Promote your business by advertising on our popular State Parks page. When looking for a beautiful park with many activities such as: boating, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, ice-skating, picnicking, and swimming look here.
Wampus Pond Park, 102-acres in size, is located at Route 128, Armonk NY 10504, Westchester County. Wampus Pond is named after the Indian from whom this land was bought in 1696. Wampus Pond means “opossum". A recent cultural resources inventory performed by Parker Harrington indicates that early 20th century rock shelters, several Native American artifacts and remnants of historically significant residential developments were found within or near the park.
The natural pond, at one time known as Wampus Lake Reservoir, was once part of the New York City water supply. In 1963 the County bought Wampus pond and 93-acres from the City of New York.
Things To Do Boating Boat Rental (summer weekends) Fishing Ice-Skating Nature Study Picnicking
Beaver Dam Sanctuary Park, off Harris Road, is located in the hamlet of Bedford Hills NY 10507, Westchester County. Beaver Dam Park is one of several parks in the municipality of Bedford.
Things To Do Hiking and Walking Trails Natural Areas
Bedford Hills Park is located in the hamlet of Bedford Hills. It is one of several parks in the municipality of Bedford. For all year fun and activities, enjoy the many activities available at Bedford Hills Park. In the hot days of summer, go swimming. In the winter, enjoy ice-skating. Year-round, play baseball, basketball, go fishing, hiking and more at Bedford Hills Park.
Things To Do at Bedford Hill Park Baseball Basketball Fishing Nature Area Playground Picnicking Shelter Soccer Softball Swimming Pools Tennis Walking Trails
Bedford Village Memorial Park is located in the beautiful hamlet of Bedford Village. It is one of several parks in the municipality of Bedford that offer Summer Day Camp programs and many other activities.
Things To Do at Bedford Park Baseball Basketball Fishing Football Ice Skating Paddle Tennis Picnicking Playground Shelter Soccer Softball Summer Day Camp Swimming Pools Tennis
Indian Hill Park, a passive park, is located in Bedford NY 10506, Westchester County. Indian Hill Park is accessible from Paddock Lane in Bedford Village. It is one of several parks in the municipality of Bedford offering walking trails and natural areas.
Click to enlarge picture of "Croton Gorge Spillway"
Croton Gorge Park, a 97-acre property, is located at Route 129, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10520 in Westchester County. The Park is located at the base of the New Croton Dam, and affords impressive views of the dam and spillway.
The Croton River begins here. The bridge that spans the Croton River offers beautiful views of the spectacular spillway.
Click to enlarge picture of "Croton Gorge Park - Water Views".
"The Old Croton Dam, built to supply New York City with water, was the first large masonry dam in the United States. Completed in 1842, it was the prototype for many municipal water supply dams in the east during the mid-nineteenth century. The city’s needs, however, soon outgrew the Croton Dam water supply.
"Consequently, work began on the New Croton Dam, also called the Cornell Dam because of its location on land purchased from A.B. Cornell, in 1893. Completed in 1907, the Cornell Dam stands over 200 feet high. The Croton Reservoir has a capacity of about 34 billion gallons of water with a watershed covering 177 square miles." Source: Westchestergov.com
Click to enlarge picture of "Croton Dam Plaza Lookout".
Visit Croton Gorge Park. The park offers many activities such as fishing, picnicking, biking, and hiking trails (with direct trail access to New York State’s Old Croton Aqueduct). Croton Gorge Park is also available for winter activities such as cross-country skiing and sledding.
Click to enlarge picture of the falls at Croton Dam Plaza
Enjoy walking, picnicking, ball fields, and spectacular views of the spillway from the base of Croton Dam Plaza. A playground for small children is available just a short walk from this spot.
Press blue button for more information about the New Croton Dam at Croton Gorge Park. Learn more about the history of the Old Croton Dam.
Things To Do at Croton Gorge Park Ball Fields Biking Trails Fishing Hiking Trails / Walking Nature Study Picnicking Playground Restrooms
Winter Activities Cross-Country Skiing Sledding
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Teatown Lake Reservation is located at 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562 in Westchester County. Teatown is located in the hills and highlands of New York’s Hudson Valley. This bioregion includes parts of five counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange. Nearly 80% of the region lies east of the Hudson River in Westchester and Putnam counties. About 785,000 people share the 936-square-mile area with a rich diversity of habitats, plant and animals. The nationally-acclaimed Hudson River Estuary and majestic Hudson Highlands form the region’s backbone.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a nonprofit, environmental organization with an 834-acre nature preserve and education center located in the Lower Hudson Valley in the Towns of Yorktown, Cortlandt, and New Castle, New York.
Located in the heart of the Lower Hudson Valley’s Hudson Hills and Highlands bioregion, Teatown is the largest nonprofit nature preserve in Westchester County. About 28,000 people come each year to attend an education program, visit the Nature Center, hike our trails, or tour Wildflower Island, a two-acre island sanctuary located within Teatown Lake that is home to over 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers.
Teatown’s educators offer adult, family and children’s programs to over 18,000 participants annually, including nearly 9,000 school children and 700 summer campers. Annually, over 10,000 hikers traverse Teatown's 15 miles of scenic trails that span abundant fields, mixed forests, lakes, streams, swamps and farm land.
Things To Do at Teatown Lake Reservation Children's Events Diverse Habitats Hiking Trails (15 miles) Nature Center Outdoor Animal Exhibits Wildflower Island - over 230 native species of wildflowers
Hudson Highlands Gateway Park Cortlandt, Westchester County Hudson River Valley, New York State
This 352-acre park is one of the last large undeveloped land parcels in Westchester County.
Hudson Highlands Gateway Park, threatened twice by dense residential development, was protected in 1998 when a coalition of more than 35 groups representing homeowners, the community, government agencies and several environmental organizations united to preserve this 352-acre site. The Coalition to Preserve the Hudson Highlands Gateway raised $6 million to buy the parcel. In May 2000, The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, the Town of Cortlandt and Westchester County purchased the property.
Things To Do The park features a network of 4 trails, totaling more than 4.9 miles, rambling through woodlands, meadows and around ponds and offers several options for scenic loop hikes including a one-mile loop that is partly handicap accessible.
Hiking / Walking Trails Nature Study Scenic Views
Directions Off Route 9 in Annsville, take Highland Avenue and turn left on Sprout Brook Road. Two parking areas are available; one is temporarily shared with Sprout Brook Park, 0.3 miles from the intersection of Sprout Brook Road and Highland Avenue, just past and on the same side as the athletic fields. Cross road and enter park through the gap in guardrail. Universally accessible parking area is at the end or Doris Lee Drive. Park on gravel in front of fence.
Click to enlarge picture of "Entrance to Ward Pound Reservation".
The Trailside Nature Museum is located at 6 Reservation Road, (Junction of Routes 35 and 121 South), Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY 10518 in Westchester County. The Museum is owned and operated by Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. The museum was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and is one of the oldest interpretive nature centers in the United States.
Click to enlarge pictures of "Ward Pound Ridge - Biodiversity Reserve Area" sign.
The sign reads: On February 15, 2001 The Westchester County Parks Board designated Ward Pound Ridge Reservation a Biodiversity Reserve Area for the protection of wildlife habitat.
Click to enlarge pictures of "Important Bird Area" sign.
The sign reads: Important Bird Area This site is part of a global network of places recognized for their outstanding value to bird conservation Audubon
"The museum exhibits specimen birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, minerals, American Indian artifacts, and also houses the Delaware Indian Resource Center. Nature interpretive programs are offered weekly.
"The museum hosts thousands of school children and scouts each year for a variety of educational programs including stream study, American Indian culture, maple sugaring, and badge work. Family-oriented nature programs are scheduled for the general public on nearly every weekend.
"The Trailside Nature Museum is also the home of the Delaware Indian Research Center, a vast collection of books and artifacts concerning American Indians, especially the Delaware. The Research Center is well utilized by both students and educators and has assisted several authors in researching their publications. The Research Center is open to the public by appointment.
"During the summer months, butterfly and moth hatcheries are maintained inside the museum for a close look at the miracle of metamorphosis. Be sure to go butterflying at the outside demonstration butterfly garden which attracts parades of butterflies. The brochure Butterflies of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation lists 83 species that have been seen on the grounds.
"Birds of field and forest abound throughout the year. Birds of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation contain a checklist of the 184 species recorded in the park to date.
"In addition, there is a one-half acre wildflower garden containing more than 80 different kinds of labeled wildflowers. There are several self-guided nature trails – directions and pamphlets are available in the museum."
Press blue button for hours, programs and activities, Wildflower Garden, Delaware Indian Center, Biodiversity Research, Arts in the Park, and more about the Trailside Nature Museum in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation at The Friends of the Trailside Nature Museum and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Things To Do at Trailside Nature Museum Art Gallery (Located in historic Benedict Homestead) Biodiversity Research Bird Watching Birthday Parties (Educational programs offered as birthday parties for any age.) Educational Programs Fishing (Catch & Release - Artificial lures only) Hiking Trails (35 miles of hiking trails) Nature Programs Picnicking ( Self Guided Nature Trails Souvenir Shop Trailside Nature Museum Wildflower Garden
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, a 4,315-acre park, is the largest park in Westchester County. The park is divided in area between the towns of Pound Ridge and Lewisboro. The northern one-third of the park is in Lewisboro and the remaining two-thirds of the park are in Pound Ridge.
Click to enlarge picture of "Visitor Center at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation".
As you drive into the park and up to the main entrance booth, you'll see the visitor center on your right and the Art Center a short distance ahead, on your left.
Ward Pound Ridge Park offers different landscapes and scenic views throughout its 4,315 acres. You'll find open terrain, woods, meadows of open fields sprinkled with wild flowers, fallen trees, old barns, and open space.
Click to enlarge picture of the main road in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
The park offers different landscapes during the seasons. Whether you visit the park in spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will experience the natural landscape and beauty of Ward Pound Ridge with its wetlands, wooded areas, places to cross-country ski, and fabulous fishing spots. Park attractions also include camping sites, playgrounds for younger kids, the Trailside Nature Museum and more.
Click to enlarge picture of "Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area".
Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area is the perfect spot to go bird watching, fishing, hiking, or relax with a picnic as you enjoy the serenity of the brook.
Ward Pound Ridge is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, that hosts weekend nature interpretive programs, and the Art in Parks program, where exhibitions of work by accomplished regional artists are held throughout the year.
Ward Pound Ridge offers hiking trails, fishing spots (catch & release), birding, nature trails, and vistas for the photographer, painter, and nature lover. Depending on where you are in the park, given the large size of Ward Pound Ridge, you can experience the park in many different ways.
With its varied terrain, landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, and two playgrounds for younger children. The park is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.
Hiking Trails Ward Pound Ridge offers approximately 35 miles of hiking trails among meadows, woods, wetlands, and cross-country ski areas. Hiking trails are available for beginners, intermediate, or advanced hikers.
"You could easily while away a couple of days on the trails here and still not see the entire park. Its sublime scenery is a marvelous medley of hardwood forests, glacial ridges, lowland bogs, granite outcroppings and high-rising bluffs, with a couple of ravines, a river, and a far-reaching viewpoint as added attractions. The main trails are wide and very popular with family groups, while many narrower routes provide a more rugged experience. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest preserve in the Westchester County Parks system . . . It is also the most beautiful of the county's parks, where litter on the ground is as rare as candy in a dentist's office, and the camping shelters (stone lean-tos constructed by the CCC more than 60 years ago) are raked clean by park personnel. Scenery: Swamps, hemlock, laurel, and hardwood forests, impressive rock outcroppings, scenic overlook of Cross River Reservoir, and historic cave." Visit www.trails.com for more about the Ward Pound Ridge Main Loop.
Audubon Society of Westchester "Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a mixture of streams, woodland and open fields. Bluebirds can be common here and the park offers good birding even in the middle of summer due to large list of breeding birds. They include: Cooper's and Goshawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-throated , Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 14 species of warblers including Black-throated Green, Worm-eating and Pine Warblers." Ward Pound Ridge is also the best park to watch butterflies in New York. Visit Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester for more about bird watching at Ward Pound Ridge.
Please remember: "Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a Biodiversity Reserve Area. Help to take care of this unique and beautiful space by following our simple stewardship rules."
Press blue button for location of Ward Pound Ridge, map (or pick-up a map at the tool booth park office) and reservation trails and facilities, parking, restrooms, and more about Westchester County's largest park.
Croton Point Park, a 508-acre property, is located at Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County. Find many historical features at Croton Point, including Historic School House, Wine Cellar, Wine Cottage, and more.
"This park offers year-round events and activities and has facilities for camping, hiking and swimming. The park, rich in natural and human history, is also the site of historic wine cellars that are thought of be the oldest in New York State and the Croton Point Nature Center.
"The oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic Coast uncovered by archeologists on Croton Point confirm that the peninsula was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 7,000 years ago. Croton is in fact named for the Indian sachem, Kenoten, which means "wild wind.” In the 17th century, Indians of the Kitchawank tribe on the Wappinger Confederacy occupied a large fortified village on the high flat at the neck of Croton Point, which they called Navish. This was one of the most ancient and formidable Indian fortresses south of the Hudson Highlands.
"The oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic Coast uncovered by archeologists on Croton Point confirm that the peninsula was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 7,000 years ago. Croton is, in fact, named for the Indian sachem, Kenoten, which means "wild wind.” In the 17th century, Indians of the Kitchawank tribe on the Wappinger Confederacy occupied a large fortified village on the high flat at the neck of Croton Point, which they called Navish. This was one of the most ancient and formidable Indian fortresses south of the Hudson Highlands. A marsh known by the Indians as “Senasqua” separates the Point from Croton Neck, and a plaque marks the spot where a peace treaty was signed with the Kitchawank tribe.
"Cornelius Van Bursum was the first to purchase Croton Point from the Indians in 1682. A few years later William and Sara Teller were given permission to live on the point and operate an Indian trading post. In the 18th century the area came to be known as Teller’s Point. Soon after, Stephanus Van Cortlandt incorporated the property into his Cortlandt Manor. By the end of the 18th century the Tellers, who married into the Van Cortlandt family, were in full possession of Croton Point. The Van Cortlandt Manor House still stands on the Croton River east of Croton Point Park."
Croton Point Park and the Revolutionary War "Although several military actions took place here, many involving invasions by the British, the most notorious was connected with the attempted betrayal of West Point by Benedict Arnold and the capture of his British confederate, Major John Andre." Learn more about Benedict Arnold in the American Revolution.
Press blue button for more history and information about Croton Point Park
Things To Do at Croton Point Park Beach access Boat Launch Camping Fishing Food Service Hiking Trails /Walking Museum (Historic features) Nature centers & study Picnicking Playground Restrooms Swimming
Winter Activities Cross-Country Skiing Sledding
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Chester Heights Park, a 5-acre park, is located at Oregon Avenue in Eastchester, NY 10708 in Westchester County. Chester Heights Park offers a softball field, swings, basketball court, slides, sandbox, climbing gym, picnic tables and benches.
Things To Do at Chester Heights Park Basketball Court Picnic Tables and Benches Playgrounds (2) Softball Field
CooperField, a 4-acre park, is located on Locust Avenue in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. CooperField offers a new baseball and softball field on four acres in the north end of the Town. A small playground is also featured.
Things to Do at CooperField Baseball Field Playground Softball Field
Dunwoodie Park, a 7-acre park, is located on Dunwoodie Street in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. The park offers a Saggese Field, an official Pony-Colt baseball field, a basketball court, and a large playfield for soccer, softball, or football.
Things To Do at Dunwoodie Park Ball fields (football or softball) Baseball field Basketball court Soccer Field
Garth Road Park, a 1.25 acre park, is located at Garth Road in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. This park includes O'Rourke Field, an official Little League field, climbing gym, swings, slides, benches, two basketball courts, checker tables and picnic tables.
Things to Do at Garth Road Park Baseball Little League field Basketball Courts (2) Checker Tables Picnic Tables Playground
Haindl Recreation Park, a 4.5-acre park, is located at 100 Rescigno Drive, Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County.
Haindl Recreation Park features a professional quality Field Turf field with lights and bleachers for Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, Baseball and Softball on four and half acres of parkland. The field house has bathrooms, snack bar and a large recreation room used by the Recreation Department for summer and Winter Camps and Teen Scene game nights. All youth leagues use the facility for meetings, practices and parties. A generator runs the facility for night games with no electrical costs. The field house also serves as an Emergency Center.
Things To Do at Haindl Recreation Park Professional quality Field Turf field with lights and bleachers:
Joyce Road Park, a .66-acre park, is located at Joyce Road in Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County. Joyce Road Park offers a small playfield, playground, benches, and a sandbox.
Things To Do at Joyce Road Park Benches Playfield (small) Playground
Labriola Park, a 3-acre park, is located at the end of Burnham Road in Eastchester, NY 10583 in Westchester County. The park offers two Little League size Ballfields, one smaller children's ball field that can be used for softball, picnic tables in picnic area with stone fireplaces, and a nature area with two tot lots, a state of the art playground with rubber surface, and benches. Restrooms are available.
Things To Do at Labriola Park Children's Ballfield (small) Little League size Ballfields (2) Nature Area with Tot Lots Picnic Tables (stone fireplaces) Playground
Leewood Park, a 5-acre park (just under 5 acres), is located on Leewood Drive in Eastchester, NY 10709 in Westchester County. Leewood Park offers six all-weather tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor volleyball courts, an official horseshoe court, and tennis backboard.
Things To Do at Leewood Park Basketball Court Horseshoe Court Paddle Tennis Courts Playground Softball Field Tennis Courts (Six (6) all weather courts) Volleyball Court
Memorial Park, a 1-acre park, is located at White Plains Road and California Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. The Veteran's Memorial, Gold Star Mother's Monument and Congressional Medal of Honor Garden and Memorial are located in this one acre park. Also featured are award winning plantings with paths and benches.
Things To Do at Memorial Park Benches Garden Monument Plantings Walking
Oakridge Park, a .25-acre park, is located on Mill Road (across from Town Hall at 40 Mill Road), Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. A lovely Victorian gazebo is the centerpiece of this one-quarter acre park that also contains benches, picnic tables and a small grassy play area.
Things To Do at Oakridge Park Benches Gazebo Picnic Tables Play area (grass)
Rescigno Park, a 1/2-acre park, is located on Brook Street (Bob Haindl Recreation Park), Eastchester NY 10583 in southern Westchester County. This one-half acre park contains plantings, monuments and benches.
Things To Do at Rescigno Park Benches Plantings Monuments
Town Hall Park is located at 40 Mill Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. The park is set among landscaped rock gardens, paths and benches. It is the site for the Town's summer outdoor concerts and other recreational events.
Things To Do at Town Hall Park Benches Gardens Town Outdoor Concerts
Twin Lakes Park in Eastchester and Nature Study Woods in New Rochelle, are located in Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. "These parks are composed of two land parcels separated by the Hutchinson River Parkway. The native woodland surrounds a series of lakes that make up the predominant character of the parks.
- Access to Nature Study Woods is on Webster Road in New Rochelle. - Access to Twin Lakes Farm is off California Road in Eastchester.
"Twin Lakes Farm is located in Twin Lakes Park, a riding academy and competitive show stable offering English riding lessons by appointment, seven days a week. Both private and group instruction is available for children and adults, beginning at 6 years old. Lessons range from beginner first time lessons to jumping and horse shows. Twin Lakes Farm also offers boarding services."
Things To Do at Twin Lakes and Nature Study Woods Birding Equestrian Trails Fishing Hiking / Walking Nature Study Stables
Wilmont Park, a .50-acre park, is located at Wilmont Road, Eastchester, NY 10709 in southern Westchester County. Enjoy plantings and a sitting area at this one-half acre mini park.
Ridge Road Park, a 170-acre park, offers picnicking facilities for groups with three pavilions, ball fields, playgrounds, and athletic fields, including the
Miracle Field for children and adults with disabilities. Miracle Field is a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized turf to help prevent injuries, wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a completely flat, barrier-free surface to provide accessibility for visually impaired players or players in wheelchairs.
