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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
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.
Pinecliff Sanctuary is located at Pinecliff Road, off Route 120, Chappaqua, NY in Westchester County. Pinecliff Sanctuary offers a quarter mile wheelchair accessible boardwalk over and around a red maple swamp. Pinecliff was first protected by the New Castle Land Conservancy.
The wetlands of Pinecliff Sanctuary improve water quality, prevent flooding and provide habitat for wildlife and plants. An additional short woodland trail connects to the boardwalk loop and circles the ridge between the sanctuary and the Saw Mill River Parkway. Enjoy strolling, birding, wildflowers and quiet views over the surrounding wetland.
Pinecliff Sanctuary is often visited by school and community groups. With advance notice, we may be able to provide your group with a guided tour. Even if your group wishes to visit without a guide, please contact us in advance.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Nature Walk Walking Trails
Pruyn Sanctuary Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden is located at 275 Millwood Road (Route 133), Chappaqua, NY in Westchester County. Pruyn Sanctuary is a demonstration garden within a six-acre native arboretum surrounded by a 92-acre parcel of protected open space. The garden features over 125 types of annual and perennial flowering plants selected to be food or nectar plants for butterflies, honey bees and hummingbirds. A drip pool attracts birds. Over 40 species of butterflies and moths, and three dozen species of birds are drawn to the garden.
The garden is within the four acre Pruyn Arboretum and meadow that has over 40 species of labeled trees and shrubs. A map and plant list of the arboretum is available. The Pruyn Garden is specially designed and maintained as a habitat to attract, nourish and shelter a variety of butterflies and moths, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. The plants are labeled and a plant list is available. The best time to view butterflies and hummingbirds is warm, sunny summer days during midday. Press blue button for more information about Pruyn Sanctuary Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden.
Things To Do Birding (Butterflies, Hummingbirds) Hiking Nature Walks Quiet Views
Saw Mill River Audubon is a local organization with members from twenty communities in Westchester County, New York. Members of Saw Mill River Audubon are part of a dynamic, involved community of people who love the outdoors and desire to learn more about and protect the natural world. We have worked for over fifty years to protect natural ecosystems through education, advocacy, and habitat conservation. We were chartered as a chapter of National Audubon Society in 1953.
Through the work of dedicated members, board, staff, and visionary donors, Saw Mill River Audubon is recognized as a leader in environmental education and conservation in the region. Saw Mill River Audubon owns eight separate sanctuaries protecting over 300-acres of critical wildlife habitat in Westchester County. People appreciate our sanctuaries for their natural beauty and places "to get away from it all" right in their own communities.
From its inception, Saw Mill River Audubon has had a strong focus on environmental education. Each year, we bring our school-based education programs to 8,000 kindergarten through college students and offer free natural history programs and field trips to adults and families. You are invited to come to our free public programs and field trips, visit our sanctuaries and add your voice to ours to protect the natural world. Press blue button for more information about Saw Mill River Audubon.
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.
Brinton Brook Sanctuary is located in Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County, NY in the Hudson River Valley. Brinton Brook Sanctuary offers three miles of hiking trails through a wide variety of habitats. The trails of Brinton Brook Sanctuary connect to the Highland Trail, part of the Croton-on-Hudson village trail system. Brinton Brook is a good place to enjoy hiking, birding, wildflowers and scenic vistas.
Brinton Brook is our largest sanctuary and was the first managed by Saw Mill River Audubon. Management rights to an additional 27-acres were obtained from the Village of Croton-on-Hudson in 1998 raising the total area to 156 acres. Press blue button for trail maps and more about Brinton Brook Sanctuary.
Things To Do in Croton-on-Hudson Sanctuary Birding | Bird Watching Guided Tours Hiking Nature Walks
The Croton Point Nature Center is located at the 504-acre Croton Point Park, the largest peninsula of the Hudson River in Croton-on-Hudson. The scenic discovery trail winds its way through the park, enabling visitors to explore the Croton Point's many plant and wildlife species, including painted turtles and a variety of frogs, as well as its unique historical features.
