NY State Parks Explorer Reviews

by Rahhdcnju

Curious as to why Adirondacks region is not “searchable” on NYStateParksExplorer ? It’s the best part of NY.....

by John Djolevic

Why is the Adirondacks not showing up on the search button? That’s why I downloaded NYStateParksExplorer . Please fix

by Lokithehusky

Drove an hour to one of the locations with my wife, 1yr old, and Husky and the park ranger would not except my empire pass thru NYStateParksExplorer. He said they need the card in person. So we left and drove an hour home. I immediately deleted NYStateParksExplorer because the main purpose for NYStateParksExplorer for me was so I don’t have to carry the card in my wallet.

FYI- Keep the Empire pass in your actual wallet. I hope this does not happen to anyone else

by Mallary K

Downloaded NYStateParksExplorer to put my NYS empire pass in my wallet. Every time to scan card to add it to wallet app glitches and goes back to landing page.

by Urgirlkashmoney

Got NYStateParksExplorer primarily to add my empire pass, but the ads card feature is not working at all. Forces you to take a picture, but only a poorly placed “cancel” button is available making it impossible to upload my card.

by Hockrockgutrot

However, I downloaded this so I could have a digital copy of my Empire pass on hand but the wallet does let me add my pass. It’s just a blank black screen when I click “add existing pass”

by BelminNur

Unable to add my empire pass.

by J-man 34

Not able to add pass, takes photo but then says wallet in empty 😞

by Dave9284

Overall NYStateParksExplorer is solid. Overall layout could use a update as it seems a bit dated. The basic info provided on each park is good but simple, although again could be a bit more polished ascetically. Empire pass ability is awesome and easy to use! Although the ability to add Empire pass to wallet on iPhone would be nice. There are many improvements that can be made though.

Would highly recommended looking at the National Parks app for some inspiration (overall layout of app, parks visited checklist, interactive maps (showing top attractions, trails, restrooms, etc), offline ability, lists for easier planning of visits, etc)

Must improve map showing all parks in NY and all park maps in general (pdf external link just doesn’t make the cut). Current option of simply selecting by region for all parks leaves much to be desired. The ability of zooming in on location and seeing what’s around would be much easier.

Love NY Parks and look forward to seeing improvements in the parks and on NYStateParksExplorer !

by Hehsuegejsyd

I have had app for over year and wallet feature still isn’t working. Also, what happened to Staff’s Picks. I liked being able to see those recommendations!

by The Last Word

Many people saying there issue with uploading the empire pass to the wallet. Flip the card…let your camera see the QR code…boom will save to the wallet in NYStateParksExplorer . My beef is I can’t then add The Empire Pass to my Apple wallet like I did with the NYS Excelsior pass. Want all my cards in one digital wallet…not my empire pass in a stand alone digital wallet!

by Fabled27

I have been so frustrated with this and unable to add my empire pass to NYStateParksExplorer . Finally got it to work by deleting NYStateParksExplorer and adding it again, which brought up a box to allow NYStateParksExplorer access to my camera. It would be nice if the state parks feature also included DEC parks and campgrounds as we are in the adirondacks and visit a lot of DEC campgrounds. Not just the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation areas.

by RookiePaleoCookie

Beautiful app... but the Catskills are not included in the filter feature of the search.

by Travelin' Lisa

Who knew there were so many state parks in NY?! Very informative. Love the amenities feature to find the perfect one. Excited to start exploring them all.

by Goyanks007

Much improved from the previous Oh Ranger app that was not updated in five years.

by Bjames2223

NYStateParksExplorer rocks! Super helpful and easy to use!

by Easy2Fall

Great design, I got so many new suggestions and discovered new places to go. I understand that the Adirondacks are not included because they are under a different agency. Seeing other options is really great way to expand my horizons!

by IBM I Guy.

Just downloaded it and was scrolling through the apps. Very nice.

But to my subject line. You should have a “check in”.. the “been there, done that” view. Nice that you have the favorites but tracking and “checking in” would be great.

Also, might have users submit more local suggestions that you can review for accuracy. Did a hike south of Albany the other day. Small preserve with about 5-7 miles of trails but super remote.( Keleher Preserve). If I was In the area and search for beginner/intermediate hikes, would be a great local resource.

I realize that’s a some overlap with other hiking apps but still would be useful.

Otherwise, looks like a very good start.