Things To Do at Ridge Road Park Miracle Field (For children and adults with disabilities.) Nature Study Pavilions Playgrounds Playing Fields
Click to enlarge photo of Matthiessen Park in Irvington.
Matthiessen Park is set along the Hudson River in the Village of Irvington-on-Hudson, New York. Relax, wade in the water (small beachfront), picnic, look out at the Tappan Zee Bridge, or bring the children to play in the park.
Matthiessen Park is also the location of Irvington's Riverside Concerts and Movies held in the summer.
Things To Do at Matthiessen Park Bocce Court Horse Shoe Pits Picnic Tables, Barbecue Pits Playground Shuffle Board Courts Spray Pool Volleyball Net
Stroll in the park, look out over the Hudson and enjoy the scenic view, watch the kids play in the playground, try some shuffle board. When it's time to eat, have lunch or dinner at one of the excellent restaurants in Irvington, a charming River Town in Westchester County.
Directions Matthiessen Park can be reached by going south on Main Street and making a right onto North Astor Street. At the end of North Astor Street, make a left turn onto Bridge Street.
Memorial Park is located at Dows Lane, Irvington-on-Hudson, NY 10533, a River Town in Westchester County.
Things To Do at Memorial Park Ballfields (2) Fitness Par Course Multi-use Field Picnic Tables Playground Spray Pool Tennis Courts (Three Illuminated Tennis Courts) Walking
Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington Irvington, Westchester County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Click to enlarge photo of Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington.
The transformation of Irvington's waterfront is one of Scenic Hudson's most dramatic success stories. This former industrial site is now a peaceful riverfront oasis just 12 miles north of New York City. At this site, 12-acres of contaminated soil and blacktop along the Hudson River have been transformed into a public park with views of the Manhattan skyline, Palisades and Tappan Zee Bridge.
The Scenic Hudson Land Trust saved the land from proposed residential development. The restoration and creation of the park was achieved through a partnership involving our land trust, the Village of Irvington and New York State. Today, the park is managed by the Village of Irvington Parks and Recreation Department.
Things To Do at Irvington Scenic Hudson Park BallFields (Two regulation ballfields) Basketball Court (Lighted) Boat Launch (Nonmotorized, car-topped craft) Playgrounds (2) Riverfront promenade Scenic Views Senior Center Walking Paths
Directions From Interstate 287 exit 9, take Route 9 south for 1.6 miles. At traffic light, turn right on Main Street. Continue to end. Right on North Astor Street. Left on Bridge Street. Cross railroad tracks. Follow Bridge Street to the left. Park is on right, past Bridge Street Properties.
After a day of kayaking, walking, watching the children play; when its time to eat select one of the many excellent restaurants in Irvington or eat out in one of the other beautiful River Towns in Westchester, New York.
V. E. Macy Park is a 172-acre park centrally located at Saw Mill River Road, Irvington, New York. The park is actually divided into three distinct areas with slightly different atmospheres. One part functions as a local park with ballfields, a playground, comfort station and picnic pavilion. Another includes Woodlands Lake, fishing, ice skating, access to the South County Trailway, and 500 feet of the former Putnam Division Railroad. The final area is largely undeveloped.
The Great Hunger Memorial “A section of V. E. Macy Park has been renamed so that the history of the Irish who fled to Westchester in the 1840s to escape poverty and famine will never be forgotten".
Point of Interest: The Great Hunger Memorial
Things To Do Fishing Great Hunger Memorial Picnicking Playground
Bedford offers many options for outdoor activities and leisure. There are three active parks and two passive parks in the Town of Bedford. In each hamlet, an active park is available for year-round activities. In the summer each active park is home to a day camp. The two passive parks, Indian Hill Park and Beaver Dam Sanctuary Park, offer walking trails and natural areas. Picnicking is allowed on the Village Green in Bedford Village, and at Rosaforte Park in Bedford Hills. Rosaforte Park also offers a baseball & softball field.
Katonah Memorial Park located in Katonah is one of several parks in the municipality of Bedford. The park offers walking trails, natural areas, and many other activities.
Things To Do Baseball Basketball Paddle Tennis Picnicking Playground Sledding Soccer Softball Summer Day Camp Swimming Pool Tennis Walking Trails
Addison Park is a small pocket park located on Chatsworth Avenue in Larchmont, NY 10538, Westchester County.
Things To Do in Addison Park The parks in the Village of Larchmont offer several activities throughout the spring, summer, and fall for young and old alike. Speak to the Recreation Director, found in the Village Clerk’s office, or call 914-834-6230 for information about parks and activities, for children and adults, offered at each park in Larchmont.
At the intersection of Parkway and Palmer Avenue is DeMatte Park, where there is a memorial to Patrol Officer Anthony DeMatte, who was killed in the line of duty.
By Judy Silberstein October 18, 2006 After Larchmont Patrolman Arthur Dematte, 46, was fatally shot on Tuesday, October 12, 1976, over 2000 officials, family, friends and fellow officers came from as far as London for his funeral. The only Larchmont officer ever killed in the line of duty, he left a widow, Alice Dematte, and four children, Joyce,19, Jane, 17, Jill, 15, and William,12. When Patrolman Dematte’s sacrifice was honored 30 years later on Sunday, October 15, 2006, officers who served with him over his 19-year career and others who knew of him again joined officials, family and friends, this time filling the traffic circle near the tiny park at the intersection of Palmer Avenue and Parkway dedicated to his memory.
Flint Park is located in Larchmont, NY 10538, Westchester County. Flint Park is the primary recreational park in the Village, located at the end of Locust Avenue. The park has a variety of sports facilities, including tennis and paddle tennis, three baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, a picnic area, a playground for both toddlers and young children, and a summer day camp for ages 6 to 14.
The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Little League and Babe Ruth League, as well as the Larchmont Junior Soccer League, Lacrosse, and MHS teams use the fields in Flint Park for games and practices.
On Thursday evenings in July, you can enjoy concerts in the park. Bring the kids, a picnic supper, and enjoy listening to the music under the stars.
Things To Do Baseball Fields (3) Basketball Courts Concerts (summer) Paddle Tennis Picnic Area Playgrounds (toddlers and young children) Soccer Fields Summer Day Camp Tennis
Flint Park is located in Larchmont, NY 10538, Westchester County. Flint Park is the primary recreational park in the Village, located at the end of Locust Avenue. The park has a variety of sports facilities, including tennis and paddle tennis, three baseball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, a picnic area, a playground for both toddlers and young children, and a summer day camp for ages 6 to 14.
The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Little League and Babe Ruth League, as well as the Larchmont Junior Soccer League, Lacrosse, and MHS teams use the fields in Flint Park for games and practices.
On Thursday evenings in July, you can enjoy concerts in the park. Bring the kids, a picnic supper, and enjoy listening to the music under the stars.
Things To Do Baseball Fields (3) Basketball Courts Concerts (summer) Paddle Tennis Picnic Area Playgrounds (toddlers and young children) Soccer Fields Summer Day Camp Tennis
Kane Park is located on Boston Post Road between Beach Avenue and Kane Avenue, Larchmont NY 10538, Westchester County.
Things To Do Speak to the Recreation Director, found in the Village Clerk’s office, or call 914-834-6230 for more information about Kane Park, including activities and attractions offered at each park in Larchmont.
Lorenzen Park is located just off of Boston Post Road in Larchmont, NY 10538. Lorenzen Park is home to Little League and Soccer League fields. Public usage of this park is limited to times when league play is not in session.
Things To Do Speak to the Recreation Director, found in the Village Clerk’s office, or call 914-834-6230 for more information about Lorenzen Park, including activities and attractions offered at each park in Larchmont.
Larchmont Manor Park is located at 99 Park Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538 in Westchester County. Manor Park is situated along Long Island Sound and offers beautiful views of the water. Manor Park is privately owned by the Larchmont Manor Park Society who also maintains a beach at Manor Park. For applications to join the beach, or for other details on this park, contact the Larchmont Manor Park Society at 834-4309.
About Larchmont Manor Park Society The Larchmont Manor Park Society was established in 1892 to maintain, preserve and protect Larchmont Manor Park. Some 13-acres in area with 5,000 feet of Long Island Sound shoreline, this beautiful private park is open to the public due to the generosity of its owners, some 280 residents of Larchmont Manor.
The Park has paths for strolling and a gazebo and benches where visitors may rest and take in the striking scenery. A few basic rules are designed to preserve the natural beauty and assure tranquility for all. Bicycling, skating, unleashed dogs, playing of radios and musical instruments and picnicking are not permitted. The Park is open between dawn and dusk.
Things To Do *Swimming at a sandy beach Walking along beach
*Use of the beach requires the rental of a bathhouse or locker. The Beach is operated by the Larchmont Manor Park Society and is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Pine Brook Park is located at 99 Park Avenue (at the intersection of Pine Brook Drive and Palmer Avenue), Larchmont, NY 10538 in Westchester County. Pine Brook Park offers a wonderful play area for young children, along with a ballfield where tee-ball can be played.
Things To Do Jungle Jim for Children Swings Tee-Ball field for Children
Vanderburgh Park, known to many as “Turtle Park,” is located along Palmer Avenue, at the intersection of Hall and Vanderburgh Avenues, Larchmont, NY 10538 in Westchester County. Vanderburgh Park has a large play area for small children and toddlers.
Things To Do Speak to the Recreation Director, found in the Village Clerk’s office, or call 914-834-6230 for more information about Vanderburgh Park, including activities and attractions offered at each park in Larchmont.
Willow/Woodbine Park is located at the end of Willow Avenue in Larchmont, NY 10538, Westchester County. Willow/Woodbine offers an excellent opportunity for observing nature along the Premium River, as well as a substantial play area for small children.
Things To Do Speak to the Recreation Director, found in the Village Clerk’s office, or call 914-834-6230 for more information about Willow/Woodbine Park, including activities and attractions offered at each park in Larchmont.
George’s Island Park, a 208-acre waterfront park, is located on Dutch Street, Montrose NY 10548, Westchester County in the Hudson River. George's Island offers magnificent views of the historic Hudson River. It contains tidal wetlands, a fresh water pond and wooded trails, and provides boat access to the Hudson River as well as areas for nature study and picnicking.
Things To Do Boat Launch Fishing Hiking Trails Nature Study Picnicking Playground Playing Fields
The Sportsman Center at Blue Mountain Reservation is the only public sportsman's recreation facility in Westchester County offering target areas for: Trap and Skeet, Large and Small Bore Rifle and Pistol Archery. The Center provides a safe and convenient site for practice shooting.
Leonard Park, a 116-acre park, is located at 1 Wallace Drive, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 in Westchester County. Leonard Park offers recreation programs, including basketball, baseball, camp for kids, Mount Kisco Memorial Complex & Pool (3 swimming pools) and more great activities and fun for kids and adults year round.
Press blue button for more about Leonard Park in Mount Kisco.
Park Attractions Japanese Pagoda brought "piece by piece" to Mount Kisco from Japan Marsh Memorial Sanctuary
Things To Do Basketball Courts (outdoors) Disc (Frisbee) Golf Course (*course description) Gymnasium (located in Memorial Chapel) Hiking / Walking Trails Indoor Recreation Bldg. Picnic Areas Playground Playing fields (2 little league fields) - Softball field - Hardball field Swimming pools (toddler pool, main pool, diving tank) Tea House (may be rented) Tennis Courts (4)
*Disc Golf Course Long wooded holes through a mature eastern hardwood forest. Many elevation changes. A 600 ft. par 4 hole.
Winter Activities Ice Skating Sledding behind the baseball fields
Willson's Woods Park and Pool is located at East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon NY 10550, Westchester County. Willson's Woods is one of the oldest parks in Westchester County. Willson’s Woods is a 23-acre park offering a beautiful swimming pool and adjacent English Tudor style bathhouse along with areas for picnicking and fishing.
Point of Interest: A special park feature is "Willson's Waves" where you can body surf on 3-foot waves in the county's first-ever wave pool. Splash downward on an 18-foot-high water slide, wander through cascades and fountains in the water playground or just cool off on the spray deck.
Birthday Parties for Kids At Willson's Waves, you can body surf on three-foot waves, splash down on an 18-foot-high water slide, or wander through cascades and fountains in the water playground. For more information or to book a birthday party, call Willson's Waves at (914) 813-6990.
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Teatown Lake Reservation is located at 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562 in Westchester County. Teatown is located in the hills and highlands of New York’s Hudson Valley. This bioregion includes parts of five counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange. Nearly 80% of the region lies east of the Hudson River in Westchester and Putnam counties. About 785,000 people share the 936-square-mile area with a rich diversity of habitats, plant and animals. The nationally-acclaimed Hudson River Estuary and majestic Hudson Highlands form the region’s backbone.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a nonprofit, environmental organization with an 834-acre nature preserve and education center located in the Lower Hudson Valley in the Towns of Yorktown, Cortlandt, and New Castle, New York.
Located in the heart of the Lower Hudson Valley’s Hudson Hills and Highlands bioregion, Teatown is the largest nonprofit nature preserve in Westchester County. About 28,000 people come each year to attend an education program, visit the Nature Center, hike our trails, or tour Wildflower Island, a two-acre island sanctuary located within Teatown Lake that is home to over 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers.
Teatown’s educators offer adult, family and children’s programs to over 18,000 participants annually, including nearly 9,000 school children and 700 summer campers. Annually, over 10,000 hikers traverse Teatown's 15 miles of scenic trails that span abundant fields, mixed forests, lakes, streams, swamps and farm land.
Things To Do at Teatown Lake Reservation Children's Events Diverse Habitats Hiking Trails (15 miles) Nature Center Outdoor Animal Exhibits Wildflower Island - over 230 native species of wildflowers
Davenport Park, 20-acres in size, is located on Davenport Avenue in New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. This is a passive recreation area overlooking Long Island Sound. This park is ideal for sunbathing, walking, sitting or reading a book. Contains a Shakespeare Garden. Valid omnicards are required year round.
Things To Do Seasonal Sled Riding Scenic Views Sunbathing Walking
D’Onofrio Park, 22-acres in size, is located at Morgan Street and Emmett Terrace, in the South End of New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. D’Onofrio Park offers two ball fields, large playground for children, and a pavilion with picnic tables.
Eddie Foy Park is located on Pelham Road and Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Eddie Foy Park offers a playground for children, a sandbox, and park benches.
Feeney Park is located at 7th Street and Washington Avenue, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Feeney Park offers a playground for children, walking path, flower garden and benches.
Things To Do Benches Flower Garden Playground Walking Path
Five Islands Park, 15-acres in size, is located off LeFevre Lane in New Rochelle, NY 10801, Westchester County. Five Islands Park has a large grassy area, sunbather's beach, picnic areas, pavilion, large playground for children, outdoor amphitheater, also ideal for nature walks. A pedestrian bridge links Big and Little Harrison Island to the main Oakwood Island. This beautiful park has barbeque pits, picnic tables, benches and open air pavilions for rent and a dock for fishing. Valid omnicards are required year round.
Things To Do Amphitheater Outdoors Fishing on Dock Horseshoe Courts Large grassy area Nature walks Pavilion Picnicking Playground Shuffleboard Sunbather's Beach
Flowers (City) Park, 20-acres in size, is located at Fifth Avenue and Potter Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Westchester County. Flowers Park houses 3 ball fields, a basketball court, playground, picnic area for rent, Sidney E. Frank Skate Park, Fosina Stadium natural turf field and the artificial turf Skidelsky Field Complex.
Things To Do Ball Fields (3) Basketball Court Playground Picnicking Skate Park
Glen Island Park and Beach, 105-acres in size, is located in New Rochelle NY 10805, Westchester County. Glen Island is an island property connected to New Rochelle by a drawbridge built in the 1920s. After Playland, Glen Island is the second most widely used park in the County Parks system.
From Westchestergov.com "This 105-acre island property is connected to New Rochelle by a drawbridge built in the 1920s. After Playland, Glen Island is the second most widely used park in the County Parks system. One of Westchester’s unique jewels, it was initially developed as a summer resort by John H. Starin. The original design exhibited the five cultures of the western world on individual islands linked together with piers and causeways. Today the islands have been merged with substantial fill areas totaling 130 acres and providing a beautiful crescent shaped beach with access to the Long Island Sound.
"Glen Island Park also offers picnic pavilions, and open picnic areas, boat launching, pathways, a catering hall and a restaurant, formerly Glen Island Casino of Big Band era fame. Cannons, sculptures and castles with coursed rubble stone, arched openings and round towers still remain from the days of John Starin’s resort. The castles, reminiscent of those in Germany's Rhineland, were constructed on their present site in the late 19th century for use as a beer garden and restaurant.
"The boat ramp handles 65-70 launchings per weekend. The bathhouse was originally built in a Neo-Georgian style with a cupola marking the center of the front façade. A courtyard looks out to the beach and is completed by a colonnade. The bridge, bridge house, seawall and castles are all eligible for listing on the Register of Historic Places."
Press blue button for more about activities and attractions at Glen Island Park."
Things To Do at Glen Island Park Beach Birthday Parties at Glen Island Boating (canoes, motor boats, kayaking, sailing) Boat Launch Fishing Hiking Trails / Walking Nature Study Picnicking | Picnic Shelters Playground Refreshments Swimming Beach
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Hartley Field is located at Brook Street and Lincoln Avenue, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Hartley Field is a neighborhood park used for informal ball playing.
Hudson Park and Beach are located at the south end on Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Westchester County. Hudson Park features a grassy recreation area with a cameo playground for children, a music bandshell, seating area, bathing beaches and parking.
Things To Do Bathing Beaches Grassy Recreation Area Music Bandshell Playground
Leif Erickson Park is located at Pelham & Hudson Park Roads, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Leif Erickson Park is at the entrance to Hudson Park and is a passive recreation park.
Lemke Park is located at Lemke Place and Rockland Avenue, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Lemke Park offers a playground for children and park benches.
Library Green is a downtown urban Park located adjacent to the New Rochelle Public Library bounded by Lawton Street (east) Memorial Highway (west) and Huguenot Street (north) in New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County.
Lincoln Park and Pool, 4-acres in size, is located at Lincoln Avenue and Prince Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Westchester County. Lincoln Park offers a large children’s play area with equipment, lighted basketball courts, a stage area, and a small youth baseball field. In the hot days of summer, cool off at the small outdoor swimming pool with a water slide and wading pool.
Things To Do Baseball Field (small youth field) Basketball Courts (lighted) Playground Stage Area Swimming Pool with Water Slide
Maplewood Park is located at Stratton Road and Gaby Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Maplewood Park offers a playground for children, benches, and a basketball court.
Neptune Park is located at Fort Slocum Road and Pelham Road, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. A scenic view of Glen Island Park can be seen from Neptune Park. There is a grassy area and a fishing pier and dock where the Klondike is harbored. Also in this park is Cameron Dock with bocce courts, fishing pier and parking area. Sharkey Park adjoins Cameron Dock and has horseshoe pitching facility. Omnicards are required year round.
Things To Do Cameron Dock with Bocce Courts Fishing Pier and Dock Horseshoe Pitching
Pinebrook Park is located on Pinebrook Blvd. and Tulip Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Pinebrook Park offers a playground for children, benches, a ball field, and a basketball court.
Things To Do Ball Field Basketball Court Benches Playground
Roosevelt Park is located on Disbrow Lane, off North Avenue, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Roosevelt Park offers a playground for children, benches, a basketball court and fitness court.
Things To Do Basketball Court Benches Fitness Court Playground
Seacord Park is located at Allard Avenue and John Street in New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Seacord Park offers a playground for children and park benches.
Stephenson Park is located on Stephenson Blvd. and Lyons Place, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. The park offers a playground for children, basketball court, walking path, flower garden and benches.
Things To Do Basketball Court Benches Flower Garden Playground Walking Path
Sycamore Park is located on Kings Highway, New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. Sycamore Park offers a playground for children, a basketball court and a small baseball field.
