Green Lake State Park | NYC’s Emerald Escape 🛶💚

Need glacier-made magic just 4 hours from NYC? Green Lake = milky jade waters + kayak serenity + hikes that Instagram dreams of. Here’s the unfiltered guide: 🌊 Must-Do Adventures 🛶 Kayak Rentals (★★★★★) • $25/hour = glass-flat paddling (book by noon or cry). 🏊 Swim Zone (★★★★☆) • Lifeguarded splash spot = no showers (pack wet bags). 🍁 Fall Foliage (★★★★★) • September hikes = fire-red maples + teal water. Hot Take: That "is this CGI?" water color? Real. 🚗 Road Trip Hacks ⏰ Arrive by 10 AM = parking + kayaks secured. 💰 $10/car = steal (cash/credit both work). 🍔 Pack lunch = burger stand = sad. Pro Tip: Water shoes = rocky beach saviors. 🧪 Science Nerd Bonus 💧 Why so green? • Limestone + calcium = nature’s emerald filter. 🦠 Safe to swim? • Algae monitored = toxin-free splashes (still don’t drink it). Q: Team Kayak or Team Hike? #NYCEscape #UpstateNY #HiddenLakes