The Croton Point Nature Center located on the northwest tip of the park, displays exhibits about the Hudson River, local history, flora and fauna, and archeology. The center hosts weekly programs, including nature walks, presentation on area history, and arts and crafts workshops. The center is also the headquarters for the Material Archives and Laboratory for Archaeology.
Explore four miles of Hudson River shoreline at Croton Point Nature Center. The grounds attract Bald Eagles, and is designated an Important Bird Area (IBA). A capped landfill is now a vast meadow abundant in species of birds and butterflies. The park's historical structures are designated as a historic district.
Special Interest: Treaty Oak Monument, Meadow, Brickyard Excavation, Teller's Point and English Yews, Croton Bay, The Wine Cellars, Conifer Forest
Things To Do at Croton Point Nature Center Baseball Fields Birding | Bird Watching (IBA) Bird Sanctuary Cultural History Programs Hiking Trails Historic District Museum Nature Center Picnicking 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.
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.
Graff Sanctuary is located at Furnace Dock Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY in Westchester County. Graff Sanctuary is a protected woodland ridge overlooking the Hudson River. Highlights of Graff Sanctuary are the mature forest with large tulip trees and sugar maples. Great horned owls nest at Graff Sanctuary.
Graff Sanctuary is a good place to enjoy hiking, birding, and scenic views over the surrounding woodland. Graff Sanctuary is a protected woodland ridge overlooking the Hudson River. Press blue button for trail maps and more about Graff Sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Nature walks Walking / Hiking
Oscawana Island Nature Preserve is located at Furnace Dock Road, Off Route 9, Cortlandt 10567 in Westchester County. Oscawana is a natural Hudson River waterfront park that is bisected by Furnace Dock Road and the Hudson Division Railroad Line. Oscawana Island lies along the Hudson River. This is an excellent spot for birding and possibly sighting a Bald Eagle in winter. The park also has tidal marshlands frequented by Least Bittern and a newly grown forest that contains a river flowing through the mid-northern section.
To find Oscawana Island: Take Route 9 to the Montrose/Bucannan exit. Furnace Dock Road is just south of the exit on Route 9A. Take Furnace Dock Road 1.1 miles to the parking area. Listen for Least bittern near the parking area. A trail leads to the island. The main trail leads over the railroad tracks to the Hudson River.
Things To Do on Oscawana Island nature Preserve Birding Nature Walks Scenic Views
After a day of birding, hiking, nature study, and enjoying scenic views, have dinner out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Westchester, NY
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park is located at 15 Walnut Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 in Westchester County.
A Bit of History During the 1830s New York City was in dire need of a fresh water supply to combat the steady rise of disease and to fight numerous fires that often engulfed large tracts of businesses and homes. After numerous proposals and an abandoned plan two years into its production, construction of an unprecedented magnitude began in 1837 under the expertise of John Bloomfield Jervis. The proposed plan called for a 41 mile aqueduct and dam to be built in order to run water from the Croton River to New York City. Three to four thousand workers, mostly Irish immigrants earning up to $1.00 per day, completed the masonry marvel in just five years. In 1842 water flowed into above ground reservoirs located at the present sites of the New York Public Library and the Great Lawn of Central Park. Throngs of people attended the formal celebration held on October 14th and celebrated with "Croton cocktails" - a mix of Croton water and lemonade.
In 1968, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased 26.2 miles of the original 41 mile aqueduct from New York City. Presently, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park is a linear park which runs from Van Cortlandt Park at the Bronx County/City of Yonkers border to the Croton Dam in Cortlandt. In 1987 a section was reopened to supply the Town of Ossining and in 1992 the Old Croton Aqueduct was awarded National Historic Landmark Status.
The scenic path over the underground aqueduct winds through urban centers and small communities. It passes near numerous historic sites, preserves, a museum highlighting the construction of the Aqueduct, and many homes. The Aqueduct’s grassy ceiling provides abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. While primarily for walking and running, parts of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, biking (except during “mud season”), bird watching, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.
Press blue button for directions, activities, and more about the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.
Things To Do at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park Biking Birding Bridle Path Hiking Interpretive Signs Nature Trails Self Guided Tours
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
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
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.