Things To Do Baseball Field (small) Basketball Court Playground
VFW Tot Lot is located on Pelham Road and Meadow Lane in New Rochelle NY 10801, Westchester County. VFW Tot Lot offers a playground for children and park benches.
Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park is located at Hawley Road, North Salem NY 10560, Westchester County and is Westchester’s northernmost county park. It is set on 1082-acres and is characterized by a rugged landscape and native hardwood forest with miles of trails. Situated in this lovely park is Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester. Mt. Baily offers breathtaking vistas in every season.
The park offers many types of recreational activities including boating, group and self-reliant camping. Rowboat rentals are available on Hemlock Lake or Spruce Lake depending on time of year and availability. Mountain Lakes Park offers the total outdoor experience including camping, fishing, ice skating, hiking, nature exploration, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, rowboat rental and a high/low ropes challenge course.
Press blue button for information about boat rentals, camping, and more about the activities and attractions offered at Mountain Lakes Park.
Things To Do Adventure (high/low ropes challenge course) Boating Camping Fishing Hiking Trails Mt. Bailey (Westchester's Highest Point) Nature Study Picnicking Rowboat Rentals
Volunteers Park is located at 67 Zimmer Road (just north of the High School), North Salem, NY 10509 in northern Westchester County. Volunteers Park offers a regulation soccer field and baseball field, a children's playground and a basketball court.
Things To Do at Volunteers Park Baseball field Basketball Court Playground for children Soccer Field (regulation size)
Blue Mountain Reservation is located at Welcher Avenue in Peekskill, New York. Blue Mountain is a 1500-acre park in the northwest section of Westchester County. It is primarily a passive park and features miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, walking, nature study and more.
Blue Mountain offers challenging hikes to the top of two large peaks: Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. The park contains a bathhouse and Trail Lodge, as well as two historically significant comfort stations. These comfort stations were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and are reminiscent of early 20th century National Park structures.
Things To Do at Blue Mountain Reservation Biking (Mountain biking) Birding | Bird Watching Camping Equestrian Trails Fishing Hiking / Walking Nature Study Playground Picnicking Sportsman Center Target Shooting Range
China Pier at Charles Point Park, in the City of Peekskill, New York, Westchester County, provides an expansive view of Peekskill Bay on up to Bear Mountain, and the Bear Mountain Bridge. It was used by the Fleischmann Company to import the raw materials at its vast yeast and gin factory. Now, it hosts the tall ships during Peekskill Celebration and provides a great spot for a picnic and river watching.
Depew Park is located at 363 Union Avenue, Peekskill NY 10566, Westchester Avenue. Depew Park, about 60-acres in size, is home to the City Recreation Office. You can enjoy a swim in Veterans Memorial Pool or walk on the many wooded trails. Enjoy the picnic pavilion overlooking Lake Mitchell or play a game of horseshoes at the horseshoe court. There is also a basketball court, tennis courts, a bocce ball court and playgrounds.
Things To Do Baseball Fields (2) Basketball Court Biking Trails Bocce Ball Court Fishing Hiking / Walking Horseback Riding Horseshoes Picnicking (view of Lake Mitchell) Playgrounds Swimming (Olympic-sized Pool and a Baby Pool) Tennis Courts Tracks (2)
Franklin Park is located on Franklin Street between Smith Street and Simpson Place. Enjoy a game of basketball ball on the basketball court, throw a ball around on the ballfield, or just relax on a park bench while the children play in the playground.
Things To Do Ball Fields Basketball Court Benches Playground
Lepore Park is located at the western end of Main Street in Peekskill. Enjoy playing basketball during the day or in the evening, or bring the kids to the spray pool on a hot summer day.
The Peekskill Dog Park is located at 1795 Main Street and is open from dawn to dusk. For information on the Park please visit peekskilldogpark.com for more about The Peekskill Dog Park.
Dog Park Rules as listed on Peekskilldogpark.com
Peekskill Dog Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Open and close one safety gate at a time when entering and exiting the Dog Park.
Unleash your dog inside the safety gate area before releasing your dog into the Park.
Dogs must be under voice control and in sight of owners at all times.
Dog owners must carry a leash for each of their dogs using the Dog Park.
Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be leashed and removed from the Park immediately.
Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste properly.
Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
Puppies using the Park must be older than 4 months.
Intact males must be closely supervised by their owner while in the Park.
No female dogs in heat are allowed in the Park.
No food (human or dog) allowed in the Park.
Limit of three (3) dogs per owner per visit (including dog walkers).
No children under 12 years of age are allowed in the Park without a parent or guardian.
Dogs with communicable diseases are not allowed in the Park.
Keep gates closed at all times to prevent dogs from escaping the Park.
If a fight breaks out, all involved owners must immediately respond to break it up and share contact information for follow-up, if necessary.
No rawhides or dog toys (other than tennis balls) in the Park.
All other City of Peekskill park rules apply.
Park users and dog owners assume all risk related to Dog Park use.
Peekskill Stadium on Louisa Street is a state of the art baseball field complex overlooking the Hudson River. Games are played most evenings and weekends. Come down to enjoy the cool breeze off the River and watch a ball game. Food is available at the concession stand.
Riverfront Green Park is located in Peekskill NY 10566, Westchester County. With a backdrop of the Hudson Highlands, kayakers, swans and occasional barges, this is an ideal spot to river watch, enjoy a picnic or bring the kids to a playground. Many special events are held during the year. Call for more information about events at Riverfront Green Park.
Tompkins Park is accessible from Main Street (Route 6) in Peekskill NY 10566, Westchester County. Tompkins Park is home to the Lapolla Little League. Games are played throughout the spring and summer; and a playground and basketball courts are accessible from the Park Street entrance.
Things To Do Basketball Courts Little League Games Playground
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is located in Pocantico Hills in Westchester County. The preserve is 1,233-acres and growing due to additional bequests. The Preserve is an idyllic spot for strolling, jogging, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. With 180 recorded species of birds and its IBA (Important Bird Area) designation by the National Audubon Society, the Preserve is a must visit area for birders.
In season, licensed anglers enjoy fishing for bass in the 22-acre Swan Lake and for brown trout in the Pocantico River. In addition the beauty of the Preserve inspires many artists and photographers to memorialize its scenic vistas. While in the park, stop in the Preserve's Gallery across from the Visitor Center. Its rotating exhibits feature the art of local artists.
The most notable feature of the Preserve is the system of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and John D. Rockefeller Jr. Designed to complement the landscape, the carriage roads, many of which are handicapped accessible, allow visitors to experience and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. These scenic paths wind through wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and fields and past streams, rivers, and lakes. They traverse wood and stone bridges, including the first triple arch bridge in America.
Strictly Prohibited Hunting, swimming, biking, snowmobiling, camping, and open fires are strictly prohibited.
Things To Do at Rockefeller State Park Preserve Birding - designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) Bridle Path Fishing Hiking Nature Trail Picnic Tables Scenic Views
Abendroth Park is located in Port Chester, NY 10573. Abendroth Park is 10.1-acres and is located at the southeast corner of the village accessible by Touraine Avenue. The park offers a Picnic Pavilion, playground that includes younger children’s play structure, motorcycle swing rider, fire engines, older children’s play structure, supernova (merry-go-round), tire swing, and adult softball field.
Things To Do at Abendroth Park Adult Softball Field Bathroom Facilities available Picnic Pavilion Playground (Includes younger children’s play structure, motorcycle swing rider, fire engines, older children’s play structure, supernova (merry-go-round) and tire swing.
Columbus Park is located in Port Chester, NY 10573. Columbus Park is 9.4-acres and is located east of Ryan Avenue, West of I-95 and North of Fox Island.
Columbus Park offers a basketball court, two volleyball courts, two playgrounds - one small and one large playground, picnic pavilion, Water Spray playground, and soccer facility.
Things To Do Basketball and two Volleyball Courts Bathroom Facilities *Picnic Pavilion with two (2) picnic grills Playground - one large and one small play structure with small rock climbing wall *Soccer Facility with Artificial Turf Water Spray Playground- Open Summer Only 11 am – 5 pm
Joseph Curtis Recreation Park is located in Port Chester, NY 10523. Joseph Curtis Park is 7.5-acres and is located north of the village’s downtown, not far from Lyon Park. The park is bounded by Putnam Avenue on the west, Locust Avenue on the east and Willett Avenue from the south.
Things To Do *Baseball Field (adult) and Batting Cage Basketball Court Bathroom Facilities Playground Structure - Small structure with four (4) swings Roller Skating Rink *BOCCE Courts with fencing and lighting
Lyon Park is located in Port Chester, NY 10573. Lyon Park is 20.3-acres and is located north/west of Village Downtown, boarded by King, Putnam and Parkway Drive.
Things To Do Bathroom Facilities *Little League Fields (2) *Pavilions (2) with Picnic Grills Playground
The Pound Ridge Town Park is located at 199 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge NY 10576, Westchester County. Pound Ridge Park offers many activities for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. A Day Camp is available for an exciting summer of fun for children. Other activities, such as exercise programs, bridge group, toddler art, little league, tennis, basketball, and other sports are open to all ages.
Press blue button for season permit fees, activities, and more about the park in Pound Ridge.
Things To Do Ball Fields Hiking Trails / Walking Picnicking Playgrounds (Toddler and older children's playgrounds) Showers Snack Bar Swimming Pools (Toddler, mid-size, and Olympic size pool) Tennis
Click to enlarge picture of "Entrance to Ward Pound Reservation".
The Trailside Nature Museum is located at 6 Reservation Road, (Junction of Routes 35 and 121 South), Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River, NY 10518 in Westchester County. The Museum is owned and operated by Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation. The museum was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and is one of the oldest interpretive nature centers in the United States.
Click to enlarge pictures of "Ward Pound Ridge - Biodiversity Reserve Area" sign.
The sign reads: On February 15, 2001 The Westchester County Parks Board designated Ward Pound Ridge Reservation a Biodiversity Reserve Area for the protection of wildlife habitat.
Click to enlarge pictures of "Important Bird Area" sign.
The sign reads: Important Bird Area This site is part of a global network of places recognized for their outstanding value to bird conservation Audubon
"The museum exhibits specimen birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, minerals, American Indian artifacts, and also houses the Delaware Indian Resource Center. Nature interpretive programs are offered weekly.
"The museum hosts thousands of school children and scouts each year for a variety of educational programs including stream study, American Indian culture, maple sugaring, and badge work. Family-oriented nature programs are scheduled for the general public on nearly every weekend.
"The Trailside Nature Museum is also the home of the Delaware Indian Research Center, a vast collection of books and artifacts concerning American Indians, especially the Delaware. The Research Center is well utilized by both students and educators and has assisted several authors in researching their publications. The Research Center is open to the public by appointment.
"During the summer months, butterfly and moth hatcheries are maintained inside the museum for a close look at the miracle of metamorphosis. Be sure to go butterflying at the outside demonstration butterfly garden which attracts parades of butterflies. The brochure Butterflies of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation lists 83 species that have been seen on the grounds.
"Birds of field and forest abound throughout the year. Birds of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation contain a checklist of the 184 species recorded in the park to date.
"In addition, there is a one-half acre wildflower garden containing more than 80 different kinds of labeled wildflowers. There are several self-guided nature trails – directions and pamphlets are available in the museum."
Press blue button for hours, programs and activities, Wildflower Garden, Delaware Indian Center, Biodiversity Research, Arts in the Park, and more about the Trailside Nature Museum in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation at The Friends of the Trailside Nature Museum and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
Things To Do at Trailside Nature Museum Art Gallery (Located in historic Benedict Homestead) Biodiversity Research Bird Watching Birthday Parties (Educational programs offered as birthday parties for any age.) Educational Programs Fishing (Catch & Release - Artificial lures only) Hiking Trails (35 miles of hiking trails) Nature Programs Picnicking ( Self Guided Nature Trails Souvenir Shop Trailside Nature Museum Wildflower Garden
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, a 4,315-acre park, is the largest park in Westchester County. The park is divided in area between the towns of Pound Ridge and Lewisboro. The northern one-third of the park is in Lewisboro and the remaining two-thirds of the park are in Pound Ridge.
Click to enlarge picture of "Visitor Center at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation".
As you drive into the park and up to the main entrance booth, you'll see the visitor center on your right and the Art Center a short distance ahead, on your left.
Ward Pound Ridge Park offers different landscapes and scenic views throughout its 4,315 acres. You'll find open terrain, woods, meadows of open fields sprinkled with wild flowers, fallen trees, old barns, and open space.
Click to enlarge picture of the main road in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
The park offers different landscapes during the seasons. Whether you visit the park in spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will experience the natural landscape and beauty of Ward Pound Ridge with its wetlands, wooded areas, places to cross-country ski, and fabulous fishing spots. Park attractions also include camping sites, playgrounds for younger kids, the Trailside Nature Museum and more.
Click to enlarge picture of "Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area".
Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area is the perfect spot to go bird watching, fishing, hiking, or relax with a picnic as you enjoy the serenity of the brook.
Ward Pound Ridge is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, that hosts weekend nature interpretive programs, and the Art in Parks program, where exhibitions of work by accomplished regional artists are held throughout the year.
Ward Pound Ridge offers hiking trails, fishing spots (catch & release), birding, nature trails, and vistas for the photographer, painter, and nature lover. Depending on where you are in the park, given the large size of Ward Pound Ridge, you can experience the park in many different ways.
With its varied terrain, landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, and two playgrounds for younger children. The park is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.
Hiking Trails Ward Pound Ridge offers approximately 35 miles of hiking trails among meadows, woods, wetlands, and cross-country ski areas. Hiking trails are available for beginners, intermediate, or advanced hikers.
"You could easily while away a couple of days on the trails here and still not see the entire park. Its sublime scenery is a marvelous medley of hardwood forests, glacial ridges, lowland bogs, granite outcroppings and high-rising bluffs, with a couple of ravines, a river, and a far-reaching viewpoint as added attractions. The main trails are wide and very popular with family groups, while many narrower routes provide a more rugged experience. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest preserve in the Westchester County Parks system . . . It is also the most beautiful of the county's parks, where litter on the ground is as rare as candy in a dentist's office, and the camping shelters (stone lean-tos constructed by the CCC more than 60 years ago) are raked clean by park personnel. Scenery: Swamps, hemlock, laurel, and hardwood forests, impressive rock outcroppings, scenic overlook of Cross River Reservoir, and historic cave." Visit www.trails.com for more about the Ward Pound Ridge Main Loop.
Audubon Society of Westchester "Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a mixture of streams, woodland and open fields. Bluebirds can be common here and the park offers good birding even in the middle of summer due to large list of breeding birds. They include: Cooper's and Goshawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-throated , Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 14 species of warblers including Black-throated Green, Worm-eating and Pine Warblers." Ward Pound Ridge is also the best park to watch butterflies in New York. Visit Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester for more about bird watching at Ward Pound Ridge.
Please remember: "Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a Biodiversity Reserve Area. Help to take care of this unique and beautiful space by following our simple stewardship rules."
Press blue button for location of Ward Pound Ridge, map (or pick-up a map at the tool booth park office) and reservation trails and facilities, parking, restrooms, and more about Westchester County's largest park.
Marshlands Conservancy is a 147-acre wildlife sanctuary composed of a diversity of habitats. Forest, meadow, salt marsh and shore can be explored. Enjoy three miles of trails and one-half mile of shoreline along the Long Island Sound. Located along the Atlantic migratory flyway, Marshlands is an excellent bird watching location; more than 230 species have been sited. The Marshlands salt marsh is one of few in New York accessible to the public for study and enjoyment.
Press blue button for Nature Center hours and more about the Marshlands Conservancy.
Things To Do at Marshlands Conservancy Birding | Bird Watching Hiking / Walking Nature Center
Playland Amusement Park and Pool, located at 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580 in Southern Westchester County, is a great Metro New York family amusement park and entertainment center. Featuring more than fifty rides for children and adults, Playland also offers free entertainment and has a beach, pool, boardwalk, and pier on scenic Long Island Sound, lake boating, picnic area, mini-golf and indoor ice-skating.
Point of Interest Playland has the distinction of being America's first totally planned amusement park and prototype for today's successful theme parks. Dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, Playland has provided family fun since 1928. Often referred to as "Rye Playland", it is America's only government owned and operated amusement park.
Activities and Attractions Kiddyland Family rides Thrill rides
Note Kiddyland, Family rides, and Thrill rides offer many handicap accessible rides.
Concerts Press blue button for Playland website and season concerts.
Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Inc., located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, was established in 1997 to encourage public participation in protecting the Preserve's wildlife and habitat, sustaining its historical and archeological features, and maintaining its unique system of carriage roads.
Main Street Playground, a 3-acre park, is located at Main Street and Marbledale Road in Tuckahoe, NY 10707 in Westchester County. Main Street Playground offers two full basketball courts with lights, a climber, swings and benches.
Things To Do at Main Street Playground Ballfield Basketball Courts (2) with lights Playground
Parkway Oval Park, a 14-acre park, is located at Consulate Drive, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 in Westchester County. Parkway Oval offers a baseball and softball field, soccer fields, all-purpose playfield, full basketball court, playground area with swings, climber and benches. This park is adjacent to a jogging and bicycle path along the scenic Bronx River. The park is maintained by Eastchester.
Things To Do at Parkway Oval Park Baseball Field Basketball Court Playfield (all purpose) Playground Soccer Fields Softball Field
The Bronx River Parkway Reservation, one of Westchester’s oldest parks, is an 807-acre paved linear park that was created as an adjunct to the Bronx River Parkway that opened in 1925. The Reservation touts a number of “firsts”. It is the first linear park in Westchester, as well as one of the first in the country, and, the Bronx River Parkway was the first parkway in the nation. The Reservation also has the distinction of being the first official Westchester County Park, whose establishment led to the creation of today’s County Park System of more than 50 parks spanning nearly 18,000-acres. The picturesque Reservation, which runs through the heart of Southern Westchester County, features ponds, wooden footbridges, and hundreds of varieties of native trees and shrubs. It is a favorite place for bicycling, walking, running and nature study.
Things To Do Fishing Hiking Trails / Walking Ice skating Nature study Recreational Trail
Kensico Dam Plaza, a 98-acre property, is located at Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY 10595 in Westchester County. Kensico Dam Plaza is located at the base of the Kensico Dam built under the old dam that formed Lake Kensico, using stone taken from the adjacent Cranberry Lake Park.
Kensico dam was completed in 1915. It is 300 feet high and 1830 feet long, and forms the reservoir that contains 29,000 million gallons of water per day. It was acquired as parkland in 1963 from the New York City Watershed Commission and remains the property of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation.
Kensico gets its name from the Siwanoy sachem, "Cokenseko". It is 300 feet high and 1830 feet long. It forms the reservoir that contains 29,000 million gallons of water per day. The dam was built under the old dam that formed Lake Kensico, using stone taken from the adjacent Cranberry Lake Park. The park provides a unique setting for a wide variety of activities including ethnic celebrations, concerts, antiques shows, arts and craft shows, and nature study.
Things To Do at Kensico Dam Plaza Biking Fishing Hiking / Walking In-line Skating Nature Study Outdoor Film Festival Picnicking Playground Refreshments
The North County Trailway spans 22.1 miles in Westchester County, from Eastview in the Town of Mt. Pleasant, to Baldwin Place in Somers. It now continues for two more miles into Mahopac in Putnam County as the Putnam Trailway. The North County Trailway is a paved bicycle and pedestrian path located primarily on right-of-way lands of the former Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad.
The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. Included is the Tudor-revival style Briarcliff Manor Station, which is now used as a public library. Other former stations can be found along the trailway in Millwood and in Railroad Park in Yorktown Heights. Historic marker plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.
Baldwin Farm is located at 500 Hall Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604 in Westchester County. Baldwin Farm is a community of garden beds in White Plains. White Plains residents can inquire about obtaining a garden through the City of White Plains business office.
