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Cities & Regions: New York City | Long Island | Western New York State | Adirondacks | Hudson Valley and the Catskills

To many New York City is New York State, but there is much more to this historic and scenically diverse state than the Big Apple. Within an hour's drive visitors can find the beaches of Long Island or escape to the Catskill Mountains to fish, hike or ski. A little further north, on the Hudson River, is the state capital Albany, which is a good base from which to explore 'upstate' New York. In the centre of the state the solitude of the Adirondacks region can be found - home to some of the highest and most dramatic mountains in the eastern United States, attracting the energetic with a range of activities including hiking, skiing, horse riding and mountain biking.

On the border with Canada, between Lakes Ontario and Erie is possibly the country's most spectacular natural attraction, and certainly the most popular - the Niagara Falls. Located midway between Niagara Falls and New York City are the Finger Lakes, which despite being within 200 miles (322km) of the city remain one of the most unspoilt vacation areas in the USA, renowned for their picturesque lakes, wineries and lush forests.