Name: NY State Parks Explorer
Rating: 3.84746 (59 reviews)

User Reviews for NY State Parks Explorer

3.85 out of 5

59 Ratings

3 years ago, Dave9284

Solid but needs improvement!

Overall the app 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 the app!

3 months ago, tontobikermd

Not bad. I’m getting what I need from this app.

They listen to customer input. This is the IT department for NYS, guys. The GPS wasn’t registering that I was inside park boundary and wouldn’t let me find my location on both the live map and the downloadable file. I called the number “in the back”, he passed it on to the appropriate place and within 1-2 weeks, or the next time I went to the park the gps correctly placed me and I was able to orientate myself and figure out how the trails were setup. There’s plenty of apps out there but this one is free and I can use it at Art Roscoe and DLSP. If you’re reading this, IT department of the NYS government, thanks much.

3 years ago, fabled27

Empire pass

I have been so frustrated with this and unable to add my empire pass to the app. Finally got it to work by deleting the app and adding it again, which brought up a box to allow the app 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.

2 years ago, cjp7417

App Seems to get Worse Over Time

I can’t search in the app anymore, not sure if they took that feature out or if it’s a bug fix but it’s been like that for awhile now. I have several parks favorited and those are the only parks I can see that aren’t featured on the first dashboard. The app freezes and doesn’t let me scroll so often it’s frustrating and all together resulting in getting rid of the app. The app used to work great for me, I used it mainly to find state parks close to me/their trail maps but it hasn’t been a good app since last year at the least.

1 year ago, krasnias

What Happened?

We used this app a lot last summer and it was very helpful. Went to use it today and it's wonky. When I click on one park, I get another. We can't click into some of the parks. There are hazardous symbols on some parks but it doesn't say why. It's too bad. I really liked this app.

4 years ago, IBM i guy.

“Where have you been!”

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.

4 weeks ago, Preeti1995

Excellent App!!!

I started using this app recently and it is very helpful and gives all the information regarding parks. Even gets notification if any park is closed. I enjoy using live maps in this app. I even stored my empire pass in the wallet. It is helpful. Thank you!!

2 years ago, MrPetkus

Set camera permissions for wallet feature

Originally left a 1 star because I couldn’t add empire pass to the in-app wallet. Normally an app would request permission to access the camera but this didn’t. Eventually figured it out

4 weeks ago, Faithlola

App Doesn’t function

Got this app to add my empire pass to and cannot even get past the Home Screen due to it’s technical issues. This app DOES NOT work it consistently freezes or has an updating loading symbol no matter how many times I redownload or reopen the app I haven’t even been able to use it due to this. Can’t believe they put out this app extremely disappointing and not functional

1 month ago, Dev@lovingit

I enjoy use this app

I am a kind of person who always visit parks and explore new things. I love this app and enjoy using it every time and it is very helpful. Thank you for making this app. I am loving it.

4 years ago, Easy2Fall

Great new ideas!

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!

3 years ago, The Last Word

Good…could be great

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 the app. 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!

3 years ago, hehsuegejsyd

Wallet feature doesn’t work

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!

4 years ago, Lokithehusky

The App Wallet section is pointless!

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 this app. He said they need the card in person. So we left and drove an hour home. I immediately deleted the app because the main purpose for the app 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

3 months ago, Disappointed Eli

Was a wonderful app but new update make it broken

Loved the app and highly recommended it to others until there was an update which broke the app. I have deleted and reinstalled multiple times but am just met with a perpetual loading screen that never finishes. Unable to use the app I love and it’s a shame.

4 months ago, nicolemarie251

Doesn’t work

This app has never been the best but now it’s fully useless. It used to randomly delete my pass last year. This year it would just constantly load so I deleted it and redownload it. Now it doesn’t even respond. It tells me to swipe and nothing happens. I’ve tried deleting it and redownloading it a few times and still nothing

4 months ago, SuperDewa

App is broken

Opened up the app for the first time in a few months this morning. It was stuck on a screen about watching a video and I couldn’t do anything. I tried a few times and then deleted the app and redownloaded. Now it’s stuck on the first screen—tells me to swipe but I can’t.

5 months ago, SpeedRocker13

Very poor functionality

First, should be able to add Empire Pass to Apple wallet like every other decent app instead of only in this app. Second it works fine on current iPhone iOS but can’t even swipe through intro screens on iPod touch iOS 15 that’s supposed to be supported. I wanted to use iPod touch that’s always connected in the car for music but app is useless.

4 weeks ago, KjbkfdbkjsbgrkjDB,d

Not working

App was always glitchy but I updated hoping this update would fix it. Now my screen says updating and has been like this for almost 2 weeks and I can’t access my Empire pass or literally anything else in the app it’s completely broken. Also what is with the random 5 star reviews written by robots?

4 years ago, Hockrockgutrot

I Like the Explorer and park maps

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”

3 years ago, urgirlkashmoney

Add card feature not working

Got the app 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.

4 months ago, My time was wasted

Completely unusable, freezes at intro screen

“Swipe to continue” would be nice if the app didn’t immediately freeze halfway thru the swipe so that I could get through the introduction and actually log in and use it. Tried restarting the app, deleting & downloaded again, and restarting the whole phone.

