Updated September 19, 2023

Is upstate New York safe to visit? Many people in New York City are looking for an adventure — or at least a change of scenery. So, we asked some upstate locals about safety in their hometowns. They helped us create this guide! 

Safety in upstate New York

Is upstate New York safe? Historically, this region is extremely safe. Upstate is populated with small towns and beautiful swaths of nature. It attracts families, hikers, and people from NYC looking to escape the city for a few days. Regarding safety, locals say:

• Do your research about hikes: One of the best things to do in upstate New York is hiking! You’ll find some fantastic trails here. But be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into — some hikes are popular and can get packed.
• Don’t drink and drive: You’ll find tons of great breweries (hi, Hudson Valley Brewing!, wineries, and distilleries upstate. Pace yourself, and if you’re too drunk to drive, call a cab or an Uber.

Is Upstate New York safe for solo travelers?

Solo travel has always been a fantastic way to explore the world — but it’s really having a moment during the age of social distancing. Here’s what locals should say solo travelers should know about visiting upstate New York:

Be safe on hikes: Let someone know where you’re hiking. Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. If you’re going on a hike that’s more off-the-beaten-path, you may also want to invest in bear spray (just in case!)

• Know your transportation options: Transportation in New York City makes it easy to zip upstate from Manhattan. You can hop on a train or bus to get to many towns along the Hudson River. But you may want to rent a car if you’re looking to explore more than once place.

Overall, upstate is a great place to explore as a solo traveler!

Is it ok for people from New York City to travel upstate?

What do locals upstate think about people from the city coming to visit? As cases shrink across the state — even NYC is safer and safer — upstate locals are more comfortable with out-of-town visitors.

That being said, anyone visiting should be conscientious. Planning a trip to upstate is a great thing for New Yorkers to do, but make sure you respect the new guidelines around the coronavirus.