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.
John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is located at 400 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536 in Westchester County.
History of Chief Justice John Jay "Nestled in the rolling Westchester countryside is the gracious home and farm of John Jay (1745-1829), one of America's principal Founding Fathers. Jay co-authored the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, and the Federalist Papers, which aided ratification of the U.S. Constitution. He served as President of the Continental Congress, U.S. Secretary for Foreign Affairs, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and the second governor of New York State.
"During many years of devoted service to the State and the Nation, he looked forward to the day when he would retire with his wife and children to "the house on my farm in Westchester County. The land where John Jay lived his later years was purchased in 1703 by his maternal grandfather, Jacobus Van Cortlandt. By 1800 Jay had acquired, by inheritance and by purchase, 750 acres of property near Bedford, New York. In 1799 he began construction of a comfortable 24-room farmhouse. He moved there in 1801, after his retirement from politics. Tragically, Jay's wife Sarah died only months after moving to their new home. John Jay never remarried and lived as a gentleman farmer until his death in 1829.
"His son William (1789-1858) inherited the house and farm; he later became a leading figure in the struggle to end slavery. William's son John Jay II (1817-1894) inherited the property and upon his death it was given to his son Colonel William Jay (1841-1915). The Colonels' daughter, Eleanor Jay Iselin (1882-1953) was the last of the family to use the property as a full time residence. In 1958 the house and thirty of the original acres were purchased from Eleanor Jay Iselin's heirs by Westchester County and transferred to the State of New York, which opened it to the public in 1964 as John Jay Homestead State Historic Site."
John Jay: First Chief-Justice of the United States The annexed sketch of his life is from Blake's Biographical Dictionary: "John Jay, LL.D., first chief-justice of the United States under the constitution of 1789, graduated at Kings, (now Columbia College) in 1764 and in 1768 was admitted to the bar. He was appointed to the first American congress in 1774. Being on the committee with Lee and Livingston to draft an address to the people of Great Britain, he was the writer of the eloquent production. In the congress of 1775, he was on various important committees, performing more service perhaps than any other member except Franklin and John Adams."
In May, 1776, he was recalled to assist in forming the government of New York, and in consequence his name is not attached to the Declaration of Independence . . . Though not a member of the convention, which formed the constitution of the United States, he was present at Annapolis and aided by his advice. He also assisted Madison and Hamilton in writing the Federalist. In the convention of New York he contributed to the adoption of the constitution. He was appointed chief justice by Washington, December 26, 1789. In 1794, he was appointed minister plenipotentiary to Great Britain, and succeeded in negotiating the treaty that still goes by his name. Chief-Justice John Jay was governor of the state of New York from 1795 to 1801.
Anti-Slavery Movement John Jay and his family retired to his farm in Bedford. Upon John Jay's death in 1829, the farm and home were inherited by William Jay, John's second son. William Jay became a prominent leader of abolitionists, and the Homestead became a center in the anti-slavery movement.
Attractions This historic site encompasses sixty-two acres, including lovingly-tended formal gardens, magnificent woodland walks, rolling meadows, and a cluster of 19th century farm buildings. An 1820's schoolhouse and a 1830s barn are open for touring. The historic house is open most of the year, and can be seen by a guided tour through twelve beautifully furnished period rooms, restored to an 1820's appearance."
Press blue button to learn more about attractions and the history of the John Jay Homestead.
Things To Do at John Jay Homestead Audio-Visual Programs* Birthday Parties Bridle Paths Demonstrations* Educational Programs K-12* Gardens Gift Shop* Group Tours* Hiking Historic House Interpretive Sign Picnic Area Scenic Views Special Exhibitions
* 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.
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
Muscoot Farm, a 777-acre interpretive farm is located at 51 Route 100 in Katonah, NY 10536 in Westchester County.
From the owner: "Muscoot Farm was originally a "Gentleman's Farm" founded by Ferdinand T. Hopkins in 1880 and operated as a dairy farm until Westchester County acquired the property in the late 1960s. Today, Muscoot Farm is a Westchester County Park that strives to preserve and interpret its agrarian past. Visitors may stroll through the original barns, visit with the animals, participate in educational programs or hike the many miles of trails. There is something for everyone on Muscoot’s 777 acres."