Things to Do at Baldwin Farm Gardening Picnic tables (No alcohol, No fires, No pets, No smoking)
Bark Park is located on Main Street, across from field #2 at Delfino Park. Delphino Park is located at 30 Lake Street, White Plains, NY 10603.
Bark Park will be open from dawn until dusk. Resident dogs are welcome to run around and exercise at our dog park. The park offers a water fountain for dogs, a bag dispenser for cleaning up after dogs, and a waste receptacle. The park also features an area exclusively for small or young dogs.
Note All dogs are required to have a current license tag and vaccinations.
Battle-Whitney Park is located at 136 Hartsdale Avenue (Battle Avenue and Lincoln Avenue) White Plains, NY 10606, Westchester County.
Battle-Whitney Park is a historical landmark in White Plains. This park commemorates the Battle of White Plains and the historic event that occurred on this site on October 28, 1776.
Signage at Site Interpretive sign in Battle-Whitney Park, atop Chatterton Hill, recounts the battle.
"Following their occupation of Manhattan Island, British forces under General William Howe chased George Washington’s retreating Continental Army into Westchester County. Washington’s troops amassed atop Chatterton Hill and other heights near White Plains, where the British and their Hessian auxiliaries attacked them on October 28, 1776. Although Howe was credited with a victory because Washington eventually withdrew, he allowed the Americans to retreat into New Jersey."
Chatterton Playground is located at Chatterton Avenue & Harmon Street, White Plains, NY 10606 in Westchester County. Chatterton Playground can be accessed from Battle Hill Park, or through its own entrance on Harmon Street. The park offers state-of-the-art playground equipment.
Historic Site "Near this spot the British under Howe forded the Bronx River and attacked the right wing of Washington’s Army located above on Chatterton Hill."
Battle of White Plains "Following their occupation of Manhattan Island, British forces under General William Howe chased George Washington’s retreating Continental Army into Westchester County. Washington’s troops amassed atop Chatterton Hill and other heights near White Plains, where the British and their Hessian auxiliaries attacked them on October 28, 1776. Although Howe was credited with a victory because Washington eventually withdrew, he allowed the Americans to retreat into New Jersey."
Learn more about the Battle of White Plains in Westchester County sourced from the "Itinerary of General Washington, From June 15, 1775, to December 23, 1783" by William S. Baker, J. B. Lippincott company, 1892.
The Cranberry Lake Nature Center is a 190-acre nature preserve comprised of forest, wetlands, and a 10-acre lake that was carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. There are three miles of trails, including a loop around the lake, and others that traverse the predominantly northern oak-hickory forest. The area is part of the Kensico Reservoir watershed, which provides drinking water for residents of Westchester County and New York City. The name Cranberry Lake is derived from the growth of wild cranberry, which still exist in various parts of the fen.
"Since 1967, the park has been a safe haven for animals and plants, including migratory birds, turtles, and dragonflies. Within the preserve are a variety of habitats including a four-acre lake, cliffs and scrubland, mixed hardwood forest, vernal pools, and a swamp. Visitors can learn about the area's past by following the History Trail to the remains of a 19th-century farmhouse and early 20th-century stone-mining operation.
"The Nature Center offers family-oriented nature programs most weekends and houses a variety of interactive, educational displays. Nature programs are offered to the public nearly every weekend."
Things To Do at Cranberry Lake Nature Center Birding | Bird Watching Children's Summer Ecology Program Hiking / Walking Nature Hikes Nature Interpretive Programs
Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing
After a day of birding, hiking, nature study, or viewing the beautiful scenery, enjoy dinner out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Westchester, New York
Delfino Memorial Park, a beautiful flagship park in White Plains, is located at 30 Lake Street, White Plains, NY 10603 in Westchester County. Delfino Park offers picnic tables and grills, a playground, softball fields, platform tennis courts, the Ebersole Ice Rink and more.
Press blue button for more information about activities and parks in the City of White Plains.
Things To Do at Delfino Memorial Park Baseball fields Handball Courts Har-Tru Courts (six supervised, lighted Har-Tru courts) Picnicking (Tables and grills are available.) Platform Tennis Courts (3 tennis courts) Playground Softball Fields
Winter Activities Ice Skating (Indoor ice skating at Ebersole Ice Rink open during winter season)
Gardella Park and Pool is located at 201 Ferris Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603 in Westchester County. Cool off and enjoy swimming at the Gardella pool in White Plains.
Press blue button for more about swimming at Gardella pool, including hours, days open and more.
Things To Do at Gardella Park Basketball Court Playground Swimming at Gardella pool (admission is FREE to White Plains residents).
Gillie Park, an active multi-use park, is located at the corner of Mamaroneck Avenue and Gedney Way. The stone building at 85 Gedney Way houses the Recreation Administration offices where you can register for programs.
Press blue button for more information about activities and parks in the City of White Plains.
Things To Do at Gillie Park Ball Fields Basketball Har-Tru surface Tennis Courts (supervised and lighted) Outdoor Concerts & Events Playground for Tots Recreation Room Softball fields
Liberty Park, a 2-acre property, is located in White Plains, NY 10601 in Westchester County. Visit Liberty Park set beside the beautiful Silver Lake where you can enjoy picnicking and relaxing by the lake.
Call for more information about activities available at Liberty Park in White Plains.
Things To Do at Liberty Park Hiking/Walking Trails Picnic Area
Renaissance Plaza is located at Main Street and Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601 in Westchester County. The plaza features a multi-jet, fountain display with several pools. The Plaza also offers informal sitting areas to relax and enjoy the water display in White Plains.
Renaissance Plaza, a 21st Century water feature and open space incubator is the centerpiece of the rebirth of downtown White Plains. At the time the fountain was built, it was the most modern and technically advanced water feature in New York State. The fountain ponds hold a total of 48,000 gallons of recycled water. It has a total of 75 jets that spout water 15 feet in the air, 24 jets that spout water, 25 feet in the air and 3 superjets that spout water as high as 60 feet in the air. It also has 13 leaperjets that spout water from one pond to another. It has a fog machine, over 160 lights and 6 water pumps. The fountain is completely computerized and has a state of the art sound system.
Downtown Development Projects and Attractions in White Plains The fountain has a regular schedule of water shows during lunch time hours and in the evening. Each show lasts between 3 to 5 minutes and will run every 20 minutes.
An indoor/outdoor Starbucks, located on the Court Street side of the fountain, services the park year round as a café while generating revenue for the City’s open space acquisition program. The City will generate $30,000 a year from its licensing agreement with Starbucks that will go directly into the City’s Open Space Acquisition Fund, used to secure more open space for future generations.
Pick-up a coffee or something to eat at Starbucks located at 200 Main Street, White Plains, NY 10601 at the plaza.
Saxon Woods Park and Pool, a 700-acre property, is located on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, NY 10605. "Saxon Woods Park contains an 18-hole golf course as well as a miniature golf course, the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground and picnic areas. It is also the site of the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled.
A trail system connects the southern section to the upland wooded northern part of the park, characterized by mature hardwood forests. The trails are very popular with hikers, cross country skiers and horseback riders. The entire system extends along the Hutchinson River Parkway to Twin Lakes Park and north to Maple Moor Golf Course. It also links to the Leatherstocking Trail and Colonial Greenway and contains archeologically sensitive areas.
Things To Do 18-hole Mini Golf Course Birthday Parties at Saxon Woods Pool Equestrian trails Fishing Hiking & walking Nature study Picnicking Playground (Accessible) Refreshments Swimming in Westchester's largest swimming pool
Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing
Birthday Parties for Kids Saxon Woods has a large pool with a kiddy pool and aquatic playground with spray features. It is home to the only handicapped-accessible playground in Westchester, fun for kids of all ages. Call Saxon Woods Pool at (914) 995-4480 to arrange a birthday party.
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
The White Plains Greenway is located on the former New York, Westchester, & Boston Railway right-of-way. Two unique trails are available. The first trail between Gedney Way and Ridgeway covers 0.8 miles. The trail from Ridgeway to the border of Scarsdale covers 0.5 miles. The terrain of both trails is flat and linear and are excellent for beginner or experienced hikers.
For more information about the White Plains Greenway, contact the White Plains Recreation and Parks Department at 914-422-1336.
Things To Do on White Plains Greenway Hiking/Walking Trails
Habirshaw Park Yonkers, Westchester County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Scenic Hudson is working with New York State, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Beczak Environmental Center to create a five-acre riverfront public park, esplanade and environmental education center with stunning views of the Palisades. Historically the area was dominated by industrial facilities that blocked public access to the river. Once slated for six, 38-story apartment buildings, the property is now protected by a 25-acre conservation easement held by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust. The park is currently open but improvements are continuing.
Directions From Rt. 9/9A south in Yonkers: right on Dock Street, right on River Street, left on Wells Street, right on Alexander Street, park 0.1 mile on left.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, trail maps, photos and more about Habirshaw Park.
After a day of hiking, walking, or relaxing at the Habirshaw Park, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Yonkers.
Sprain Ridge Park and Pool in Yonkers offers cyclists a day of fresh air and exercise in a wooded and natural environment. Sprain Ridge Park is a large land preserve with a variety of landscapes, ranging from heavily wooded areas to large and impressive rock outcroppings. The park was previously owned by the Boyce Thompson Institute, a botanical research center, and a result, contains many unusual and exotic woodland plants.
The five miles of mountain bike trails at Sprain Ridge offer challenges to cyclists at every level of ability. The trails wind their way through 278-acres of varied terrain that offers challenges for beginner, intermediate and advanced cyclists. The beginner trail provides cyclists with challenging curves but a relatively level topography. The intermediate and advanced trails provide experienced cyclists with more of a challenge with trails of increasing grades and challenging topography.
There are picnic areas available near all three parking lots and a snack bar is open in season near the swimming pool area.
Press blue button for locations and more about activities and attractions at Sprain Ridge Park."
Things To Do at Sprain Ridge Park Birthday Parties at Sprain Ridge Pool Hiking Trails / Walking Mountain Biking (5 miles of mountain bike trails) Nature Study Picnicking Playground Refreshments Swimming
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Tibbetts Brook Park and Pool, a 161-acre park, is located at Midland Avenue, Yonkers NY 10710, Westchester County. This beautiful park’s offers an exciting new aquatic complex. There’s a spray playground for kids of all ages, in-pool basketball and volleyball, lap lanes for getting in a daily swim workout, and of course, the signature “lazy river” that inspired the re-naming of this fabulous destination as “The Brook.”
Things To Do Ball Fields Biking Birthday Parties at Tibbetts Brook Park and Pool Fishing Hiking / Walking In-line Skating Miniature Golf Course Picnicking Playground Refreshments Swimming - Amazing Aquatic Complex
Birthday Parties for Kids The Brook at Tibbetts has a lazy river, areas for water basketball, a spray playground and more, with extensive picnic areas poolside. Call The Brook at Tibbetts at (914) 231-2865 to arrange a birthday party.
Wheelchair Accessible Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Teatown Lake Reservation is located at 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562 in Westchester County. Teatown is located in the hills and highlands of New York’s Hudson Valley. This bioregion includes parts of five counties: Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland and Orange. Nearly 80% of the region lies east of the Hudson River in Westchester and Putnam counties. About 785,000 people share the 936-square-mile area with a rich diversity of habitats, plant and animals. The nationally-acclaimed Hudson River Estuary and majestic Hudson Highlands form the region’s backbone.
Teatown Lake Reservation is a nonprofit, environmental organization with an 834-acre nature preserve and education center located in the Lower Hudson Valley in the Towns of Yorktown, Cortlandt, and New Castle, New York.
Located in the heart of the Lower Hudson Valley’s Hudson Hills and Highlands bioregion, Teatown is the largest nonprofit nature preserve in Westchester County. About 28,000 people come each year to attend an education program, visit the Nature Center, hike our trails, or tour Wildflower Island, a two-acre island sanctuary located within Teatown Lake that is home to over 230 native and endangered species of wildflowers.
Teatown’s educators offer adult, family and children’s programs to over 18,000 participants annually, including nearly 9,000 school children and 700 summer campers. Annually, over 10,000 hikers traverse Teatown's 15 miles of scenic trails that span abundant fields, mixed forests, lakes, streams, swamps and farm land.
Things To Do at Teatown Lake Reservation Children's Events Diverse Habitats Hiking Trails (15 miles) Nature Center Outdoor Animal Exhibits Wildflower Island - over 230 native species of wildflowers
The Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is located at 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights NY 10598, Westchester County. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Park offers many scenic views. The park's spacious picnic areas, which can accommodate individual families as well as large groups, may be reserved in advance. The park's large pool can hold 4,000 bathers at one time.
The park's oasis of blue water, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond, provide excellent freshwater fishing and boating. Popular catches include bass, perch, and sun fish. A New York State Freshwater Fishing License is required. Both rowboats and pedal boats are available for rental; however, a regional boating permit allows visitors to launch their own rowboats, canoes or kayaks. For an additional fee, rowboat owners may also store their boats. In wintertime, the water's tree lined border provides a winter wonderland backdrop for ice skaters and ice fisherman.
The park's picnic areas have volleyball nets and many have softball fields or basketball courts. There is also a soccer field. Sports enthusiasts may wish to try their hand at Disc golf, a short distance from the picnic areas. You can play either 9 or 18 holes. The rules and scorecards are located at the course and loaner Frisbees are available from the park office. The park’s hills and trails are perfect for winter sports.
Things To Do Biking Boat Launch Sites Boat Rentals Fishing Food Golf Course Hiking Trails / Walking Picnic Tables Playground Playing Fields Pool Recreation Programs
Thompson's Lake State Park is located at 68 Thompsons Lake Road, East Berne NY 12059, Albany in the Hudson Valley. Thompson's Lake State Park, nestled in the mountains just four miles from the Helderberg Escarpment, is a popular camping ground and recreation area. In addition to 140 wooded campsites, the park offers a sandy beach, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, limestone outcroppings and open fields. Recreational opportunities include a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a playing field, swing-sets, carry-in boat access, rental row boats, fishing areas, and nature trails. Interpretive and recreational programs are offered for campers throughout the summer. During the winter, visitors can cross-country ski and ice fish.
The Emma Treadwell Thacher Center is located on Thompson's Lake next to the campground and is accessible to campers. The center opened in July 2001 and offers exhibits, interactive displays, trails for hiking and skiing, and educational programs. Boat Launch Site - Carry in Only
Press blue button for hours of operation, directions, fees and rates, and more about Thompson's Lake State Park.
Things to Do Beach (sandy beach) Boat Launches Boat Rentals Camper Recreation Campsites Fishing Hiking Horseshew Pits Nature Trails Picnic Tables Playgrounds Playing Fields Recreational Programs
John Boyd Thacher State Park is located at 1 Hailes Cave Road, Voorheesville NY 12186, Albany in the Hudson Valley. John Boyd Thacher State Park, is situated along the Helderberg Escarpment, one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. Even as it safeguards six miles of limestone cliff-face, rock-strewn slopes, woodland and open fields, the park provides a marvelous panorama of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains.
The park has volleyball courts, playgrounds, ball fields and numerous picnic areas with nine reservable shelters. Interpretive programs are offered year-round, including guided tours of the famous Indian Ladder Trail. There are over twelve additional miles of trails for summer hiking and mountain biking, and winter cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Press blue button for hours of operation, directions, fees and rates, and more about John Boyd Thacher State Park.
Things to Do Biking Hiking Hunting Nature Trails Picnic Tables and Pavilions Playground Playing Fields Recreational Programs Waterfalls
in 2005 Lake Taghkanic State Park was named one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the nation. Lake Taghkanic State Park, nestled next to Lake Taghkanic in the rolling hills and lush forests of Columbia County, offers a wonderful variety of recreational activities. The park has tent, trailer campsites, cabin, and cottage camping facilities. In the hot days of summer you can go swimming at one of the two beaches. Have picnics at the picnic grounds and launch your boat at the boat launch. In addition, the park has hiking, biking, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate.
There are three Vacation Rental Cottages that have the amenities of home. The units are outfitted with a bathroom with toilet and shower, a kitchen with hot and cold running water, refrigerator, stove, microwave, cooking and eating utensils, enclosed/screened-in back porch facing the water, a picnic table and fire ring. Press blue button for photos, and more about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Things To Do Beach Biking Boat Launch sites Boat Rentals Cabins & Campsites Fishing Food Hiking Hunting Pavilions Picnic Tables Playground & Playing Field(s) Showers Sledding, Snowmobiling & Snowshoeing Tent/Trailer Sites Vacation Rentals
Harrier Hill Park City of Hudson, Columbia County Hudson River Valley, New York State
This beautiful grassland offers splendid long-distance views of the Catskills and the Hudson River.
These protected acres in Columbia County include breathtaking meadows, wooded bluffs and a hay farm, all near the Stockport Flats Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. With assistance from the state and Columbia Land Conservancy, we are safeguarding these valuable habitats while enabling people to hike the land and learn about wildlife. Park improvements currently underway include creation of a handicapped-accessible hiking trail and construction of an open-sided pavilion for picnicking and community-group activities.
Things To Do Hiking / Walking Nature Study Picnicking Scenic Views
Directions From Warren Street, City of Hudson: 4.8 miles north on Rte. 9, left on W. Atlantic Avenue at light, right on Rod & Gun Road. Follow Rod and Gun approximately 1/2 mile to entrance gate.
After a day of hiking, walking, or studying the wildlife, dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Hudson, New York.
Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park / Beacon Point Park Beacon, Dutchess County Hudson River Valley, New York State
"Scenic Hudson has created "An exciting riverfront destination boasting a kayak pavilion and beach for launching boats, rehabilitated wetlands and meadows that attract wildlife, and the restored, historic Red Barn, now Scenic Hudson's River Center for arts and environmental-education activities. One of the most popular attractions in the park, at Long Dock's tip, is Beacon Point, a shoreline installation by renowned artist George Trakas. The work projects out over the river (at high tide, water actually flows through it), making this a perfect place to fish, sunbathe and admire magnificent vistas of Newburgh Bay and the Hudson Highlands."
Things To Do at Long Dock Park Biking Birding and nature study Boat launch site for kayaks & canoes Fishing Pier Hiking / Walking Trails Picnicking
Directions From Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, go 1.8 miles south on Route 9D, right on Beekman Street, Right on Red Flynn Drive then immediate left on Long Dock Road.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, trail maps, photos and more about Long Dock Beacon.
Madam Brett Park Beacon, Dutchess County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Madam Brett Park is an urban oasis along the Fishkill Creek in Beacon featuring tranquil trails and a beautiful waterfall. This 12-acre park connects to the "Beacon Shoreline Trail" providing a link between Dennings Point, Long Dock Beacon and the Beacon train station.
One mile of trails along the Fishkill Creek lead to scenic overlooks of tidal marshes and Tioronda Falls.
Things To Do Hiking / Walking Trails Picnicking Scenic Waterfall
Directions From Newburgh-Beacon Bridge head 3.2 miles south on Route 9D, turn right on Tioronda Avenue, then left under the railroad trestle. Parking area is on the left.
Spend a few hours enjoying Madam Brett Park. When it's time to eat, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Dutchess County.
Mount Beacon Beacon, Dutchess County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Mount Beacon towers above Beacon and Fishkill at the northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands.
Mount Beacon is the most visible summit for miles around, providing the defining backdrop for local communities. Its prominence made the mountain an important factor in the Revolutionary War when it served as part of the Continental Army's early warning and signaling system. George Washington's troops set signal fires to communicate vital information about British troop movements. Mount Beacon is named for the beacon fires lit upon its summit during the Revolutionary War.
The incline railway, the steepest of its kind in the world at the time, carried visitors to the heights of the mountain for dining, dancing and enjoying spectacular views, from 1902 until the late 1970s.
Mount Beacon Park was created on land preserved by Scenic Hudson in the City of Beacon and Town of Fishkill. Totaling 234 acres, the parcels were purchased in 1995 and 1998, respectively.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking / Walking Trails Nature Study Picnicking Scenic Views
Interesting Points Revolutionary War reference
Directions Parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue in the City of Beacon.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and Mount Beacon.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is a wonderful park for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086-acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. On the hot days of summer, go swimming at the park's beautiful beach.
