United States

Big Flats

Big Flats

Big Flats is a town located in Chemung County, New York, United States. It is situated in the Southern Tier region of the state and covers…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Hiking travelers
  • Wine Tasting travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Big Flats is a strong pick for hiking & wine tasting — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 90/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈12.2 km span)

37 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Fall

50°F - 70°F

Spring

50°F - 70°F

Summer

70°F - 90°F

Winter

20°F - 40°F

How to get there

How to reach Big Flats in United States

Big Flats is a town located in the state of New York, United States. Here are a few ways to reach Big Flats:

By Air:

The nearest major airport to Big Flats is the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport (ELM), which is approximately 5 miles away from the town. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Big Flats.

By Car:

If you are driving from nearby cities, you can reach Big Flats via several major highways. If you are coming from the east, you can take Interstate 86 (Southern Tier Expressway) and exit at Big Flats (Exit 49). If you are coming from the west, you can take Interstate 86 and exit at Horseheads (Exit 53) to reach Big Flats.

By Train:

Although Big Flats does not have its own train station, you can take an Amtrak train to the nearby city of Elmira. From there, you can either rent a car or take a taxi to reach Big Flats, which is approximately 7 miles away.

By Bus:

There are several bus services available that connect Big Flats with other cities. You can check with Greyhound or other regional bus companies for schedules and routes.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, Big Flats offers a variety of attractions and scenic spots to explore. Enjoy your visit!

Getting to know Big Flats

Big Flats is a town located in Chemung County, New York, United States. It is situated in the Southern Tier region of the state and covers an area of approximately 44 square miles. The town is bordered by the Chemung River to the south and the town of Horseheads to the east. Big Flats is a part of the Elmira Metropolitan Statistical Area and is home to a population of around 7,731 residents.

The town of Big Flats offers a picturesque landscape with rolling hills, lush greenery, and scenic views. The Chemung River, which runs through the town, provides opportunities for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. The town is also known for its numerous parks and nature preserves, including the Big Flats Community Park and the Harris Hill State Forest, which attract both locals and visitors alike.

In addition to its natural beauty, Big Flats is a vibrant community with a diverse range of amenities and attractions. The town is home to several shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, providing residents with convenient access to a wide array of services. The town also has a strong sense of community, with various local events and festivals held throughout the year, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Don't forget sunscreen
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking
  • Try local wineries for unique tasting experiences

Places worth exploring

37 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Hotels nearby

Stays around Big Flats — sorted so you can pick quickly.

Listings update over time — confirm availability before you book.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Big Flats?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Big Flats, United States.

When is the best time to visit Big Flats?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Big Flats?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Big Flats good for?

Big Flats suits Hiking, Wine Tasting, Nature Exploration.

Is Big Flats walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Big Flats?

Don't forget sunscreen

Build your trip

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Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Big Flats → Horseheads → Horseheads North · ≈10 km
  • Big Flats → Horseheads North → Horseheads · ≈12 km
  • Big Flats → Horseheads → Elmira Heights · ≈12 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

Horseheads

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7.3 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Moderate

Horseheads is a small town located in the southern part of New York State, United States. Situated in Chemung County, it is part of the Elm…

Elmira Heights

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8.2 km · Best: Summer · 3-5 days · Compact

Elmira Heights is a quaint village nestled in Chemung County, New York, United States. Situated in the southern part of the state, Elmira H…

Horseheads North

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