This 172 acre park is centrally located in the county and a perfect spot for group picnics. 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
Parks attractions include: Picnicking, Playground, "The Great Hunger Memorial"
Wampus Pond Park is located on 102 acres in Armonk, Westchester County. It 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.
Parks attractions include: Boating, Fishing, Ice-Skating, Nature Study, Picnicking
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 Baseball Basketball Fishing Football Ice Skating Paddle Tennis Picnicking Playground Shelter Soccer Softball Summer Day Camp Swimming Pools Tennis
The Cross River Reservoir is located in northeastern Westchester County, about one mile east of the Village of Katonah and approximately 25 miles north of New York City. It is located within the towns of Bedford and Lewisboro. The Cross River Reservoir was formed by the damming of Cross River and was placed into service in 1908. This reservoir is part of the New York City water supply system.
Cross River Reservoir Surface Area = 903.8 acres Mean Depth = 35.8 feet Consists of one basin, approximately 3.2 miles in length. Holds 10.3 billion gallons at full capacity.
Fish Species Present Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Brown Trout, Chain Pickerel, Carp, Panfish Sourced from: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The Trailside Nature Museum is located at the 4,315-acre Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the county’s largest park. Park terrain is extremely varied, ranging from deep hollows to ridges that rise up more than 800 feet. There are hemlock gorges, dry uplands, wetlands, ponds, and two rivers, all connected by 35 miles of trails. Many of the old farm roads are now used as hiking and cross-country ski trails, and other signs of the old farms exist in the form of stonewalls, foundations and cellar pits.
The Trailside Nature Museum, established in 1937, is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States. The museum is home to a large collection of mounted animals, American Indian artifacts, educational exhibits, child-friendly interactive displays, and nature-oriented artwork. 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.
Point of Interest: Directly outside the Trailside Nature Museum, there is a one-half acre wildflower garden containing more than 80 different kinds of labeled wildflowers.
Things To Do Birding Camping Cross-Country Skiing Fishing, Hiking / Walking Nature Programs Picnicking Self Guided Nature Trails Snow-Shoeing Winter Activities
Croton Gorge Park is a 97-acre property at the base of the Croton Dam, and affords impressive views of the dam and spillway. The park is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking and hiking, with direct trail access to New York State’s Old Croton Aqueduct. The park is also available in winter for cross-country skiing and sledding.
Things To Do Ball Fields Cross-Country Skiing Fishing Hiking Trails /Walking Nature study Picnicking, Playground Winter Activities
Croton Point Park is a 508-acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. This park offers year-round events and activities, including camping, hiking, and swimming. Also, home of wine cellars, thought to be the oldest in New York State, and the Croton Point Nature Center that offers a year-round schedule of interpretive programs.
Things To Do Boat Launch Cabin Rental, RV Camping, and Tent Camping Cross-country Skiing Fishing Hiking / Walking Historic Wine Cellars Museum Nature Study Pavilions Picnicking Playground Swimming Beach
Twin Lakes Park & Nature Study is located at California Road, Eastchester, New York. Twin Lakes offers a wooded nature study area with several trails. Twin Lakes Park was named after the two lakes on the property. The property used to belong to the Mahlsted family and included an icehouse. The park contains mostly wooded areas but there are also fields and marshlands and several ponds. Two stables hire out horses for riding on existing bridle trails.
Things To Do Cross-Country Skiing Equestrian Trails Fishing Hiking / Walking Ice Skating Nature Study Stables
George’s Island Park is a 208 acre waterfront park offering 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.
Willson's Woods Park 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 feature of Willson's Woods Park 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.
Mountain Lakes Park is Westchester’s northernmost county park. It is set on 1038 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.
Parks attractions include: Boating, Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Ice Skating, Mt. Bailey Westchester's Highest Point, Nature Study
Blue Mountain is located at Welcher Avenue in Peekskill, NY. Blue Mountain is a 1500 acre park in the northwest section of Westchester County. It is primarily a passive park. It features miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, walking, nature study and more. It also offers challenging hikes to the tops 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 Camping Cross-Country Skiing Equestrian Trails Fishing Hiking / Walking Ice Skating Mountain Biking Nature Study Playground Picnicking Sportman Center Target Shooting Range
Glen Island Park is a 105 acre park located on the Long Island Sound, offering a variety recreational facilities including a foot beach, 18-hole miniature golf course, playground and picnicking area with a pavilion, and magnificent waterfront views.