The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. In the winter, you can enjoy the Fahnestock Winter Park that includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.
The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.
The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.
Things To Do Beach Biking Boat Launch Sites Boat Rentals Bridle Path Campsites Fishing Food Group Camping Hiking Trails / Walking Hunting Nature Trail Pavilions Picnic Tables Recreation Programs Showers Swimming Tent & Trailer Sites
Fishkill Ridge Hudson River Valley, New York State
At the northern gateway to the fabled Hudson Highlands, this rugged 1900-acre park is home to eagles, falcons and numerous rare species.
The 11.5 miles of trails on Fishkill Ridge connect to thousands of acres in Hudson Highlands State Park and the summit of Mount Beacon. This largest and must rugged of Scenic Hudson's properties features some of the valley's best hiking opportunities, including the access to two of the highest peaks east of the Hudson River.
Some of the region's best hiking trails connect to thousands of acres in Hudson Highlands State Park and on historic Mount Beacon.
Things To Do Access two of the highest peaks east of the Hudson River Birding - Eagles, Falcons, and rare species Hiking Trails Panoramic views of Hudson River and Catskill Mountains
Directions View our Fishkill Ridge Trail Map information and maps that will guide you on a quest to learn about the history and ecology of Fishkill Ridge.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and to view Scenic Hudson's Fishkill Ridge Trail Map.
After a beautiful day viewing the Hudson Highlands, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Dutchess County and nearby areas.
Shaupeneak Ridge Louisa Pond, Ulster County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Deer, foxes, coyotes and wild turkeys roam this rugged and beautiful property in the Marlboro Mountains
In addition to great hiking and mountain biking, educators can use this 570-acre park as an outdoor classroom; this mountain forest featuring a pond, waterfall, hiking trails and views of the Hudson River and Catskills is a great place for children to learn about ecology and environmental ethics.
Perfect for nature study, hiking and mountain biking. Six miles of trails. Great views of eastern Hudson River shore and Catskill Mountains.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Fishing (Contact local guides for information.) Hiking Trails Mountain Biking Nature Study Picnicking Scenic Views
Directions Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 8.2 miles. Left on Old Post Road. Lower parking lot is 0.2 miles on right. For upper lot, follow Old Post Road to Poppletown Road, which splits off to the right. Parking area is on the left, 2.5 miles from intersection of 9W and Old Post Road.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about Shaupeneak Ridge in Ulster County, New York.
After a day of hiking, nature study or mountain biking in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster, New York.
"On October 3, 2009 Governor David A. Paterson opened the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park as a legacy project of the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial. The park provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
"The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.
"After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an oprhaned relic. This brand new park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups. The amazing result of this wonderful partnership is a brand new state park, now open for all to enjoy."
The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour. The park closes as sunset. Please visit sunrisesunset.com to plan your trip. There are two entrances to the park, one on either side of the Hudson River
Press blue button for hours of operation, directions, history, maps, amenities and activities and more about the Walway Over The Hudson - Entrances to Walkway Over the Hudson are located in Poughkeepsie NY 12601 in Dutchess County, and in Highland NY, Ulster County.
Poets' Walk Red Hook, Dutchess County Hudson River Valley, New York State
The rolling fields and quiet woodlands have inspired generations of writers and artists.
This 120-acre park is nestled in the region's famous National Historic Landmark District and offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and Catskill Mountains. A visit to this property by Washington Irving is said to have inspired his classic story "Rip Van Winkle".
The park itself is buffered on all sides by 780-acres of private lands under Scenic Hudson conservation easements that insure the landscape's protection from development.
Attractions at Poets' Walk include two miles of trails through woods and open fields, magnificent setting for landscape artists, and rustic cedar pavilions.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking / Walking Trails Nature Study Picnicking Scenic Views
Directions Crossing Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge from west to east, turn left at first traffic light onto River Road. Entrance is 0.6 miles on left.
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Burger Hill Park Rhinebeck, Dutchess County Hudson River Valley, New York State
This beautiful hill top park offers picnicking, hiking, and all-season activities including winter activities such as sledding and cross-country skiing. Burger Hill rises to a 550-foot hilltop that boasts panoramic vistas of the Hudson River Valley including the Shawangunk Ridge, Catskill and Taconic mountains, Stissing Mountain and the Berkshires.
Burger Hill's seventy-six-acres of open meadows and rural, scenic beauty are perfect for bird-watching. The park is protected by a Scenic Hudson conservation easement and is owned by Winnakee Land Trust.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking / Walking Picnicking
Winter Activities Cross-County Skiing Sledding
Directions From intersection of Route 9 and Route 9G, take Route 9G south for 2.5 miles. Parking area on right
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, photos and more information about Burger Hill Park.
When its time to eat, after a wonderful day of birding, hiking, or relaxing in the this beautiful park, pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in the area. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in Rhinebeck.
Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park is located at Staatsburg NY 12580, Dutchess County in the Hudson River Valley. A serene wooded area with glimpses of the river provides an ideal location. The park's marina as well as its camping sites are extremely popular, as are the numerous hiking trails.
Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park adjoins Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills Memorial State Park and together, comprise more than 1,000-acres. Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park offers a full menu of exhilarating recreational opportunities and activities for visitors of all ages.
A serene wooded area with glimpses of the river provides an ideal location for camping. A marina consisting of slip space and a boat launch ramp is a popular area within the park. Press blue button for directions, and more about the activities and attractions available at Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park.
Things To Do Biking Boat Launches Cabins Campsites Dockage Fishing Golf Grills Hiking Marina (Marina Pump Out Stations) Nature Trails Pavilions Picnic Tables Powerboats Scenic Views Showers (Accessible) Tent/Trailer Sites
RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary Catskill, Greene County Hudson River Valley, New York State
At 480-acres, RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary is the Hudson River's largest tidal swamp forest.
The RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary is an important feeding area for heron, waterfowl and migratory birds. It is also a breeding ground and nursery for American shad and bass. This property is co-owned by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and the National Audubon Society.
Attractions in this wonderful 480-acre forest includes more than three and a half miles of trails, Twenty-eight-foot wildlife observation tower, kayak and canoe launch to the river (following half-mile walk from parking area). Note that canoe/kayak access to the Sanctuary is by way of the RamsHorn Creek that connects to the Hudson River (nearest put-in is Catskill Point).
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Canoeing / Kayaking Hiking / Walking Trails Nature Study Observation Tower Picnicking Scenic Views
Directions Crossing the Rip Van Winkle Bridge from east to west, turn left at first traffic light onto Route 385. Continue 2.5 miles through the Village of Catskill. Left on West Main Street after crossing the Catskill Creek. Continue 0.8 miles to small rotary; exit rotary on Dubois Road. Proceed 0.1 miles to RamsHorn parking area on right.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary in Greene County, New York.
Four Mile Point Town of Coxsackie, Greene County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Scenic Hudson saved this riverfront parcel from development
This 7.6-acre riverfront preserve now offers a picturesque shoreline, tranquil inland pond and 60-foot knoll that provides dramatic vistas. The preserve once housed an icehouse during the height of the historic ice industry along the Hudson River. The property was purchased and turned into a public park in 1992 by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, the Town of Coxsackie and the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Canoeing Kayaking Nature Trails Picnic Spot Wetland & wildlife viewing platform
Directions Crossing Rip Van Winkle Bridge from east to west, turn right at first traffic light onto Route 385 north. Continue 7.6 miles. Right on Four-Mile Point Road.
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After a day of canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or relaxing at this lovely spot in Coxsackie, select from one of many good restaurants in Greene County.
Central Park is located in the very heart of New York City (Manhattan). Central Park's east side opens onto "Museum Mile" which includes the world famous "Metropolitan Museum of Art". Central Park's west side opens near New York City's Lincoln Center, home to The Metropolitan Opera House, New York Philharmonic, NYC Ballet, New York State Opera and more. The entrance on Central Park South is across from New York City's landmark Plaza Hotel. Walk a few blocks east and you will find yourself in one of the most renowned shopping areas in the world - the famed New York City's Fifth Avenue.
Central Park is located on 843-acres of beautifully landscaped park space sprinkled with wonderful statuary, classic architecture, the great lawn and more. With 25 million visitors each year, Central Park is the most frequently visited urban park in the United States. The park's many features include: the Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center, 21 Playgrounds, Walking Tours, Music in the Park, Recreation Programs. Sports such as Bicycle Riding, Birding, Chess, cross-country Skiing, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Ice Skating, Row Boating, Swimming, Tennis, Wall Climbing are all availble. You can even take advantage of the many Nature Walks and Educational Programs.
Restaurants in Central Park Many casual eating-spots and fine dining restaurants are available in Central Park. Escape the bustle of NYC for a while and dine in an oasis of trees and flowers, or dine overlooking the lake. Press blue button for a list of restaurants in Central Park.
Just for Kids at Central Park Central Park is a wonderland for children with 21 Playgrounds, Boating, Climbing Walls, Ice Skating, Inline Skating, and don't forget that picnic while the kids play in the park. Select "Kids to Do" activities, or "Belvedere Castle" and the "Dana Discovery Center" for environmental programs. Click on "Recreation Programs" to discover the fun and exercise available including exciting Adventure programs. Press blue button for more information on "Just for Kids".
The Carousel at Central Park Central Park's first carousel was built in 1870. After a long search the Parks Department discovered the present vintage Carousel. The Carousel is one of the largest in the United States, with 58 hand-carved, painted horses. Stein and Goldstein were among the foremost carvers of their day and the horses – nearly life-size in the outer ring – are caught rearing or mid-stride with almost fierce reality.
The Carousel today still holds its magic charm, with almost 250,000 riders a year. Both adults and children enjoy the scale of the horses and the brisk speed of the ride. During warm weather the admissions line snakes around hot dog and popcorn vendors, recalling the atmosphere of a country fair.
North Meadow Recreation Center at Central Park. The North Meadow Recreation Center, south of the Meadow, was originally built as stables. It was converted to a recreation facility in the early 1990s. At 23 acres, the North Meadow is the Park's largest open space, punctuated only by the clay fans of ballfields.
Things To Do at Central Park Baseball and Softball (26 ballfields) Bicycle Riding Birding | Bird Watching Boating Chess Children's Carousel Family Fishing Horseback Riding Inline Skating Nature Walks Playgrounds (21 playgrounds) Swimming Tennis Wall Climbing Zoo
Riverbank State Park is located at 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031. Riverbank State Park is the only park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Inspired by urban rooftop designs in Japan, this 28-acre multi-level landscaped recreational facility is a state-of-the-art park facility. Rising 69 feet above the Hudson River, Riverbank offers a wide variety of recreational, athletic and arts experiences for all ages, interests and abilities.
Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness room, and a 150-seat restaurant.
Outdoor sports amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, four tennis courts, four basketball courts, a softball field, four hand/paddleball courts, and a 400-meter eight-lane running track with a football/soccer field.
Riverbank also boasts spectacular promenade views of the Hudson River, the Palisade Mountains and the George Washington Bridge. At water level, there is a 900-seat amphitheater and docking facilities for excursion and fishing boats.
Points of Interest: The "Totally Kid Carousel", created by Milo Mottola and 37 young children.
Things To Do Carousel Food Gymnasium Hiking Performing Arts Center Picnic Tables Playground Playing Fields Pool Roller Skating Showers Tennis Water Level
Winter Activities Ice Skating
Amphitheater Docking facilities (excursion and fishing boats)
The Bronx Zoo is the flagship zoo of the largest network of metropolitan zoos in the country. The Bronx Zoo is the heart of the Wildlife Conservation Society and our work to save wildlife and wild places around the globe. With award-winning, cutting-edge exhibits featuring over 4,000 animals, there is no other zoo in the world that offers the diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned expertise that assures a rewarding experience and the knowledge that visitors can make a difference in the world around them.
Whether you're nose-to-nose with Western lowland gorillas in our famous Congo Gorilla Forest , spotting snow leopards in our naturalistic Himalayan Highlands Habitat, or experiencing almost an acre of an indoor Asian rain forest, you're always within roaring distance of the world's most amazing wildlife. In the end, you'll know that your admission fees went to a conservation organization that has more expert researchers in the field than any other. Together, we make a difference.
Press blue button for photos, education about animals and their habitat, and to explore the Bronx Zoo website.
The New York Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark. The 250-acre grounds of The New York Botanical Garden have some of the most beautiful natural terrain of any botanical garden in the world, including dramatic rock outcroppings, a river and waterfall, rolling hills, ponds, and a 50-acre remnant of the forest that once covered New York City. Among its 50 gardens and plant collections are an outstanding rose garden, perennial garden, and rock garden, as well as superb collections of daylilies, orchids, conifers, and flowering trees.
The Garden is home to the nation's largest Victorian glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which opened to the public in 1902 and was named a New York City Landmark in 1973. It is home to A World of Plants, a permanent exhibition that includes tropical rain forests, deserts, and the world's most comprehensive collection of palm trees under glass. The Conservatory also houses the Garden's seasonal flowers shows, including the popular Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show.
Founded in 1891, the Garden is one of the world’s great collections of plants, the region’s leading educational center for gardening and horticulture, and an international center for plant research. The Garden is alive with opportunities for discovery, from an "ecotour" of the world in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to an innovative indoor/outdoor science museum for kids, to 50 exquisite gardens and plant collections.
Things To Do Educational Center Gardens Science Museum for Kids Train Show (Holiday) Victorian Glasshouse Conservatory (NYC Landmark)
Black Rock Forest is a nearly 4000-acre natural living laboratory for field-based scientific research, conservation, and education. The Black Rock Forest Consortium is a unique alliance of colleges and universities, public and independent K-12 schools, and leading scientific and cultural institutions that operates the Black Rock Forest, located 50 miles north of New York City in the Hudson Highlands.
The Forest features dramatic topography with over 1000 feet of relief, numerous lakes and streams, and high habitat and species diversity.
Things To Do at Black Rock Birding Hiking Paths / Walking Scenic Views
Additional Activities "Activities in the Black Rock Forest include faculty and doctoral research, staff and teacher training, undergraduate education and research, and elementary, middle, and high school programs. The Consortium also emphasizes ecological resource management, “green” and “smart” construction, and environmental monitoring."
In addition to the Black Rock Forest, the Hudson Highlands offers several state parks and protected areas where you can hike, enjoy nature walks and birding. In addition to hiking, several parks offer outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of the Hudson Highlands. Find attractions and activities including
Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead Storm King Mountain Cornwall-On-Hudson, Orange County Hudson River Valley, New York State
The Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead provides access to Storm King Mountain, where Scenic Hudson got its start in the fight to Save the Land that Matters Most.
Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead offers 11.2 miles of trails on 1,900-acres and provides access to Storm King State Park with hiking and great views of the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands.
Stowell Trailhead offers hikers a new way to access the spectacular summit of Storm King Mountain. Hikers heading uphill from the Esty and Hellie Stowell Trailhead soon enter Storm King State Park, with miles of trails affording magnificent Hudson Highlands vistas that Scenic Hudson has been protecting since 1963. Storm King Mountain was the stage for the epic fight to stop the development of a massive pump storage hydroelectric facility that gave birth to Scenic Hudson's campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most.
Things To Do Hiking Trails with Hudson Highlands views Scenic Vistas
Directions From Newburgh-Beacon Bridge: 4.5 miles south on Rt. 9W, right on Rt. 218. Trailhead is 1.6 miles on right.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, photos and more about Esty & Hellie Stowell Trailhead
Kenridge Farm Cornwall, Orange County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Scenic Hudson purchased this historic 178-acre farm in 1993 so that the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum could establish an "Outdoor Discovery Center".
Nature trails on the grounds of this former farm (now home to the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum) are helping to inspire the next generation of environmentalists. Three miles of trails are owned and managed by the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum.
Things To Do Hiking / Walking Trails Nature Study Scenic Views
Directions Kenridge Farm is on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road. Take Route 9W to the Angola Road Exit. Go .1 mile west on Angola Road.
After a day of hiking, nature study, or a casual walk at Kenridge Farm, dine at one of many excellent restaurants in Orange County, New York.
Storm King State Park offers unsurpassed views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. The park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and limited parking.
The Storm King State Park is located near The Storm King Art Center which is an outdoor museum that celebrates the relationship between sculpture and nature. Storm King comprises 500 pristine acres of carefully maintained fields, hills, and woodlands, on which more than 100 works by major international artists are thoughtfully sited. At Storm King, the exhibition space is defined by sky and land. Visit Storm King Art Center for more information.
Things To Do Hiking Paths / Walking Hunting Scenic Views
Snake Hill New Windsor, Orange County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Bushwhackers who explore this 500-foot hilltop outside of Newburgh are rewarded with spectacular views of the Hudson River and Hudson Highlands.
Snake Hill is 94.5-acres with no trails. The colorfully named Snake Hill is the dominant feature of the landscape surrounding Newburgh. Although there are no maintained trails on the property, adventuresome hikers can find their way to the summit and some rewarding views.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking Nature Study Picnicking
Directions From Newburgh-Beacon Bridge: 3.2 miles south on Route 9W, then right on Union Avenue Proceed 1.8 miles to 398 Union Avenue and proceed to end of driveway.
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Chadwick Lake Park is located immediately to the northwest of Junction NY32 and 300, in the Cronomer Valley section of Newburgh NY 12550, Orange County in the Hudson River Valley.
Chadwick Lake is a reservoir supplying water to the Town of Newburgh. The reservoir was created by damming Quassaick Creek in 1926. Today, most of the town's water is supplied by New York City's Delaware Aqueduct, with the reservoir acting primarily as a backup.
Chadwick Lake Park is open to the public with recreational facilities near the southern end of the park. Attractions include three picnic shelters, a playground, walking trails, boating launches, basketball courts, ice skating and a roller rink. Fishing is also allowed on the lake; largemouth bass is a common catch.
Note: A permit is required for entrance to Chadwick Lake Park.
Things To Do at Chadwick Lake Park Basketball Biking Trail around the lake Boating Boat launches Bocce Fishing Picnic Shelter Playground Roller Hockey Rink Roller Rink Walking/Hiking Trail around the lake
The 26-acre Delano-Hitch Recreational Park, at 401 Washington Street, Newburgh, NY 12550 in Orange County, includes a 2000-capacity baseball Stadium, a soccer field, a men's softball diamond, three little league baseball diamonds, four tennis courts, four basketball courts, an Aquatic Center, two playgrounds, horseshoe pitches, a soccer/football field, the Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame, and the multipurpose Activity Center.
There are various recreational activities and programs for youth, adults, and senior citizens. Activities include a Little League Baseball Program, American Legion Baseball Programs, men's slow pitch softball, Mount Saint Mary College Baseball Program, Newburgh Free Academy Varsity Baseball Program & Softball Programs, Newburgh Generals Collegiate Baseball Team, basketball leagues, horseshoe pitching leagues, Pop Warner Youth Football Program, men's soccer league, Newburgh PUMAS Youth Soccer, and the Club 60 Senior Citizen Program.
Press blue button for more about Delano-Hitch Recreational Park.
Things To Do at Delano-Hitch Recreational Park Activity Center Aquatic Center Baseball and Softball programs Baseball Stadium Basketball Courts Horseshoe Pitches Little league Baseball Diamonds Playgrounds (2) Programs for kids, adults, and seniors Soccer Field Softball Diamond Swimming Pool Tennis Courts
Downing Park is a 35-acre landscape park located at Carpenter Ave/3rd Street, in the heart of the City of Newburgh in Orange County. Filled with hills and valleys, streams, a pond, and a rich variety of vegetation, the park has serpentine paths and picturesque vista, features very similar though on a different scale, to those of New York City's Central Park, created by the same designers.