More than seven miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore some of Muscoot's 777 acres through fields, woodlands and wetlands. Trail maps are available in the reception center. For the protection of our animals and our visitors, petting and feeding of the farm animals is not permitted and dogs are not allowed at Muscoot.
Today, Muscoot Farm has many of the original buildings, some of which were moved to accommodate the Muscoot Reservoir. Visitors can walk through the dairy barn, milk house, ice house, blacksmith shop and several other barns and buildings. Livestock and poultry are breeds typical of an early 20th century gentleman's farm and many represent minor rare breeds. The Main House is used to exhibit monthly art shows by local artists.
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
Choate Sanctuary is located at Crow Hill Road and Route 133, 1 mile west of Mount Kisco. Highlights of Choate Sanctuary are the many unusual rock outcroppings and the mature forest with large tulip trees, red oak and red maple. Choate Sanctuary is a good place to enjoy hiking, birding, and quiet views over the surrounding woodland. Dogs are permitted on leashes. Press blue button for more information about Choate Sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking Nature Center Scenic Views
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
Graham Hills Park is located in Mount Pleasant, Westchester County. Graham Hills, a one-time hamlet and station on the Putnam Railroad, takes its name from Dr. Isaac Gilbert Graham, a Revolutionary War army surgeon, who settled there circa 1785.
Graham Hills features about five miles of bike trails geared toward experienced riders. The route winds through the many diverse habitats of this beautiful 431-acre park. The trails are mostly single track, and can be used in both directions.
Things To Do Biking Trails - Five (5) miles of biking trails (advanced bikers) Hiking Trails Nature Study
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.
Haas Sanctuary, a 14-acre sanctuary, is located on the eastern edge of the Town of New Castle south of Mount Kisco. Haas Sanctuary was first protected by the New Castle Land Conservancy which merged with Saw Mill River Audubon in 1975. Highlights of Haas Sanctuary are the beautiful rock formations, large tulip and sugar maple trees, and a native meadow along Sheather Road.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Nature walks Tulip and Sugar Maple Trees
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
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
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.
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
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
The Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is a 12-mile linear park that runs from the Town of Ossining north to the Westchester County's Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill. The trail is built on land originally acquired in 1929 by the Westchester Parkway Commission for the construction of the Briarcliff Peekskill Parkway.
Construction of the parkway, however, was confined to an area between Route 117 in Pleasantville and the New York State National Guard Armory in Ossining. In 1977, the remaining right-of-way was re-designated a trailway. The trailway affords walkers many beautiful vistas along the way, including views of water cascading over the magnificent stone spillway at the county's Croton Gorge Park and a view of the Hudson River from the 560-foot high Spitzenberg Mountain at Blue Mountain Reservation. The location map to the left shows the general location of the pathway. Larger scale maps on the reverse detail the pathway alignment, access points, and local roads and nearby landmarks and parking areas. The Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway is one element of the county's extensive trail system that also includes the North County Trailway, South County Trailway and the Bronx River Pathway.
Press blue button for more information and brochures of county operated trails.
Please Note Biking is NOT permitted on the Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway.
"Kitchawan Preserve is a 208-acre natural preserve bordered by the New York City reservoir property and the North County Trailway, which runs along the eastern edge. The park features native woodland and open fields, where butterflies and migrating birds can be seen in abundance in late spring.
"Kitchawan, located on the Croton Reservoir, was a former research facility of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Hikers can find remnants of old stone walls that typically divided crop fields and private properties a century ago."
Things To Do at Kitchawan Preserve Biking Birding Hiking Nature Study
Winter Activities Winter recreational area
The word is Before going to the preserve, press blue button and print a trail map from westchestergov.com. Although dogs are only allowed on leash, many dogs on the trails are off leash.
After a day of birding, hiking, nature study, or viewing the beautiful scenery, enjoy dinner out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Westchester, NY.
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
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)
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
Click to enlarge spring photo of Pound Ridge Pond.