The 4,315-acre park makes Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Westchester County’s largest park. The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is divided in area between both 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.
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 and cross-country skiing. The park is home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.
Things To Do Camping Cross-Country Skiing Equestrian Trails & Horseback Riding Fishing Gardens Hiking & Walking Trails Museum Nature Study Picnicking Play equipment is available in two areas of the park Winter Activities
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.
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 is a 98 acre property located at the base of the Kensico Dam. 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, and arts and craft shows.
Parks attractions include: Biking, Fishing, Hiking / Walking, Ice Skating, In-line Skating, Nature Study, Outdoor Film Festival, Picnicking, Playground, Refreshments
Saxon Woods Park is located on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, NY. The 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. 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 leather- stocking trail and contains archeologically sensitive areas. Saxon Woods Park is the site of the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled.
Park Attractions cross-country skiing Fishing Hiking/walking/equestrian trails Miniature golf Picnicking Playground (accessible to the disabled) Nature study Refreshments Swimming
Tibbetts Brook Park is a 161 acre park with a large 412’ x 125’ pool. It was one of the first parks developed by Westchester County. The Park offers many recreational activities throughout the year and hosts ethnic celebrations, fairs and festivals during the summer months.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers a scenic haven. The park's spacious picnic areas, which can accommodate individual families as well as large groups, may be reserved in advance. The park's mammoth 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. Licenses can be purchased at town halls or a variety of sporting good stores. 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.
Parks attractions include: Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Boat Rentals, Cross-Country Skiing, Disk Golf Course, Fishing, Food, Hiking Trails / Walking, Ice Skating, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Pool, Recreation Programs, Snowmobiling
Lake Taghkanic State Park was named in 2005 as 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 and trailer campsites and cabin and cottage camping facilities, two beaches, picnic grounds and a 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.
A listing of 30 public boat ramps. These ramps are located on the Hudson River, from Jersey City to Kingston, NY, with descriptions, directions and launching fees. Keep us posted on the conditions of these ramps! E-Mail us your reviews! Both Fishermen Feedback and Boaters Feedback Needed!
Osprey Marine Ltd. is a small company specializing in fishing charters and boating education, offering courses for Safe Boating Certification, vessel handling and navigation. Our vessel meets all Coast Guard requirements for safety and is designed for fishing as well as comfort. We supply all the necessary tackle for an exciting day on the water and look forward to serving you.
During the spring we concentrate on fishing for striped bass in the Hudson River during their spawning run. During the summer and early fall we fish Long Island Sound and offshore. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Osprey Marine and Hudson River Striped Bass fishing.
"A A Fishing" is dedicated to those kindred spirits who have an inborn desire for fishing and seek knowledge about the science and sport of fishing. Since the beginning, mankind has sought fish as a food source. To most, catching fish was simply a means to an end. To some, the pursuit was the awakening of an instinct that drew them to the water in search of the thrill of the "tap - tap" that only a true fisherman really understands.
Knowledge gained from fishing for fun as well as tournament fishing is collected and organized relative to fishing various waters for a variety of species. Their Knowledge center comprises the work of many anglers who wish to share their knowledge and fishing experiences with others. Included in "AA Fishing" are tips, techniques and secrets for all aspects of fishing.
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.
Parks attractions include: Carousel, Food, Gymnasium, Hiking, Ice Skating, Performing Arts Theater, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Pool, Recreation Programs, Showers, Tennis
Chadwick Lake Park is located in Newburgh, NY, Orange County in the lower Hudson Valley. Chadwick Lake is a reservoir supplying water to the Town of Newburgh. It was created by damming Quassaick Creek in 1926. It is located immediately to the northwest of the junction of NY 32 and 300 in the Cronomer Valley section of the town. It is open to the public, and there are recreational facilities near the southern end.
