.

Would I go back? Absolutely! Upstate New York has a way of drawing you in, and I can’t wait to see what it holds for our next visit.

Psalm 42:7 (AMP)

Deep calls to deep at the [thundering] sound of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.

Context

• In this psalm, written by the sons of Korah, we hear the raw emotion of a soul in spiritual drought, struggling with separation from God’s presence.

• The psalmist describes feeling overwhelmed by the relentless waves of life’s challenges, much like the thunderous roar of a waterfall crashing against the rocks below. 

• The phrase “deep calls to deep” beautifully captures the feeling of one wave of difficulty crashing into the next—“when it rains, it pours.” 

• Yet, even in this chaos, God’s sovereignty stands as an unwavering anchor. Amid the turmoil, there’s a deeper longing—an aching desire to be reunited with God in His presence.

• This longing, this “deep calling to deep,” is more than just a cry of distress. It’s also an invitation to spiritually reach for the depths of God’s love and grace. 

• The psalmist’s overwhelming situation serves as a reminder to us all that in our own struggles, God’s presence is not only near, but His power is even greater than our circumstances. 

• Though our storms may feel unrelenting, God’s waves of peace and His unfailing love are just as real.

Reflection

Reflecting on this, I can’t help but to think about my conversation with Scott earlier today, where we talked about how it feels like when it rains, it pours. 

Our trip to California was filled with unexpected challenges: my dad’s extended hospital stay, health concerns still unresolved, a breakdown with our truck and trailer, and now a costly repair we didn’t anticipate. 

In moments like these, I too feel the weight of the psalmist’s cry. Yet, despite the storm, there is an underlying peace that God is present, He will provide, and His strength is made perfect in my weakness.


I am reminded of God’s faithfulness through it all:

• He saved my dad’s life by catching and removing a clot in his lungs. 

• He protected us during our breakdown, sending new friends who drove 100 miles to tow us to safety. 

• Upon our return, we were welcomed home with a car parked in front of our house to use for as long as we need.

Along with the simple but meaningful gift of Christmas lights adorning our porch. 

It’s these little things—His faithfulness in the small moments—that remind me He is always with us.

Let’s hold on to the truth that God’s love and provision are unshakable, and even in the chaos, He is with us, ready to calm the storms.

Prayer

Father, 

In the midst of our trials, help us to trust in Your constant presence. Thank You for Your provision and peace. We lean on You today, knowing You will never fail us.

 In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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