Lovely ponds, lakes, and streams add to the natural beauty of Pound Ridge.
Pound Ridge, incorporated in 1788, is located only 50 miles north of Manhattan in a rural area of Westchester County. Pound Ridge is a community recognized for its natural beauty and appreciated as a peaceful country retreat, where winding roads, wooded hills, and beautiful ponds and lakes sprinkle the landscape.
The Town of Pound Ridge is home to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, a 4,315-acre park offering trails for walking, cross-country skiing, camping and more. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest park in Westchester County.
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 also home to the Trailside Nature Museum in Pound Ridge which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.
Things To Do at Ward Pound Ridge Park Camping 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 Cross-Country Skiing
Click to enlarge fall photo of Pound Ridge Pond.
Ponds, lakes, and streams add to the natural beauty of Pound Ridge where all the seasons of the year are beautiful.
If you enjoy hiking, be sure to plan a day or weekend hiking in Pound Ridge. Plan a hiking trip In the autumn when leaves begin to turn and spectacular colors of yellow, rich gold, reds and burgundy take shape within the trees and landscapes.
Plan a scenic hike in Pound Ridge. Pound Ridge offers many great hiking opportunities. Find places to hike and experience autumn in the lower-Hudson Valley of New York.
Things To Do in Pound Ridge Antique Shopping Boutique Stores Check schedule for Festivals in Pound Ridge
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 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.
The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center is a 179-acre park located on the shore of the Long Island Sound, along a migratory flyway. This sanctuary is home to a great diversity of marine life. In winter months, the 85-acre lake, a mixture of salt and fresh water, hosts over 5,000 ducks. The sanctuary has been recognized by the national Audubon Society of New York as an Important Bird Area (IBA). There are three miles of trails through forest and field. Along the half-mile of publicly accessible shore, the intertidal habitat harbors a wide diversity of plants and animals. Environmental education programs are offered to schools, scouts and other groups by advance reservation. Group size is limited to 30, and there is a modest fee based on group size and length of program. Topics can be tailored to the needs and interests of the group and include: intertidal ecology, marine biology, plant science and ornithology.
To View Site: The site is at the Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the City of Rye. To get to the sanctuary, enter through Playland Park and follow the signs to the sanctuary.
Things To Do Birding | Bird Watching Hiking / Walking Nature Study Programs
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
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, located on Route 35 in Somers, NY, Westchester County, is a magnificent 234-acre property consisting of woodlands, open grass meadow and formal gardens with flower and shrub specimens from all over the world. Lasdon is also the site of the Chinese Friendship Pavilion and four inspirational memorials and a museum honoring Westchester veterans.
The house that presently stands on this property was built in 1933 by Dr. Voislawsky after the original Van Cortlandt dwelling was destroyed by a fire. This three-story Colonial style mansion was modeled after George Washington’s Virginia home, Mount Vernon . . .
Enjoy the wonderful Midsummer Night Music Series featuring varied fare of classical, show tunes and more. Spend a magical evening under the stars and listen to the “Midsummer Night Music” concerts featuring the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra on four Saturdays this summer at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Somers. Each concert will feature varied and exciting musical fare to appeal to music aficionados of all kinds, so pack a picnic supper, sit back and enjoy the music.
Things To Do at Lasdon Park Arboretum Botanical Specimens Chinese Friendship Pavilion Formal Gardens Open Grass Meadow
Midsummer Night Music concerts at Lasdon Park
Gates open at 5 pm for picnicking; the music begins at 6 pm. Tickets will be sold at the gate on the evening of the performance. In case of rain, concerts will be cancelled. Call for tickets prices.
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.
The South 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 “Old Put,” as it was fondly referred to by commuters, provided freight and passenger service from 1881 to 1958 between the Bronx and Putnam County. Freight service continued to operate sporadically from Elmsford south, with the last freight train making its final run in August 1982.
The Putnam Railroad once served 23 stations in Westchester, some of which still stand today. The former Elmsford station is the only remaining station structure along the South County Trailway. It now houses a restaurant. Historic markers plaques have been placed at most of the former station locations.