Facilities near the lake's southern end, include three picnic shelters, a playground, walking trails, boating launches, basketball courts, and a roller rink. Fishing is also allowed on the lake, with largemouth bass a common catch. Press "Blue Button" for more about Chadwick Lake Park.
Note: A permit is required for entrance to Chadwick Lake Park.
Park Attractions Boating (boats are available to rent) Boat launches Bocce Basketball Fishing Ice Skating Picnic facility Playground Roller Hockey Rink Walking trail around the lake
Highland Lakes State Park consists of more than 3,000 acres 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.
Parks attractions include: Bridle Path, Fishing, Hiking Trails
Sterling Forest® State Park comprises 17,953 acres of 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.
Parks attractions include: Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Ice Fishing, Museum / Visitor Center, Recreation Programs, Snowshoeing
A mostly undeveloped preserve of nearly 6,000 acres, 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 at www.WestchesterTowns.com
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is wonderful for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086 acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park which 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.
About Bear Mountain State Park The 5,000-acre Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains. Bear Mountain State Park is located at Bear Mountain, New York 10911; just 45 miles north of New York City in the historic and very 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 Tower.
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, atop Bear Mountain, affords 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. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.
Special attraction for kids: 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.
Things To Do Biking Boat Rentals Cross-Country Skiing Dockage Fishing (lake and river fishing) Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn Hiking Trails / Walking Ice Skating Merry-Go-Round Pavilion Museum/Visitor Center & Gift Shop Nature Trail Picnic Tables Playground & Playing Fields Pool Zoo and Nature Park
Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park
845-786-2701
Click to enlarge photo of Hessian Lake.
Hessian Lake at Bear Mountain Park offers activities such as: fishing, paddle boat and rowboat rentals, and picnicking at Hessian Lake. For more activities and attractions go to Bear Mountain State Park.
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, a dock on the Hudson for mooring small craft, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, a zoo and nature, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, and ski-jumps. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park.
Activities and Attractions at Bear Mountain Park Biking Boat Rentals cross-country Skiing Fishing Hiking Ice Skating Merry-Go-Round Museum Nature Trail Picnic Tables Playground Playing Field(s) Pool
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.
Hiking Enjoy scenic landscapes while hiking along the banks of the Hudson River.
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, New York, Rockland County in the Hudson River Valley. The pier is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm all year. Parking is available at the beginning of the pier. Yearly passes that allow you to drive out on the pier are also available (but book early as they are limited).
Restaurants near Piermont Pier 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
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
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 inludes Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds.
Parks attractions include: Beach, Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Boat Rentals, Bridle Path / Horseback Riding, Cabins, Campsites, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Food, Gift Shop, Group Camping, Hiking, Ice Fishing, Museum & Vistor Center, Picnic Tables, Playing Fields, Showers, Tent / Trailer Sites
High Tor State Park, a day-use facility for 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.
Parks attractions include: Food, Hiking Trails, Picnic Tables, Pool, Showers
Lake Sebago Beach in Harriman State Park is surrounded by lawns, play fields and picnic areas. In addition to swimming from the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch and sunfish.
Parks attractions include: Beach, Boat Launch Sites, Fishing, Food, Hiking / Walking, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Showers
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 is used for ice fishing. The pioneer campsites near the lake may be used by bonafide groups.
Parks attractions include: Beach, Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Fishing, Food, Group Camping, Hiking / Walking, Ice Fishing, Picnic Tables, Scout Camping, Showers
Lake Welch Beach State Park's man-made Lake Welch, with its half-mile-long sandy beach in the wooded hills of the Ramapo Mountains, 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. The park offers cool breezes, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping in adjacent Beaver Pond Campground. Winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Nyack Beach State 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.
Rockland Lake State Park's 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 kiddie pools, picnic tables and grills, 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 can enjoy designated cross-country ski trails and sledding slopes.
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 and hiking.
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.
Outdoor Activities Biking Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Paths / Walking Picnic Tables Playground Playing Fields Pool, Showers, Tennis
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 Accessible Recreation Boating Camping Cross-Country Skiing Fishing Hiking & Rock Climbing Hunting Shellfishing Trapping Snowmobiles
V E Macy Park