History of Downing Park Most of Downing Park was a farm owned by the Smith family, whose 1750s farmhouse stood at the present location of the pergola. The idea to build a park was conceived by Mayor O'Dell in the late 1880s. Citing the population growth and increases in property values, he acquired the 25-acre Smith estate, later adding ten more acres.
The City offered the commission to design the park to Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, the designers of New York City's Central Park. The landscape designers agreed in 1889, stipulating that it be named after their mentor (and Vaux's former partner) Andrew Jackson Downing. Actual construction began in 1894, and the park was opened to the public in 1897.
In addition to the farmhouse, the park originally featured an observatory and a bandshell. The observatory, designed by Calvert's son Downing Vaux, rested on the highest point in the park, commanding spectacular Hudson River views. The structure was torn down in 1961 as part of an "urban renewal" project. Little is known about the original bandshell, and no clear pictures exist. Described as being built in Downing's 'rustic style,' it was removed in the late 1920s.
At the turn of century, the farmhouse was turned into a smallpox sanatorium. In 1908 the flu epidemic ended; the city condemned the house, and it was burned to the ground. Later that year, architect Frank Estabrook designed the pergola to be built on the farmhouse foundations. The Shelter House, designed in 1934 by Gordon Marvel, provided shelter in the winter for those ice skating on the Polly Pond.
The outdoor amphitheatre was built in 1946. Used for weekly band concerts for many years, the amphitheatre originally had a moat filled with goldfish at the front of the stage.
Things To Do at Downing Park Art Exhibits Farmers Markets Festivals Gardens Walking
7 Lakes Drive, Orange and Rockland counties Hudson River Valley, New York State
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.
Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking.
Fishermen enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.
Each of these lakes offer seasonal activities for the whole family. Find many things to do, including photography, at one or more of these beautiful lakes. Go fishing in spring, summer, and fall; and ice-fishing in the winter. Hike in all seasons. Hiking is especially invigorating in the fall when the air is cooler and you can see the stunning foliage of autumn in New York. Winter hiking can also be great fun and exercise, especially when its time to stop and have a hot drink from your thermos. The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.
The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.
The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to a boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.
Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish species present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.
Things To Do at Lake Skannatati Birding | Bird Watching Boat Launch Site (next to parking lot) Boating (canoeing, kayaking, row boats) Fishing (NYS fishing license required) Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required) Food Group Camping Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York
Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.
Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west side of the Hudson River in Orange County and Rockland County, New York. The 5,067-acre (20.51 km2) Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains and is just 45 miles north of New York City, in the historic and beautiful Hudson River Valley.
Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Point,
Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian Trail is carried across the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge. Although campgrounds and lodging are available, Bear Mountain Park is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities, and great hiking for all levels of hikers. The historic Bear Mountain Inn, situated in Bear Mountain Park, overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and overnight accommodations. Food is also available at several vendors around Hessian Lake and in other areas of the park.
Bear Mountain Park attractions and activities include a large playing field, picnic groves, rowboat docks on Hessian Lake, swimming pool and bathhouse, nature trails including key segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long Path, basketball court, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, and the Merry-Go-Round. Many winter activities are available at Bear Mountain Park, including an outdoor rink that is open for ice-skating from late October through mid-March.
Perkins Memorial Tower sits 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower afford spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Driving, biking, or hiking along Perkins Memorial Drive offers breathtaking views from many vantage points leading to Perkins Memorial Tower perched at the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.
Click to enlarge photo of sign - Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery.
Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery Walk the Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery where you will "stand on the site of Fort Clinton, which was built along with Fort Montgomery to prevent British ships from sailing up the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts and destroyed them shortly thereafter.
"This trail leads down to the Popolopen Creek and across the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Interpretive signs and an audio tour are available to help understand the history of the fort and the battle."
Educational attractions that are fun for kids include the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and the Merry-Go-Round featuring 42 hand carved seats of native animals. After a ride on the merry-go-round, visit the zoo and see how many native animals you can recognize. (Perhaps your children can help name the animals.) .
Kids Attraction - Merry-Go-Round The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand painted scenes of the park and 42 hand carved seats of native animals including: black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more.
Kids Attraction - Trailside Museum and Zoo There are four museums at Trailside. The Reptile and Amphibian House is home to a variety of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. The Nature Study Museum houses specimens originally created by the Museum of Natural History to educate people about animal identification. Visitors can learn about geologic formations of the Hudson Highlands in the Geology Museum and local Native American and early settler culture in the History Museum.
Things To Do at Bear Mountain State Park Biking Trails Boat Rentals Dockage Fishing (lake and river fishing) Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn Hiking Trails / Walking Merry-Go-Round Pavilion Nature Trail Perkins Memorial Drive & Tower Picnic Tables Playground Playing Fields Pool (very large pool) Swimming Trailside Museums Zoo and Nature Park
Goosepond Mountain State Park is located in Bear Mountain, NY 10911, Orange County in the Hudson Valley. Goosepond is managed as 1,558-acres of open space. Almost completely wooded, the park is open to hikers and horseback riders. This park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and there is limited parking.
Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Harriman State Park includes Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds.
Highland Lakes State Park is a 3,000-acre park of undeveloped woods and lakes in Orange County. Visitors use the park for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and flying model planes. The park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and there is limited parking.
Lake Askoti - Harriman State Park in Orange County
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Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.
Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking. Enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many fisherman return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Kanawauke is a 186-acre reservoir (mostly man made) in Harriman State Park. The lake is located in the Town of Tuxedo, Orange County, and in the Town of Haverstraw, Rockland County, NY. Lake Kanawauke is comprised of three parts, the lower, middle, and upper lakes.
The word is Lake Kanawauke offers great fishing in Rockland County. The fish are plentiful with huge bass; also plentiful are perch, pan fish, and carp.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Nawahunta, a reservoir in Orange County, New York, is part of the beautiful and scenic Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties. Lake Nawahunta offers fishing, hiking trails, and is a top location for bird watching.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. Lawns, fields and picnic areas surround Lake Sebago Beach. In addition to swimming on the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch, sunfish and more.
Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, getting there, fees, and more about Lake Sebago Beach at Harriman State Park.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Skannatati - Harriman State Park in Orange County
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Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.
The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to the boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.
Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish speciesthat are present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skannatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Silver Mine is part of the beautiful and scenic Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties. The Silver Mine area of Harriman State Park offers picnic grounds, fishing, hiking, and a boat launch site.
Things To Do Biking (helmets required) Boat Launch Fishing Hiking trails Picnic Tables
Winter Activities Ice Fishing
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Sterling Forest State Park, a 21,935-acre park, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987 in Orange County. Sterling Forest State Park offers a nearly pristine natural refuge amidst of one of the nation's most densely populated areas, a remarkable piece of woodland, a watershed for millions, and a tremendous outdoor recreation area. This unbroken deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species, including black bear, a variety of hawks and songbirds and many rare invertebrates and plants. Hunting, fishing and hiking opportunities are available.
Learn about Sterling Forest's environment and history at the Visitor Center, overlooking Sterling Lake. The visitor center features exhibits about the local environment.
Sterling Forest Bird Conservation Area The Sterling Forest® BCA is part of Sterling Forest® State Park. Sterling Forest® State Park is within a natural area of state and national importance due to its watershed, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, open space and outdoor recreation significance. Most of the park is covered by either ecological communities that have statewide significance or of such quality that they should be protected as significant examples within New York State. The park has considerable biodiversity including a diversity of bird species. A part of the Hudson Highlands, the area has strong relief ranging from 800-1200' in elevation.
Press blue button for more about biking, fishing, hiking, hunting, birding, and the Museum at Sterling Forest State Park.
Things To Do at Sterling Forest State Park Biking Birding Fishing Gift Shop Hiking Hunting Museum / Visitor Center Nature Study Recreation Programs Scenic Views
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is a wonderful park for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086-acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. On the hot days of summer, go swimming at the park's beautiful beach.
The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. In the winter, you can enjoy the Fahnestock Winter Park that includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.
The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.
The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.
Things To Do Beach Biking Boat Launch Sites Boat Rentals Bridle Path Campsites Fishing Food Group Camping Hiking Trails / Walking Hunting Nature Trail Pavilions Picnic Tables Recreation Programs Showers Swimming Tent & Trailer Sites
Fahnestock Winter Park is located at 75 Mountain Laurel Lane, Cold Spring NY 10516, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley. Situated in the heart of the Hudson Valley, the park is nestled in the 16,000 acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. Fahnestock Winter Park offers 15 km of machine groomed, tracked and mapped trails for beginning and experienced skiers and snowshoers. Families find the park particularly enjoyable because it offers easy terrain to ski on near a warming lodge. The sledding hill and hot chocolate to sip in front of the outdoor fireplace are nice compliments to day-long trips.
The Park features a warming lodge with ski rentals, lessons, food and beverages, and restrooms. Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. The Winter Park is located at an elevation of 1,100 feet, helping to capture additional snow during storms. Along with a forested northwest trail system, this helps maintain a good snow base. For groups of 35 or more, modern winterized cabins are available in the park at the Taconic Outdoor Education Center.
Things To Do in the Winter Cross-Country Skiing Food (Accessible) Gift Shop (Accessible) Nature Trails Picnic Tables (Accessible) Recreation Programs Scenic Views Sledding Snowshoeing Trails
Note: Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Foundry Dock Park Village of Cold Spring, Putnam County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Foundry Dock Park officially opened in June 2006. This riverfront park is enjoyed by many who come to relax, enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson or launch a kayak.
Before Scenic Hudson purchased this riverfront property for public access, it was sorely neglected but enjoyed as a favorite put-in for small boats. Scenic Hudson and volunteers cleared the property and the popularity of the site increased as the interest in kayaking on the river and into Constitution Marsh Audubon Sanctuary grew. Scenic Hudson is pleased to ensure that this magnificent property, with its history and easy access to the river, connects people with the power and spirit of the river.
If you live in Manhattan, take a scenic drive or take Metro North to Cold Spring; and visit Foundry Dock Park.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Boat Launch (available for small boats) Kayaking Scenic views
Directions From intersection of Route 9 and Route 301, take Route 301 west for 2.6 miles to intersection of Route 9D at traffic light. Proceed west on Route 301/Main Street for four blocks; turn left on Lunn Terrace to end; turn left on Market Street. Park entrance on right. Free weekend parking adjacent to the train station. By train, exit Cold Spring station.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Foundry Dock Park.
After a day of kayaking, fishing, or relaxing at this beautiful spot in Cold Springs, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Cold Spring and nearby areas in Putnam County.
The word is Wonderful handicapped-accessible park overlooking the beautiful Hudson River and Hudson Highlands.
Cold Spring, Putnam County Hudson River Valley, New York State
From 1818 to 1911, the West Point Foundry was a technological powerhouse, manufacturing Parrott guns, the rifled cannon credited with winning the Civil War, and the steam engines, water wheels and mill equipment that sparked America’s burgeoning industrial economy.
Today, this 87-acre preserve is a peaceful park that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The preparation of a Public Access and Interpretation Plan for the West Point Foundry Preserve is supported in part by a Preserve America grant administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Putnam County is the recipient of the grant. The study and stabilization of masonry ruins at the preserve is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund managed by NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Plans for park improvements are in progress. In the meantime, the property is open to the public with nearly a mile of footpaths that wind near ruins and along both banks of a stream. The adjacent Foundry Cove, once a U.S. EPA Superfund cleanup site, now boasts tidal wetlands that provide habitat for Hudson River bird and fish species.
Things To Do at West Point Foundry Preserve Birding | Bird Watching Footpaths winding near ruins Hiking Nature Study
Directions In Cold Spring, go west on Main Street, then left on Rock Street and right on Kemble Avenue Park entrance is at the end of Kemble Avenue
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring, New York.
Important Note Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve is a sensitive archaeological site. Please stay on marked trails and do not move, remove or destroy any historical archaeological elements. Please keep dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Bikes are not permitted.
After a day of nature study, birding, and hiking at West Point Foundry Preserve, dine out at one of many excellent Restaurants in Putnam County, New York offering natural food and healthy options.
Hudson Highlands State Park, 6,000-acres in size, is located on Route 9D Beacon NY 10512, Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley. A mostly undeveloped preserve, Hudson Highlands State Park consists of a series of separate parcels of land stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill, north to Dennings Point in Beacon. The spacious park is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. The Hudson Highlands and Hudson River provide spectacular backdrops for the many activities that can be enjoyed here.
The park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging. Trail maps can be obtained at the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park office. The park’s most well known trail – Breakneck Ridge was rated by Newsweek as one of the top 10 day hikes in America. The 5.5 mile Breakneck Ridge trail rises 1,250 feet in only a ¾ mile stretch.
For visitors who wish to view the scenic park from the water, kayaks and canoes are available for rental at Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center in Cortlandt Manor. Rentals, as well as instruction, tours, and educational programs, are provided by Atlantic Kayak Tours. Visitors may also launch their own kayaks and canoes from the Annsville dock. Fishing from the dock is also permitted.
Points of Interest: One area of Hudson Highlands State Park, Bannerman Island, can only be accessed by water and explored via guided tour. Known originally as Pollepel Island, this island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This majestic Hudson River landmark is home to Bannerman Castle, built by American entrepreneur Frank Bannerman VI between 1901 and 1918. For more information on visiting this unique site see Historic Sites in Putnam.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Boat Rentals (including Kayaks & Canoes) Boating Fishing Hiking Trails Historic Places (Bannerman Island) Hunting
Manitou Point Garrison, Putnam County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Manitou Point property surrounds the historic home of the Livingston Family and features four miles of trails. Scenic Hudson owns this 144-acre property in partnership with the Open Space Institute. The restored Livingston family mansion at the center of the property is the national headquarters for Outward Bound.
Cherry Plain State Park, a 175-acre park, features a sandy beach on Black River Pond, with bathhouse and comfort station nearby. Picnic grounds and a boat launch are adjacent to the beach. The park also has bridle paths and hiking, biking and nature trails that serve for cross-country skiing in winter. Anglers fish for bass, bullheads and pickerel and may also ice fish in winter.
The park has 10 trailer sites, 10 lakeside tent sites as well as 10 "hike-in" tent sites available for overnight camping.
Press blue button for more about activities and attractions at Cherry Plain State Park.
Things To Do Beach Biking Boat Launches Boat Rentals Bridle Path Campsites Fishing Food Hiking Hunting Nature Trails Pavilions Picnic Tables (Accessible) Playgrounds Recreation Programs Showers Tent/Trailer Sites
Note: Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.
Grafton Lakes State Park is located at 100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton, NY 12082, Rensselaer County in upper-Hudson Valley. "Grafton Lakes State Park, on the forested mountain ridge between the Taconic and Hudson Valleys, includes five ponds and 2,357 acres. Long Pond has a large, sandy beach, which is a popular summer attraction. Anglers can go after rainbow and brown trout in Long, Second and Shaver Pond. Pickerel, perch, and bass are abundant in all ponds including Mill Pond and walleye are found at the Martin-Durham Reservoir. All ponds have launch facilities for canoes, sailboats and rowboats, electric boat are allowed. Visitors also picnic, walk the nature trails, and hike, bike or ride horses along the 25 miles of park trails.
"In winter, the trails are groomed for snowmobilers, and visitors may also snowshoe, cross-country ski, ice skate or ice fish when conditions permit, call for details."
Press blue button for more about activities and attractions at Grafton Lakes State Park.
Things To Do Beach and Swimming (Accessible) Biking Boat Launches Boat Rentals Bridle Path Fishing (Accessible) Food (Accessible) Hiking / Walking Hunting Nature Trails Pavilions (Accessible) Picnic Tables (Accessible) Playgrounds Recreation Programs (Accessible) Showers
Note: Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of the facilities.
Click to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park.
Hessian Lake is located in Bear Mountain State Park. Hessian Lake offers a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, rental boats, and lake and river fishing. Looking for fun things to do in the summer? Plan a picnic followed by a boat ride or a hike around Hessian Lake.
Bear Mountain State Park, a 5,000-acre park, is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. Bear Mountain Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty. The park is located at Bear Mountain, New York 10911, just 45 miles north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley.
The park features playing fields, shaded picnic groves, a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, the Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center, hiking, biking, cross-country ski trails and ski-jumps. Ice-skate at Bear Mountain's outdoor rink open for ice-skating, weather permitting, from late October through mid-March. Also visit Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park.
Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Tower. Bear Mountain is primarily a day-use park with magnificent scenery, photo opportunities and hiking for all levels of hikers.
Things To Do at Hessian Lake in Bear Mountain Park Boat Launches Boat Rentals Fishing (lake and river fishing) Food Hiking Trails / Walking Merry-Go-Round Pavilion Museum - Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center Nature Trails Picnic Tables Playgrounds Playing Fields
Points of Interest for Kids The Merry-Go-Round Pavilion at Bear Mountain features hand-painted scenes of the park while the merry-go-round itself features 38 carved renditions of Hudson River Valley animals, including raccoons, bear, deer, eagles, foxes, river otters, and bobcats.
Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center The study of native animals and their habitat at Bear Mountain has a long history. In 1921, the American Museum of Natural History installed a facility at the Boy Scouts headquarters on Lake Kanawauke. Four years later, the same Museum began a program for the study of insects in Harriman State Park. The Commission added a bear den in 1926, which became a small zoo, as the facility took in more injured animals in need of shelter.
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Bear Mountain, Rockland County, New York.
Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.
Press blue button for directions and more about Lake Tiorati.
Things To Do at Lake Tiorati Beach Biking Boat Launch Sites Campgrounds Hudson Valley Fishing (NYS fishing license required) Food Group Camping Hudson Valley Hiking Picnicking Scout Camping Showers Swimming
Winter Activities Ice Fishing Ice Skating
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Perkins Drive, also known as Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower, stands at the summit of Bear Mountain State Park, 1,305 feet above the Hudson River. The tower was completed in 1934 and dedicated to George Walbridge Perkins, the first President and widely regarded founder of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC).
Perkins Memorial Tower and Drive were built with funds provided by the descendants of George Walbridge Perkins. Perkins Memorial Tower, atop Bear Mountain, provides spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.
"The sinuous and steep drive, which leads to the Tower 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, was blasted off the mountain by 1,500 workers using 50,000 tons of dynamite. The tower, built to serve as a weather station and fire lookout, served those purposes until the 1950s. Work began in 1932, thanks to labor provided by the NYS Temporary Relief Administration. The drive and tower were inaugurated in 1934."
Hike, bike, or drive to Perkins Point, just be sure not to miss this attraction. Perkins Point is an absolute must see when vacationing or planning a day-trip to Bear Mountain. Walk the four sets of stairs in the tower (landings have benches to stop and rest between floors) to the observation floor where the views are documented and described in detail.
"With its 360-degree panorama, the Perkins Memorial Tower offers spectacular views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. Four states are visible (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania), as well as the New York City skyline. The observation floor has interpretive displays that describe the distant views, including several mountain ranges: the Taconics, Ramapos, Shawangunks, and even the Catskills. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower truly are a highlight of any visit to Bear Mountain."
Things To Do at Perkins Point Biking (Advanced bikers can ride to the top of Perkins Point.) Birding Hiking Trails / Walking Museum at Perkins Tower Nature Trails Picnic Tables Scenic Views
Emeline Park Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Emeline Park is located in the Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County in the southern Hudson River Valley. This park offers 0.5 miles of walking paths winding through 3 waterfront acres, with gazebo, pavilion, benches and a play area for children.
Emeline Park is set on the western shores of the Hudson River. This Rockland County riverfront park looks out across the Hudson at the river's widest point. Haverstraw Bay is a sweeping expanse of water, the very widest section of the Hudson River. Emeline Park is co-owned by Scenic Hudson and the Village of Haverstraw, and offers spectacular views of the bay and its many boats.
Things To Do Children's Play Area Scenic Vistas Walking Paths
Directions Heading south on Route 9W in Haverstraw Village, turn left on New Main Street and continue to the end.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Emeline Park.