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
The City of White Plains Linear Park better known as The Greenway offers residents the opportunity to stroll the center of White Plains south side through a wooded environment. Enter this former Rail-Trail on Gedney Way and continue south of Ridgeway until you reach the Scarsdale boarder.
Enjoy the fall foliage with a hike on the The Greenway in White Plains, NY. The City of White Plains offers two unique trails that follow the former right of way of the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway. The terrain of the two trails are flat and linear and are excellent for both the first time and experienced hiker.
"The White Plains Greenway goes from the Scarsdale border to Bryant Avenue in White Plains, and travels along the New York Westchester & Boston right of way. The White Plains Greenway was born in 1939 when a major railroad line that ran directly through the southern portion of the city had to be dismantled for the war effort. Jack Harrington, active in the preservation of both TPL-protected properties, was a member of the community group that drove the city to transform the old railway into a nature trail and public recreation area. He and his neighbors seem to prize most the accessibility of the greenway. 'It's great to be able to take a long walk in the woods and end up at your back door.' The trail is 0.8 miles long between Gedney Way and Ridgeway. From Ridgeway to the Scarsdale border, the trail is 0.5 miles long. The Greenway is currently accessible only from Gedney Way and Ridgeway. Use of the entire Greenway is restricted to pedestrian traffic."
Things To Do at The Greenway Hiking / Walking Nature Trail
The word is Recommended starting point for The Greenway is on Gedney Avenue in White Plains. The trail continues down to the Scarsdale border. In addition to railroad artifacts the trail is bordered on both sides by attractive homes.
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
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.
Silver Lake Preserve is located in White Plains, NY in Westchester County. Silver Lake features trails through woodlands and unmowed fields, some small streams and old stone foundations throughout its 236 acres. The topography is rugged, rising in steep rock outcrops from the lake. Fishing is not permitted.
This site was acquired by the county in two parcels in 1924 and 1925. The northern section contains the ruins of the old Stony Hill settlement. This settlement was founded by the Purchase meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers).
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Stony Hill community extended at least 26 homes and outbuildings along Stony Hill Road. At its steepest point, the road was paved with cobblestones, ending with a footpath that joined Buckhout Road. Although the park was created in 1925, the last family did not leave until 1941. Several prehistoric and archeological resources have been identified within Silver Lake Preserve.
Things To Do at Silver Lake Preserve Hiking Trails / Walking Nature Study
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.
Lenoir Preserve Nature Center is a 40-acre nature preserve comprised of woodlands and field habitats. It is situated adjacent to the Old Croton Aqueduct on slopes overlooking the Hudson River, providing spectacular views. The property was formerly home to two Hudson River estates and boasts a number of unusual specimen trees and shrubs, imported from around the world.
Every spring and autumn, bird watchers gather to observe major hawk migrations. Nature enthusiasts can learn about raptor identification markings, such as flight patterns and silhouettes, and can take part in official tracking counts of raptors. In summer, the butterfly garden is at its height, visited by a wide variety of butterflies. Nearby, a dragonfly pond provides the necessary habitat for numerous aquatic insects and attracts birds and other wildlife. An organic community gardening area and composting exhibit instruct visitors on environmentally- friendly practices. The butterfly and hummingbird garden is maintained entirely by volunteers from Hudson River Audubon Society.
Things To Do at Lenoir Preserve Nature Center Birding | Bird Watching Gardening Hiking / Walking Nature Study Programs
Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing
After a day of birding, hiking, nature study, or enjoying the scenic views, eat out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Westchester, NY.
The Sprain Ridge Mountain Bike Trail 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
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
Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center is located at 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 in northern Westchester County. Hilltop is a working crop farm and environmental educational center. The farm was a former dairy farm dating back to the 1600's. Today the farm is a regional education center that offers programs on healthy and sustainable food production and teaches skills for small-scale suburban and urban farming techniques, illustrating sustainable living practices for the region and local communities.
"The farm features demonstration models for backyard farming, rainwater harvesting, composting, and greenroof technology. Visitors can hike the farm’s 3.5 miles of woodland trails, picnic on the farm grounds, purchase a CSA share, or produce from our farm stand or at U-Pick during the growing season, or attend any of our numerous classes and lectures. Hilltop Hanover Farm offers tours, classes and field trips to school groups, garden clubs, and scout troops."
"The farm was purchased in 2003 by Westchester County for watershed protection and agricultural education."
Press blue button for more about educational programs, farmstand, hours of Pick-Your-Own vegetables, CSA shares, and more about Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center.
Things To Do on the Farm Adult programs Classes & Field Trips Group Visits Hiking (3.5 miles of woodland trails) Picnicking Summer Camp Youth 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
Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area is located on Route 344, Copake Falls, NY 12517 in Columbia County and Dutchess County. The park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views.
The extensive campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate campers seeking a more rustic experience, as well as those seeking a more "home like" experience. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. The "Ironworkers" cabins are equipped with private showers and flush toilets; campers in the "Bash Bish" cabins utilize a centrally located shower facility with flush toilets. Some cabins in the Greenwich Cabin Area are wheelchair accessible and offer extra amenities such as a microwave, sofa, shower, dishwasher and cable television hookup.
There are great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as 5 miles of snowmobile trails. In season both deer hunting (rifle/shotgun/bow) and turkey hunting (bow only, until 12 Noon) are permitted.
Press blue button for information about campground accommodations and more things to do at Taconic State Park.
Things To Do at Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area Beach Biking Cabins, Campsites, Cottages Dumping Stations Fishing Grills Hiking Hunting Museum & Visitors Center Pavilions Picnic Tables Playgrounds Recreation Programs Scenic Views Showers Waterfalls
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.
Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area is located at 59 Rudd Pond Road, Millerton, NY 12546 in Dutchess County in the Northern Hudson Valley. The park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views.
Rudd Pond has 15 tent sites and 26 tent platform sites, each providing campers with grand views of the ridge, pond, and nearby countryside. Enjoy boating on the scenic 64 acre pond. Visitors who possess regional boating permits are also welcome to launch their own rowboats, canoes, or kayaks. A variety of fish, including bass, sunfish and pickerel, inhabit the pond and fishing is permitted with a New York State Freshwater Fishing License. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate and fish on the pond, conditions permitting.
In season both deer hunting and turkey hunting are permitted in designated areas. A New York State hunting license is required. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Dutchess and Columbia Counties.
Press blue button for more about camping, boating, hunting, and required licenses at Rudd Pond Area in Taconic State Park.
Things To Do at Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area Beach Biking Boating Boat Launch Boat rentals (rowboats, canoes, kayaks) Campsites Fishing Grills Hiking Hunting Picnic Tables Showers Tent / Trailer sites
James Baird State Park, a 590-acre park, is located at 14 Maintenance Lane, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 in Dutchess County. The park is situated on farmland once owned by James Baird, a contractor and engineer whose firm constructed the Lincoln Memorial. In 1939 James Baird donated the 590 acres of land to New York State under the stipulation that it be known as James Baird State Park.
Work began on the park and golf course in 1940. Construction continued intermittently during World War II and the James Baird State Park Golf Course was officially opened in 1948.
James Baird State Park has much to offer. There are spacious open and wooded picnic areas and two picnic pavilions which can accommodate up to 300 people each by reservation. There is also a sports complex where visitors enjoy playing basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball. Additionally there is a playground and a nature center. Open summer weekends, the nature center loans recreational equipment and offers nature programs. Outdoor enthusiasts will find the seven miles of scenic wooded trails ideal for hiking in the warm months and cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the wintertime.
Press blue button for more about James Baird State Park, or for information about the James Baird Golf Course.
Things To Do at James Baird State Park Basketball Birding Golf Hiking Nature Center Picnic Pavilions Picnic Tables Playground Softball Tennis Volleyball
"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.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about Poets' Walk in Dutchess, New York.
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
Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park is located at Old Post Road, Staatsburg NY 12580 in Dutchess County. The Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills State Park adjoins Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park and together, comprise more than one thousand acres.
