Soaring

You'll notice first the silence, then perhaps the wind when you are airborne in a motorless sail-plane. Experienced glider pilots will take you for a ride or give you soaring lessons. On a clear day you can see from New York City to Montauk.

In the Catskills, Wurtsboro Flight Service, Inc. (914/888-2791) in Wurtsboro flies over the oldest soaring site in America. With more than 60 planes, the company offers tours and lesson programs year-round.

Take a scenic flight over Mark Twain country in Elmira. Harris Hill Soaring (607/734-0641) offers soaring rides over Chemung County's rolling, grassy terrain. Lessons are offered in Elmira at the Schweitzer Soaring School (607/739-3821).

Whether you are new to the experience or an established soaring enthusiast, you will love the National Soaring Museum (607/734-3128) in Elmira. The museum houses the world's largest exhibit of fully assembled classic and contemporary sailplanes and historic gliders. There are also history and science exhibits of flying from the Wright Brothers to space shuttles. Enjoy WWII gliders, cockpit simulator sailplane rides and hourly films.