Hook Mountain State Park is part of the Palisades Interstate Park system. Just north of the Nyacks, the Palisades ridge, which had moved inland to form a shallow bowl, returns to the river's edge. The familiar columnar formations reappear as Hook Mountain, jutting its massive curved and quarried face into the river and demarcating the Tappan Zee from Haverstraw Bay. The name is derived from the Dutch Verdrietige Hoogte (tedious or troublesome point), named for the contrary winds that sailors encountered while trying to round it.
Brief History: Saving Hook Mountain and the Tappan Zee Riverfront In the last quarter of the nineteenth century, quarrying, which started on the Jersey Palisades, spread upriver, threatening to deface Hook Mountain on the Tappan Zee and the entire riverfront . . . In 1872, the erection of a stone crusher at Hook Mountain signaled the beginning of large-scale operations. By 1900, this and 31 smaller quarries between Piermont and Nyack were operating. Sentiment was growing to stop this defacement . . .
George W. Perkins, president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, played an instrumental role in influencing the philanthropists of his time as to the importance of preserving the Palisades. He believed the forested Highlands of the Hudson, famous for their scenery and as Revolutionary strongholds, would become a recreational resource for the people of the metropolitan district. The acquisition of Hook Mountain by the Commission was made possible by generous contributions by members of the Harriman, Perkins, and Rockefeller families, who have been adding to park holdings even up to the present time. Press blue button for entire text from New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.
Visit Perkins Point, built in tribute to George Perkins. At Perkins Point you will experience spectacular views of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge, West Point, Storm King, and Fort Montgomery. Four states are visible (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania), including the New York City skyline.
Park Attractions and Activities
Biking Beautiful views as you bike along the Hudson River's edge. The bike path follows the river's edge from Haverstraw Beach State to Nyack Beach State Park in Upper Nyack. For more biking trails, visit biking in the Hudson River Valley.
Bird Watching Hook Mountain State Park is best known as a hawk watch site. More about the Audubon Society and great spots for Birding.
Piermont Pier offers beautiful views and excellent springtime fishing. Rental boats, canoes, and kayaks, are available in the immediate area.
Piermont Pier extends one mile across the Hudson River, from Rockland toward Westchester County. You can bike, walk, jog, or drive (with a yearly parking permit) to the end of the pier. Fishing along the pier is popular (check the fishing rule limits) and often very rewarding, especially during the spring run of stripers.
Piermont Marsh Piermont Marsh, part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Department of Environmental Conservation, is located on the west shore of the Tappan Zee Bridge, in the village of Piermont, Orangetown, Rockland County, NY. The site occupies two miles of shoreline south of the mile-long Erie Pier and includes the mouth of Sparkill Creek and extensive tidal shallows. For information about flora (plant life), fauna (animal life) and endangered species at Piermont Marsh, visit Hudson River Reserve, New York, Piermont Marsh Component.
Click to enlarge photo of Bench on Piermont Pier.
For your comfort, benches have been placed frequently on both sides of the path. Walk to the end of the pier as mild to strong breezes keep the air cool and delightful; even on the warmest days of summer. For summer evening and early morning walks you may need a light jacket.
Facing Westchester County, with Rockland County behind you; look to your left and see Hook Mountain in Nyack (another scenic spot along the Hudson River), the Tappan Zee Bridge, and Westchester County on the east side of the Hudson River. With Westchester County straight ahead, look to the right and you can see the New York City skyline; and the Piermont Marsh is to the far right.
Piermont Pier
Piermont Pier is located in Piermont, NY 10968, Rockland County
Open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm all year round.
Parking is available at the beginning of the pier.
Yearly passes that allow you to drive out on the pier are also available (Book early - passes are limited)
Restaurants near Pier at Piermont Several good restaurants (and a few exceptional restaurants) ice cream shops, and a coffee cafe, are located near Piermont Pier. Find more activities, attractions, and things to do in Rockland County and the beautiful Hudson River Valley.
7 Lakes Drive, Orange and Rockland counties Hudson River Valley, New York State
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.
Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking.
Fishermen enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.
Each of these lakes offer seasonal activities for the whole family. Find many things to do, including photography, at one or more of these beautiful lakes. Go fishing in spring, summer, and fall; and ice-fishing in the winter. Hike in all seasons. Hiking is especially invigorating in the fall when the air is cooler and you can see the stunning foliage of autumn in New York. Winter hiking can also be great fun and exercise, especially when its time to stop and have a hot drink from your thermos. The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.
The lakes that comprise 7 Lakes Drive, offer activities and attractions year round; including swimming, boating, fishing, and fabulous bird watching.
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.
The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to a boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.
Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish species present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.
Things To Do at Lake Skannatati Birding | Bird Watching Boat Launch Site (next to parking lot) Boating (canoeing, kayaking, row boats) Fishing (NYS fishing license required) Fishing spots in Hudson Valley (NYS fishing license required) Food Group Camping Hiking trails in Hudson Valley
Click to enlarge photo of Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Tiorati Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Orange County, New York
Lake Tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in Harriman State Park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. Surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. In winter, if conditions allow, the lake may be used for ice fishing. Bona fide groups may use the pioneer campsites near the lake.
The Anthony Wayne Recreation Area is located at Palisades Parkway, Exit 17, Bear Mountain, NY 10911 in Rockland County. Anthony Wayne is a wooded and scenic area within Harriman State Park. The recreation area lies in a wooded valley. Facilities include picnic areas with fireplaces, playing fields, and cross-country skiing and hiking trails.
Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, directions, fees, and more about the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area at Harriman State Park.
Note Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the New York State parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, and more.
Things To Do in Anthony Wayne Recreation Area Biking Grills Hiking Trails / Walking Picnic Tables Playing Fields
Bear Mountain State Park is located on the west side of the Hudson River in Orange County and Rockland County, New York. The 5,067-acre (20.51 km2) Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains and is just 45 miles north of New York City, in the historic and beautiful Hudson River Valley.
Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Point,
Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian Trail is carried across the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge. Although campgrounds and lodging are available, Bear Mountain Park is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities, and great hiking for all levels of hikers. The historic Bear Mountain Inn, situated in Bear Mountain Park, overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and overnight accommodations. Food is also available at several vendors around Hessian Lake and in other areas of the park.
Bear Mountain Park attractions and activities include a large playing field, picnic groves, rowboat docks on Hessian Lake, swimming pool and bathhouse, nature trails including key segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long Path, basketball court, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, and the Merry-Go-Round. Many winter activities are available at Bear Mountain Park, including an outdoor rink that is open for ice-skating from late October through mid-March.
Perkins Memorial Tower sits 1,305 feet above the Hudson River, atop Bear Mountain. Perkins Point and Perkins Memorial Tower afford spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Driving, biking, or hiking along Perkins Memorial Drive offers breathtaking views from many vantage points leading to Perkins Memorial Tower perched at the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.
Click to enlarge photo of sign - Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery.
Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery Walk the Popolopen Creek Trail to Fort Montgomery where you will "stand on the site of Fort Clinton, which was built along with Fort Montgomery to prevent British ships from sailing up the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts and destroyed them shortly thereafter.
"This trail leads down to the Popolopen Creek and across the Popolopen Suspension Footbridge to Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Interpretive signs and an audio tour are available to help understand the history of the fort and the battle."
Educational attractions that are fun for kids include the Trailside Museum and Zoo, and the Merry-Go-Round featuring 42 hand carved seats of native animals. After a ride on the merry-go-round, visit the zoo and see how many native animals you can recognize. (Perhaps your children can help name the animals.) .
Kids Attraction - Merry-Go-Round The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand painted scenes of the park and 42 hand carved seats of native animals including: black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more.
Kids Attraction - Trailside Museum and Zoo There are four museums at Trailside. The Reptile and Amphibian House is home to a variety of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. The Nature Study Museum houses specimens originally created by the Museum of Natural History to educate people about animal identification. Visitors can learn about geologic formations of the Hudson Highlands in the Geology Museum and local Native American and early settler culture in the History Museum.
Things To Do at Bear Mountain State Park Biking Trails Boat Rentals Dockage Fishing (lake and river fishing) Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn Hiking Trails / Walking Merry-Go-Round Pavilion Nature Trail Perkins Memorial Drive & Tower Picnic Tables Playground Playing Fields Pool (very large pool) Swimming Trailside Museums Zoo and Nature Park
Beaver Pond Campgrounds adjoin the Lake Welch Recreation Area within Harriman State Park. The campgrounds include tent and trailer sites as well as accommodations for larger vehicles. Comfort stations, showers, laundry facilities, and a dumping station are part of the campgrounds. In 2005, this parks facility was named one of Reserve America's Top Outdoor Locations.
Things To Do Beach Boat Launch Sites Camper Recreation Campsites Fishing Hiking Trails / Walking Picnic Tables Showers Tent & Trailer Sites
Blauvelt State Park is 590-acres of forested green space in Rockland County. Hiking trails provide the only access and afford spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. This park is undeveloped. There are no toilets and there is limited parking.
Things To Do at Blauvelt State Park Birding Hiking / Walking Trails Scenic Views
Press blue button for directions, and more about Blauvelt State Park.
Note Blauvelt State Park is undeveloped - there are no toilets and there is limited parking.
Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties, is the second-largest park in the parks system, with 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, two public camping areas, a network of group camps, miles of streams and scenic roads, and scores of wildlife species, vistas and vantage points. Harriman State Park includes Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds.
High Tor State Park is located at 415 South Mountain Road, New City NY 10956, Rockland County in the Hudson Valley. High Tor State Park, a day-use facility, offers picnicking, swimming and hiking, affords spectacular views of the Hudson River. The Long Path passes through the park just before the trail heads inland to the Catskills.
Things To Do Food Hiking Trails Picnic Tables Pool Showers
Lake Askoti - Harriman State Park in Rockland County
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Click to enlarge photo of Lake Askoti in Harriman State Park.
Lake Askoti, approximately 41-acres in size, is located in Harriman State Park. Lake Askoti, a tributary of Lake Skannatati River in Orange County, is surrounded by hiking trails offering beautiful vistas and great hiking. Enjoy excellent fishing throughout the year, including the winter freeze, when many fisherman return for ice fishing on the lake. Lake Askoti also offers excellent bird watching sites.
7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Kanawauke is a 186-acre reservoir (mostly man made) in Harriman State Park. The lake is located in the Town of Tuxedo, Orange County, and in the Town of Haverstraw, Rockland County, NY. Lake Kanawauke is comprised of three parts, the lower, middle, and upper lakes.
The word is Lake Kanawauke offers great fishing in Rockland County. The fish are plentiful with huge bass; also plentiful are perch, pan fish, and carp.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Nawahunta, a reservoir in Orange County, New York, is part of the beautiful and scenic Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties. Lake Nawahunta offers fishing, hiking trails, and is a top location for bird watching.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. Lawns, fields and picnic areas surround Lake Sebago Beach. In addition to swimming on the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch, sunfish and more.
Press blue button for park description, hours of operation, getting there, fees, and more about Lake Sebago Beach at Harriman State Park.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Skannatati - Harriman State Park in Rockland County
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Click to enlarge photo of Lake Skannatati in Harriman State Park.
Lake Skannatati, approximately 36.3 acres in size, is located in Orange County in the Town of Tuxedo, New York. Lake Skannatati is located very near Lake Askoti and is one of 31 lakes and reservoirs in Harriman State Park.
The parking lot, located adjacent to Lake Skannatati, provides convenient parking close to the boat launch site and provides easy access to several hiking trails.
Lake Skannatati offers hiking trails for all levels of hikers, including trails, at varying elevations, around the lake. Launch your boat and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Fish speciesthat are present include Largemouth Bass, Brook Trout and Pan fish.
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skannatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Lake Welch Beach in Harriman State Park is located in Rockland County, New York. The beach at Lake Welch is man-made with its half-mile-long sandy beach in the wooded hills of the Ramapo Mountains. Lake Welch is the largest beach in Harriman State Park. Originally a small body of water with farmland around the edges, Lake Welch became the large lake that it is today when a dam was completed in 1942. In the hot days of summer, have a great day swimming at the beach.
The word is The beach can get very crowded on summer weekends.
Nyack Beach State Park is located at 698 North Broadway, Upper Nyack NY 10960, Rockland County in the Hudson Valley. Nyack Beach Park boasts 61-acres of riverfront along the Hudson in Rockland County. The most popular activities are picnicking, hiking, bicycling and fishing. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in winter.
Things To Do Biking Trail Boat Launch Sites Fishing Hiking Trails / Walking Picnic Tables
Rockland Lake State Park is located at 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage NY 10989, Rockland County. The lake is located on a ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River.
The park offers two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two kiddies pools for swimming on the hot days of summer. After a swim, enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables and grills. The park also offers a car-top boat launch and boat rentals, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and two golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch and norlunge; walkers and joggers can use the fitness trail around the lake. Winter visitors enjoy designated cross-country ski trails and sledding slopes.
Things To Do Biking Boat Launch Sites Boat Rentals Fishing Food Golf Hiking Trails / Walking Nature Trail Picnic Tables Playground Swimming (2 Olympic sized pools and kiddies pool) Tennis
Silver Mine is part of the beautiful and scenic Harriman State Park, located in Rockland and Orange counties. The Silver Mine area of Harriman State Park offers picnic grounds, fishing, hiking, and a boat launch site.
Things To Do Biking (helmets required) Boat Launch Fishing Hiking trails Picnic Tables
Winter Activities Ice Fishing
Scenic Drives 7 Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park, built in 1913, runs approximately 20 miles between Sloatsburg, NY on the southern end to Bear Mountain State Park on the northern end. A scenic ride along Seven Lakes Drive passes lakes Sebago, Skanatati, Askoti, Kanawauke, Tiorati, Nawahunta and Silver Mine Lake.
Tallman Mountain State Park comprises wooded country on the easterly slope of the Palisades uplands overlooking the Hudson and Piermont Marsh, which lies between the river and the slope. The marsh is part of the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. The park operates as a day-use area, offering a swimming pool, running track, tennis courts, playfield, cross-country skiing, a walking trail, hiking and picnic areas.
Things To Do Biking Hiking Paths / Walking Picnic Tables Playground Playing Fields Showers Swimming (pool) Tennis
Dater Mountain Nature Park, a 350.5-acre park, is located off Johnsontown Road in Sloatsburg, NY 10974 in Rockland County. "The Park, which is located in the New York/New Jersey Highlands, is heavily wooded with steep inclines and rocky slopes and consists of a number of mountaintops and valleys, crossed by several small streams. Orange and Rockland transmission line traverses the Park. A view of the Village of Tuxedo, The New York State Thruway, and Orange County may be seen from the high elevations, some rising 940 feet above sea level. The Park contains eight federally designated wetlands and provides habitat for two NYS endangered species (the Northern Cricket Frog and the Allegheny Woodrat) and one threatened species (the Timber Rattlesnake)."
A Bit of History "Dater Mountain Nature Park has many local family histories. The Munsee Indians once inhabited the property. It is the westerly part of the Spence Patent. Dater crossing brought the locality into contact with Route 17 and Tuxedo. The area was extensively logged in the later 1700's and into the 1800’s; trees were burned in pits to produce charcoal for the smelting of iron ore. Many of these pits can be found throughout the property. The land was acquired in two phases. In 1981, 150 acres was obtained through tax delinquency. Phase 2 included the acquisition 235.5 acres of land in 2004 as part of Rockland County’s Open Space Acquisition Program."
Press blue button for wildlife information and more about Dater Mountain Nature Park, including parking, directions, future plans and wildlife on record. Click the map for hiking trails.
Things To Do at Dater Mountain Nature Park Birding Hiking / Walking Nature Study Scenic Views
Clausland Mountain Park, a 532-acre park, is located at 10 Nike Lane, Upper Grandview, NY 10960 in Rockland County. The park is maintained in its natural state offering many scenic views . While the area does not contain any permanent bodies of water, during periods of heavy rain many streams cascade down the mountain. The major trail is the Long Path and can be identified by a blue blaze.
A Bit of History "Clausland is named after the "Clever Indian", Jans Claus, whose Indian name was Tackamack. He acted as an agent for the sale of land to Dutch settlers. Clausland Mountain Park was purchased in 1969, funded by local donations, County funds and a Federal grant. Three adjoining tax delinquent parcels were acquired in 1981. In 2000, two more parcels consisting of 50 acres, were purchased in cooperation with Scenic Hudson Land Trust Inc., Clausland Mountain Preservation Association, Town of Orangetown, NYS Department of Parks & Recreation and Columbia University."
Press blue button for parking and directions; click map for hiking trails.
Things To Do at Clausland Mountain Park Birding Hiking / Walking Nature Walks Scenic Views
Clausland Mountain Park Town of Orangetown, Upper Grandview Tackamack Park on Clausland Mountain Road Hudson River Valley, New York State
Clausland Mountain is a very heavily wooded mountain composed primarily of hardwoods; Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Hickory, Beech, Dogwood, interspersed with numerous thick Hemlock stands and dense sections of Mountain Laurel. The land is in its natural state, with many fine scenic overlooks. While the area does not contain any permanent bodies of water, during periods of heavy rain many streams cascade down the mountain. The major trail is the Long Path and can be identified by a blue blaze. It runs in a north - south direction beginning at the former Nike site off Highland Avenue and exits at Tackamack Town Park.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Geological Studies Hiking / Walking Nature Study Scenic Vistas
Access Off Nike Lane, Upper Grandview
Directions From Route 59 take Route 303 south, left Spruce Street (CR 28), turns into Clausland Mountain Road. Make a right on Tweed Blvd. Right on Nike Lane. Bear left at the fork on Nike Lane. Park entrance is on the left.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, wildlife in the park, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and more about Clausland Mountain Park.
Esopus Meadows Preserve Town of Esopus, Ulster County Hudson River Valley, New York State
The Esopus Meadows Preserve is located in the Town of Esopus, along the Hudson River, south of Kingston, in northeastern Ulster County, New York State. This 93-acre preserve is owned and managed by Scenic Hudson.
Esopus Meadows Preserve offers two miles of woodland trails and a shoreline with stunning Hudson River views. The shallow waters just offshore of the park are among the Hudson’s most important spawning grounds for striped bass. This impressive 2-mile trail network runs along the Hudson River and through woodlands, alongside wetlands, and above the Klyne Esopus Kill.
Things To Do at Esopus Meadows Preserve Birding at this prime spot for watching bald eagles Hiking Trails Nature Study along 3,500 feet of shoreline View of the 1871 Esopus Lighthouse in the Hudson River.
Directions Crossing the Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 10.3 miles. Right on River Road. Proceed 1.3 miles. Entrance on right.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and the Esopus Meadows Preserve.
After a day of birding, hiking, nature study, or relaxing in the fresh sea breezes, pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in the area. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in New Paltz or greater Ulster County.
Franny Reese State Park Highland, Ulster County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Franny Reese is known as “the mother of the modern environmental movement”. This new park features 250-acres of impressive ridgeline just south of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge.
A new scenic overlook, opened in 2009, features dramatic views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the new Walkway Over the Hudson. The land boasts a broad array of tree species and features carriage trails and stone walls that crisscross the acreage.
A trail leads to the property from the Town of Lloyd's Johnson-Iorio Park, located immediately north of the bridge's Ulster County side. The path takes visitors under the bridge and connects them to a carriage trail that accesses the site.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking / Walking Trails Mountain Biking Picnicking Ruins of former estate buildings Scenic Views Woodland Trails (2.5 miles)
Directions Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north and take first right onto Haviland Road. Parking area for Johnson-Iorio Park is located at the end of Haviland Road. From parking area, descend stairs and cross under Mid-Hudson Bridge. Trailhead is on the right.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, trail maps, photos and more about Franny Reese State Park.
D&H Canal Heritage Corridor Alliance is a a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Delaware & Hudson Canal tow paths and the Ontario & Western Railway for recreation.
Thirty-five miles of Historic Adventure This route traces the Delaware & Hudson Canal, the New York Ontario & Western Railroad, and the scenic Rondout Creek. Spanning the width of a rural valley in central Ulster County, this trail provides access to many outstanding natural and historic resources.