Mills Memorial State Park is the home of Staatsburgh State Historic Site and the Dinsmore Public Golf Course. The Mills Park also offers some of the best hiking in the hudson valley with many trails that weave through the grounds of both Mills and Norrie State Parks, ideal for walking, jogging, hiking, cycling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Visitors can see exquisite views of the Hudson River that runs directly along the parks' western boundaries.
A Bit of History Staatsburgh State was the elegant country home of Ogden Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston Mills. Sitting atop a grassy hill overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, their house is a fine example of a great estate built by America's financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age (1876 - 1917). Also known as the American Renaissance, this period in American history was marked by America's rapid economic growth and emergence as a world power.
Darius Ogden Mills, father of Ogden Mills, established the family fortune by investing in banks, railroads and mines. Ogden Mills, like his father, was a noted financier and philanthropist. In 1882 he married Ruth Livingston, whose family had been prominent landowners in the Hudson Valley since the 17th century. In the 1890s Mr. & Mrs. Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their home. Work began in 1895 and when completed in 1896, the house had been transformed from a 25-room Greek Revival style home into a Beaux-Arts mansion of 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms. Although the interior was lavishly decorated, mostly in the styles of 17th and 18th-century France, many architectural features of the earlier Livingston home such as the trims, moldings and many of the fireplaces had been preserved. This melding of grandeur and heritage is characteristic of the American Renaissance period.
Owning five homes, the Mills family resided in their Staatsburg home primarily in the fall and entertained as many as 80 guests at a time. The home and surrounding property was passed to their son, Ogden Livingston Mills in 1929. After his death in 1937 his sister Gladys Mills Phipps inherited the property and in 1938 donated the house and 192-acres of the estate to the State of New York as a memorial to her parents. Today the elegant mansion, restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance, is open for tours, and the house and grounds offer special events throughout the year.
Press blue button for more about activities and attractions at Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park, including the Dinsmore Golf Course and Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
Things To Do at Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park Biking Fishing Gift Shop Golf Group Tours Hiking Historic Site Interpretive Sign Recreation Programs (Accessible) Refreshments Picnic Area Scenic Views
Staatsburgh State Historic Site is located at Old Post Road, Staatsburg NY 12580 in Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley. Staatsburgh is the elegant country home of Ogden Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston Mills. Sitting atop a grassy hill overlooking the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains, their house is a fine example of a great estate built by America's financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age (1876 - 1917). Also known as the American Renaissance, this period in American history was marked by America's rapid economic growth and emergence as a world power. Darius Ogden Mills, father of Ogden Mills, established the family fortune by investing in banks, railroads and mines. Ogden Mills, like his father, was a noted financier and philanthropist. In 1882 he married Ruth Livingston, whose family had been prominent landowners in the Hudson Valley since the 17th century. In 1890, Ruth Livingston Mills inherited her childhood home and property which had once belonged to her great-grandfather, Morgan Lewis, the third governor of New York State.
A Bit of History In the 1890s Mr. & Mrs. Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their home. Work began in 1895 and when completed in 1896, the house had been transformed from a 25-room Greek Revival style home into a Beaux-Arts mansion of 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms. Although the interior was lavishly decorated, mostly in the styles of 17th and 18th-century France, many architectural features of the earlier Livingston home such as the trims, moldings and many of the fireplaces had been preserved. This melding of grandeur and heritage is characteristic of the American Renaissance period. Owning five homes, the Mills family resided in their Staatsburg home primarily in the fall and entertained as many as 80 guests at a time. The home and surrounding property was passed to their son, Ogden Livingston Mills in 1929. After his death in 1937 his sister Gladys Mills Phipps inherited the property and in 1938 donated the house and 192 acres of the estate to the State of New York as a memorial to her parents.
Today the elegant mansion, restored to its turn-of-the-century appearance, is open for tours and the house and grounds offer special events throughout the year.
Press blue button for directions, fees and rates, hours of operation, activities, and more about Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
Things To Do at Staatsburgh State Historic Site Biking Educational Services (Accessible) Gift Shop Group Tours Guided Tours Hiking Historic House Interpretive Signs (Accessible) Picnic Area (Accessible) Scenic Views (Accessible)
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofield Town Road at High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT in