Urban Exploration in New York
New York — The Empire State
New York State offers extraordinary urbex from world-famous NYC sites to upstate industrial ruins. The state's transformation from manufacturing powerhouse to service economy left behind countless factories, asylums, and infrastructure across the Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, and Rust Belt cities.
About New York Urbex
New York urbex spans diverse environments: NYC provides legendary subway tunnels and institutional buildings; Buffalo features massive grain elevators and industrial complexes; upstate offers abandoned asylums, prisons, and Catskills resorts; and smaller cities throughout the state contain forgotten factories and commercial districts from the manufacturing era.
Types of Abandoned Places in New York
- Industrial waterfront and canal infrastructure
- Adirondack ghost towns and iron mining
- Catskills resort ruins (Borscht Belt)
- Institutional buildings (asylums, prisons)
- NYC subway and transit infrastructure
- Great Lakes port facilities
- Textile and manufacturing mills
Best Regions for Urban Exploration
Buffalo (industrial, grain elevators)
Hudson Valley (factories, infrastructure)
Catskills (resorts, rural)
Adirondacks (mining, logging)
New York City (transit, institutional)
Explore New York by City
Discover urban exploration opportunities in major New York cities. Each city page includes detailed information about local urbex sites, history, and what to expect.
Legal & Safety Information
New York has variable trespassing enforcement. Urban areas typically have strict security, while rural sites may be less protected. Many historic asylums and institutional buildings are heavily patrolled. Always research site status and local laws.
Always prioritize safety and legality. Research locations thoroughly before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best urbex locations in New York?
New York offers exceptional urbex from NYC's abandoned subway stations to Buffalo's grain elevators, Catskills resort ruins, and upstate asylums. Notable sites include Kings Park Psychiatric Center, Letchworth Village, and numerous industrial sites along the Hudson Valley.
Can I explore abandoned buildings in NYC?
Many NYC abandoned sites are heavily secured and illegal to enter. Focus on documented urban exploration with permission, or visit preserved sites during official tours. The city has strict trespassing enforcement.
Where are New York's ghost towns?
New York ghost towns include Adirondack mining communities, flooded reservoir towns, and abandoned Catskills resorts from the Borscht Belt era. Many require hiking to reach and are in remote locations.
Getting Started with New York Urban Exploration
Ready to explore New York? Start by browsing our interactive map to see locations across the state. Filter by category to find industrial sites, ghost towns, or historic buildings. Join our community to connect with local explorers and learn about the best spots to visit safely and legally.