Experience the D&H Canal towpaths and locks, historic hamlets, monumental cement caves and kilns, the forested and pastoral route of the abandoned O&W Railroad, scenic woodlands and stream valleys, wetlands, and other natural resources along the way.
History of the D & H Canal Heritage Corridor In the early 1800's, a period of immense growth in the United States, a means of cheap mass transportation was needed for transporting goods. Canals were the answer. The first million dollar private enterprise in the U.S. was the Delaware and Hudson Canal, from Honesdale, PA to Kingston, NY. Its primary purpose was to transport coal from the mines of Pennsylvania to New York City, without going through the port of Philadelphia. The most economical transport route was to use existing waterways north of Port Jervis to Kingston, the Rondout Creek.
Kingston, a busy port on the Hudson River and only 90 miles from NYC, was a deep water port where the coal could then be transferred to large ships. Completed in 1828, there were 108 locks on the canals' 108 mile length. Most of the canal was eventually abandoned in 1898 in favor of the more modern steam locomotive.
As a testimony to the clever engineering of its day, the use of simple natural materials, and the untold thousands of man hours of construction, much of the canal remains today. Built "by hand" - the ribbon remains between the communities - a bucolic reminder of days past. The New York Ontario and Western Railway was one of the first of the long distance railroads in New York State . . . more about the history of the D&H Canal.
Press blue button for Trail Status and more about the history of the D & H Heritage Corridor.
Sleightsburgh Park Kingston, Ulster County Hudson River Valley, New York State
Sleightsburgh Park is a spectacular spit of land reaching almost all the way to the Kingston Lighthouse
This 79-acre peninsula at the mouth of the Rondout Creek was purchased by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and conveyed to the Town of Esopus. A conservation easement held by our land trust ensures the property will forever remain parkland.
Sleightsburgh Park offers deep water boat access onto Rondout Creek, the wooded peninsula is criss-crossed with trails that offer good bird watching and views of the Kingston Lighthouse.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Deep water boat access onto Rondout Creek Hiking Trails Nature Study Picnicking Views of Kingston Lighthouse
Directions From Route 9W in Esopus, head east on North Broadway, then right on First Avenue, left on Everson Street. Park Entrance is on the right.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about Sleightsburgh Park in Ulster County, New York.
After a day of hiking, nature study or just relaxing in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster New York.
Black Creek Preserve Esopus, Ulster County Hudson River Valley, New York State
This 130-acre park features a dramatic suspension bridge, spectacular Hudson River views and offers hiking trails that wind among vernal pools.
Scenic Hudson purchased the Black Creek Preserve in 1992 to protect it from development and provide a beautiful, natural area where people can experience the Hudson.
Things To Do at Black Creek Preserve Nature Study Hiking two + miles of nature trails leading to Hudson River Views of Mills-Norrie State Park and Esopus Island
Directions Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 7.6 miles. Right on Winding Brook Road. Immediate left for parking lot.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson and the Black Creek Preserve where you can view Black Creek Trail Map or download the Black Creek Park Quest for information and maps that will guide you on a quest to learn about the history and wildlife at Black Creek Preserve.
After an invigorating day of birding, hiking, nature study, or just relaxing; pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in Ulster. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in Ulster County.
The Catskill Park is a mountainous region of public and private lands in Southeastern New York's Ulster, Greene, Delaware and Sullivan Counties - the "forest preserve" counties. Ninety-eight peaks over 3,000 feet high form an impressive skyline. Its blend of public and private lands is typical of large parks in Europe, where people and unique lands have coexisted for centuries. The Catskill Forest Preserve is the state land within the Catskill Park. Since its creation in 1885, it has grown from 34,000 to 287,500 acres. An 1894 amendment to the New York State Constitution (now Article 14) directs:
"the lands of the State now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed or destroyed."
The forest preserve has thousands of acres of forests with meadows, remnants of old farmsteads, lakes, rivers, springs, waterfalls, cliffs, fire towers, bears, rattlesnakes and other wildlife, rare plants and animals. Also, there are hundreds of miles of abandoned woods roads and trails to enjoy. Today, it serves as watershed, recreation area and ecological and scenic reserve.
Press blue button for more information about the following outdoor activities:
Attractions and Outdoor Activities at Catskill Park Accessible Recreation Boating Camping Cross-Country Skiing Fishing Hiking & Rock Climbing Hunting Shellfishing Trapping Snowmobiles
After an invigorating day of birding, hiking, nature study, or just relaxing at Catskill Park; pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in Ulster. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in Ulster County.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44-55, Kerhonkson NY 12446, Ulster County in the Hudson Valley. Minnewaska State Park is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge that rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level. The terrain is rugged and rocky, blanketed by dense hardwood forest encircling two lakes. Clear streams cut into valleys, incising sheer cliffs and ledges and emerging in waterfalls.
Come visit Minnewaska State Park Preserve, one of the most unique and beautiful parks in New York State, featuring numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, more cliff-edge views that we can mention, world-class rock climbing and 35 miles of carriageways and 25 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.
Things To Do Beach Biking Boat Launch Boating Food Hiking / Walking Horseback Riding Hunting Picnicking Scenic Views Swimming
New York State Parks
Westchester County
Hudson Valley
Are you looking for things to do in the Hudson Valley? How about a day-trip to one of the many beautiful parks along the Hudson River? Enjoy a day walking, hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing in the parks of Westchester County, offering wonderful opportunities for exercise and outdoor fun throughout the year. Hundreds of miles of trails are available for walking, hiking, and biking the Hudson Valley. From rugged footpaths and mountain trails, to paved greenway trails along many county roads, the trails of Westchester County are used for activities such as bicycling, hiking, Nordic skiing (cross-country), running, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and more.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation maintains thousands of miles of trails in State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, Unique Areas and Forest Preserve land in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. Opportunities abound for hikers, bikers, equestrians, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and more. Utilize the outstanding opportunities for safe and healthy exercise.
Activity is for Everyone
Healthy living and physical fitness are closely connected. Being physically fit not only helps people live healthy lives, it also helps people live longer. People who make physical activity and exercise a part of their daily lives when they are young are more likely to keep it in their lives as they grow older and benefit from it throughout their lifespan. Physical activity is defined as any movement that spends energy. Exercise is a subset of physical activity, but it is an activity that is structured and planned.
Exercise offers other benefits, including strengthened muscles, increased flexibility, and stronger bones. Regular activity also promises mental-health benefits, like relieving stress and anxiety. It can help you sleep better and renew your energy.
Virtually everyone benefits from physical activity and exercise. However, every few years, surveys confirm the well-known fact that most people aren't active enough. While many children engage in physical activity, the amount of physical activity and exercise they get as they grow into adolescents usually declines. In fact, many researchers believe that physical inactivity is a national health problem that can increase the risk of illness and disease.
It is widely accepted by the health community that doing some kind of physical activity or exercise on a regular basis helps to increase strength and flexibility, improve endurance, control weight, increase bone mass, and improve self-esteem. Exercise also reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and the risk of developing high blood pressure.
The best way to keep physical activity and exercise a permanent part of one's life is to make it fun and enjoyable. If people are given different options of what they can do and have easy access to those options, they are more likely to participate in physical activity and exercise. This allows people to have a positive attitude toward physical fitness. It's also helpful if people are knowledgeable about the rewards of physical activity and exercise.
Physical activity and exercise benefits both the body and the mind in numerous ways. Activity options include: team and individual sports, walking, gardening, dancing, and even doing everyday household chores.
Benefits of Exercise and Physical Fitness
It is generally accepted that exercise improves health and well-being. Physical activity doesn't need to be strenuous for a person to enjoy benefits to health. However, by sensibly increasing physical activity - you increase your health benefits. Exercise also believed to increase endorphins, a protein in the brain that act as the body's natural pain reliever.
Exercise and Physical Fitness Concepts
Cardiovascular Fitness
Cardiovascular fitness is improved by aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health as it typically uses the body's largest groups of muscles (the legs) continually which makes a person need more oxygen. Exercise increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and improves the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, walking fast, biking, and dancing. Cardiovascular or aerobic activity also strengthens the heart and lungs.
Regular activity and exercise make for a healthier heart. A healthy heart enhances the efficiency of circulating blood throughout the body. The heart pumps blood, which carries oxygen to muscles and carries away waste. How well the heart performs is a good indication of a person's cardiovascular system.
Endurance
Endurance refers to a person's ability to continue doing a stressful activity for an extended period of time. This is sometimes called stamina. What this means is that a person with good endurance or stamina can bike, jog, play, or run for a long time without getting tired. Having a healthy endurance level means that a person has a healthy level of cardiovascular fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to how efficiently the heart and lungs can pump blood (which holds oxygen) to muscles that are being worked. The more efficiently the heart works, the more energy the body has to continue working without a great deal of effort.
Activity and exercise
Activity and exercise help the cardiovascular system by improving circulation. Circulation is increased because physical activity increases a person's blood volume. This makes it easier for the heart to function and more blood gets to muscles, meaning more oxygen is carried to the muscles. Exercise and activity also help reduce a person's chances of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension. Physical fitness can reduce the risk of suffering serious consequences, such as a stroke, from high blood pressure.
Gain Strength
Strength is the ability to resist force. Muscles constantly resist force. The more strength a person has, the easier it is for muscles to resist greater force. For instance, someone who can lift one hundred pounds of weight once is stronger than someone who can lift fifty pounds of weight twice. Just as regular physical activity builds strength, it also builds muscle endurance. Similar to cardiovascular endurance, muscle endurance means that muscles are able to work for longer periods of time.
Stronger Bones May Prevent Illness
Stronger muscles go hand in hand with stronger bones and healthy joints. And, as the body builds muscle, it tends to lose fat, which results in a leaner, healthier body. Weight-bearing activities build better bones.
There are several reasons why weight-bearing activities build better bones. First, these activities seem to actually stimulate the formation of bone. Also, with physical activity comes muscle strength, which means that the muscles that are exerted grow stronger; this, in turn, benefits the bones. Finally, with improved strength, balance, and coordination, the risk of falls and bone injuries is greatly reduced.
Having thicker, healthier bones helps combat arthritis and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that gradually weakens bones, making them so fragile that they can fracture easily doing everyday activities. Although osteoporosis mainly strikes older people, it is during childhood and adolescence that bones are forming. Building stronger bones during adolescence will help combat diseases such as osteoporosis later in life.
Breath Easier and Strengthen Lung Capacity
As people grow older, their lung capacity (how much air the lungs hold) typically reduces. Cardiovascular activity and exercise can combat this because aerobic activities actually increase lung capacity. So while lung capacity will continue to diminish because of age, with regular activity - especially aerobic activity, it will do so at a slower rate.
Energy
Physical activity and exercise require energy, as does everything. In addition to expending energy, however, physical activity also gives people increased energy throughout the entire day. The immune system also benefits from regular physical activity. A healthy immune system helps fight colds, cancer, and other diseases, and speeds recovery from all kinds of injuries.
Sleep
The human body needs sleep. Sleep gives us energy. Regular physical activity helps people sleep more soundly. The more soundly one sleeps, the more energy one saves up during that time, and the more energy a person has to work, play, study, and enjoy life.
Improve Flexibility
Young people are usually quite flexible. However, as with lung capacity, flexibility diminishes as people grow older. Activities and exercises that increase flexibility such as: gymnastics, martial arts, and yoga, are helpful in preventing injuries. The more flexible a person is, the less likely he or she is to suffer a sprain or strain a muscle.
Physical Activity and Exercise Benefit the Mind
Physical activity and exercise are beneficial to the mind as well as the body. They help improve a person's health and overall outlook on life. The great thing about physical activity and exercise is that it doesn't matter what a person does as long as it raises the heart rate for a certain period of time (twenty to thirty minutes) You can bike, run, swim, walk, garden, etc. - all healthy activity benefits the mind. People experience a natural high thereby developing the ability to better handle emotions and changes in life.
Endorphins - Our Natural High
When a person is physically active or exercises for a certain period of time—about 20 minutes or longer—the body releases endorphins, proteins in the brain that act as the body's natural pain reliever. When endorphins are released, a person may experience a feeling of euphoria.
Exercise Helps Relieve Depression and Anxiety
Many people suffer from depression and anxiety. A person may feel just depressed or anxious or experience both depression and anxiety at the same time. Depression can cause people to feel sad, tired, and hopeless. Researchers have found that in mild cases, physical activity and exercise can help relieve feelings of depression and lower a person's anxiety.
Handle Stress Better
Stress is a normal part of every person's life. However, too much stress can cause health problems. Some symptoms of stress include anxiety, high blood pressure, irritability, tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches, and lower resistance to illness. Physical activity and exercise, especially noncompetitive activity, help to manage stress. They give a person the opportunity to feel calmer and more alert, which can help a person work through the things that are causing the stress. They also boost the immune system.
Improve Concentration
Concentration is important for learning and understanding new things. Being physically active and exercising can help improve concentration. Staying physically fit has also been found to help people maintain memory longer. As people get older, their memory skills can deteriorate, and physical activity and exercise can help ward off this effect.
Feel Calmer and Sleep Soundly
While physical activity and exercise can make people feel more alert during the day, they also allow people to feel calmer and sleep more soundly. When people are active, their body temperature rises and warms their insides. This soothes the body, like a warm bath, and causes a person to feel calmer. This feeling, along with the lower anxiety and stress and physical benefits of physical activity and exercise, helps a person to sleep soundly at night.
Activity Promotes Fitness
There are many types of activities that improve a person's physical fitness. The options range from traditional aerobics to alternative practices such as yoga, pilates, and martial arts. Each activity has its own specific benefits and requires different kinds of equipment. Choosing the best activities involves finding the ones that are the most pleasurable and fun. The most important thing is doing some kind of activity on a regular basis.
Sports
Participation in sports and other healthy physical activities are a great way of staying active. Sports offer wonderful rewards for mental health. Being involved in sports has been proven to help people learn valuable skills for dealing with life's ups and downs. They teach people how to interact with others and work as a team. Sports also help people become more independent and feel better about themselves.
Children, Kids, Preteens
Physical activity and exercise are not the same. And while both are good, most experts recommend that kids and preteens focus more on being physically active (such as playing or bike-riding) than on actually doing structured exercise. Playing is simple and fun. The options are endless and the benefits are great. Playing increases strength, flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone and, because it increases the heart rate, it burns fat as well. In addition to the physical benefits, playing relieves stress and imparts a positive attitude about life and physical fitness. Playing activities include: Frisbee, tag, hide-and-seek, playing with a pet, gardening, and hopscotch.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and tones the body. There are two types of aerobics: high-impact and low-impact. Both involve moving the body for at least twenty minutes in order to increase the heart rate to a point where the body is burning fat. High-impact aerobics involves dance combinations and jumping movements, while low-impact aerobics uses similar movements without the jumping. Low-impact aerobics is gentler to the joints because one foot is always touching the floor and therefore it is less likely to cause injury.
Biking
Biking is another fun activity that builds strength and balance. Riding for twenty minutes will make the heart strong and help the body burn fat. Most people learn to ride bikes as children, so all it takes to participate is a bicycle and road to ride it on. Some people choose to ride on the road, while others buy a mountain bike that allows them to ride on dirt roads and trails in the woods or in the mountains. In addition to having a bike, people need to wear helmets and have reflectors attached to the bike. Many people ride with friends or even join a cycling club to meet others who like to use their pedals to get their hearts pumping.
Boxing
Boxing tones and strengthens the whole body. Whether a person is just punching the air, called shadow boxing, or punching a bag, boxing helps burn fat, relieve stress, and increase endurance and confidence. People interested in boxing usually take classes at a local gym or learn boxing moves from a video. With boxing gloves and loose, comfortable workout clothing, boxing can be done at a gym, a recreation center, or at home. It's also possible to learn how to kick box, which uses the legs and the arms to punch the air or a bag.
Dance
Dance is great exercise for the whole body. It not only tones the body and burns fat, but it also improves balance and coordination. There are many different types of dance, including ballet, tap, modern, country-western, jazz, and hip-hop. Some people choose to take classes to learn the right technique. This can be especially important for tap and ballet. Others may rent or buy a video that teaches them the right moves. However, dance doesn't have to be structured. Dancing to a song on the radio or to a favorite CD is enough for some people. Dancing in any form is a fun way to become physically fit.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is an intense activity that strengthens every muscle in the body. It also improves coordination and flexibility; however, it can be risky since many of the moves include flips and jumps that can cause injury. Practicing gymnastics requires classes at a gym with special equipment, a training camp, or a gymnastics clinic. It also requires an instructor, as gymnastic moves are difficult and cannot be learned without proper instruction.
Hiking
One of the best things about hiking is being surrounded by nature. Hiking trails can be found everywhere, giving hikers many choices of trails that differ in difficulty and scenery. If you enjoy birding, studying nature, or a strong hike to get your heart pumping; visit hiking trails in Westchester County
for a list of walking and hiking trails.
Ice Skating
Ice skating works the lower body, including thighs, hips, and buttocks. It also strengthens the heart, burns fat, and improves balance and coordination. Individual and group lessons are available at local rinks. It's also possible to learn how to figure skate, which involves doing spins, jumps, and dance moves on the ice. Having a supportive pair of skates is essential. If there's nowhere to ice skate, but the activity is appealing, in-line skating is a great alternative.
In-Line Skating
In-line skating is similar to ice-skating but it's done on concrete, not ice. It works the lower body and strengthens the heart. In-line skating has grown in popularity over recent years and many people consider it to be one of the most fun activities to do.
Martial Arts
The martial arts are a combination of physical activity and mental strength and development. The practice of the arts goes back thousands of years; they work to improve the body's strength, power, speed, endurance, control, balance, awareness, and timing. In addition to physical training, martial arts benefit the mind through meditation that brings peace of mind in daily life.
Running
Running is an intense exercise. It's great for increasing heart rate, burning fat, and relieving stress. The muscles in the legs and stomach become stronger through running, and many runners talk of a "runner's high," which can be attributed to the release of endorphins, or the body's natural pain reliever, into the bloodstream.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Downhill skiing improves muscle tone for the whole body, as well as increasing balance and endurance. Cross-country skiing means constantly moving the arms and legs in a rhythmic fashion, which keeps the heart pumping fast. Snowboarding increases muscle tone in the lower body, while also improving balance and coordination.
Swimming
Swimming is a great activity that is easy on the body's joints because the water cushions the body while it moves. Swimming tones the whole body and increases the heart rate. It can be structured or unstructured. Doing laps with different types of strokes is a possibility, as is just playing around in the water with friends or participating in a water volleyball game. Swimming tones the whole body and increases the heart rate.
Team Sports
Team sports offer a variety of benefits that are unique to each sport. Hockey, basketball, and soccer, for example, require constant movement and therefore are great for increasing the heart rate, burning fat, and toning muscle. They also improve coordination and endurance. Softball, baseball, football, and volleyball increase muscle strength and coordination. Track and field benefits the whole body as it can involve running, sprinting, jumping, and throwing. All team sports usually require the participant to train for the playing season.
Tennis
Tennis can be played with two or four people or, in other words, singles or doubles. Either way provides a good workout, increasing strength in the arms and the legs, as well as improving eye-hand coordination. Singles is a more intense activity since one does not have a partner to help cover the court.
Walking
Walking is one of the most simple and accessible activities. Most people do some walking every day. Going for a fast, long walk, sometimes called power walking, will increase heart rate and burn fat, while also improving endurance. Walking uphill will increase muscle tone in the legs, back, stomach, and buttocks. Pumping the arms while walking will tone the arms and shoulders.
Yoga
Yoga is a series of exercises that incorporate regulated breathing, concentration, and flexibility. Yoga is a way of life that connects the mind, body, and spirit. Through different poses, or postures, yoga improves flexibility, strength, circulation, and relieves stress while helping a person achieve peace of mind. Yoga will also improve the body's alignment, which means all the body's parts are in the right position for good health.
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