4 weeks ago, sara8909

not loading

i love this app but i just downloaded the update and now the app will not open. it’s stuck on a screen that says “app is updating” but it’s been 3 days. Not sure what to do about it since this is where my state park pass is stored and now i can’t access it.

1 month ago, Rohit@97

Very nice app

The app is very useful and helpful for me. I use it every time whenever I go to the park and explore and plan accordingly. Thank you!

1 month ago, rjnsn

I love this app

I am really enjoying going to parks and I use this app very often and it is very helpful for me. Thank you

4 months ago, Caitlin Ladey

Can’t even get past opening page

I just bought the lifetime empire pass for a lot of money. In order to use the pass I have to open it up in the app. I downloaded the app and when I get to the opening page it says to swipe to get started but it won’t let me swipe. Do better

4 years ago, goyanks007

Way better than the old Oh Ranger app

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

4 years ago, Travelin' Lisa

Amazing app!

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.

6 months ago, Kobkob333

Needs Apple Wallet Support

They need to add the ability to add your Empire Pass to your Apple Wallet. Much easier than opening and navigating through the app when entering a park.

4 years ago, J-man 34

Adding Empire pass

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

4 months ago, gil12345

Finally got it to work!

For all of us who had an endless loading screen. Just delete the app and reinstall. Worked for me. I can access my renewed empire pass now. 😄

1 month ago, Vaibhav171

Great app

I love using this app. Thank you making it. It is informative.

4 months ago, DangRabbit

Broken - Can’t access my pass (or anything)

The app needs to be fixed… it isn’t working at all so I can’t access my 5-year pass. PLEASE FIX! (It stays stuck on a screen about watching a video and then crashes)

8 months ago, youeyg96

Endlessly Loading

Thanks for the update! All it’s doing now is endlessly loading nothing and I can’t select anything! Can’t even view the empire pass I got! Thanks for the useless update that wrecked the app! You pricks

1 year ago, Bangkokdangerous520

Deleted my Empire Pass

The app spontaneously removed my Empire Pass, making it totally useless to me. I’m still going to have to bring my physical pass with me just to make sure I can get into parks without issue.

4 months ago, Jkkatyee

Please fix the app

Please fix this app! It freezes every time I open it. I’ve tried uninstalling, updating my phone, etc and it does not work.

4 months ago, Gsherlis

Application hangs

I have the latest software 16.7.8 on my iPhone X. Application starts but does not respond on any action. Bad testing! I am very disappointed as I can’t use the digital pass anymore.

4 years ago, RookiePaleoCookie

Where are the Catskill parks?

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

4 years ago, Mallary K

Does not work

Downloaded this app 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.

5 months ago, allthegoodnicknamesaretaken50

App crashes before it can fully open with new update

Can’t access pass please fix

2 months ago, Jimtheboy1975

Bad update

Thanks. With the update, all it does is say “app is updating” when I open it. Can’t access my empire pass anymore. Really great work. 🤦🏻‍♂️

5 months ago, 👏👏😊sarah

Doesn’t work

I cannot swipe past the first page

4 years ago, BelminNur

Not bad, needs fixes

Unable to add my empire pass.

3 months ago, Maelperrier

Can’t swipe past the first screen

The app won’t even let me swipe past the initial screen to add my Empire pass. Useless.

4 months ago, LgurlJ14

Can’t swipe

Unable to access the app. Tells me to swipe but nothing is happening

3 months ago, JesusHaBurgerToes

Broken

Doesn’t even load anymore.

6 months ago, REV1EW

Used to be good

Won’t load, endless crashing. Can’t even access pass. Please fixxxxxxx

4 years ago, bjames2223

Awesome app!

This app rocks! Super helpful and easy to use!

4 years ago, John djolevic

Where’s the Adirondacks

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

5 months ago, LimeGreenYeti

Broken

The app won’t load. Constant crashing.

Description

From the oceanfront shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, more than 250 parks, historic sites, trails, golf courses, boat launches, and campgrounds are just a few taps away. With the New York State Parks Explorer App, you can plan getaways, explore favorite regions and discover new adventures and cultural gems with easy access to enhanced trail mapping, must-sees, things to know before you go, apparel and merchandise, and regularly updated information including special events and alerts. Discover your next adventure, download the NY State Explorer app today. Key highlights and recent enhancements include: • Users can discover new must-see locations with rotating curated content, and will enjoy quick access to park information, including directions, hours, fees and rates, trail maps, and helpful know-before-you-go details; • Empire Pass holders have the option to digitally add their pass to the wallet within the NYS Explorer app. • Expansion of the search function so that visitors can search for parks and historic sites from multiple regions at a time. • Link directly to online camping reservations to book a stay, and • The option to favorite select properties to receive important updates and real-time alerts. Interactive map elements now provide visitors: • Easier wayfinding: When the user's mobile device's location services are turned "on", visitors can easily follow along with where they are on the map; • The ability to zoom in on and around each map to learn more about the facility; • Information about trails, park features, and amenities by simply tapping on a trail or icon; • Trail segment distance; and • The ability to change base layers in live maps from satellite view, simple street view, or topography.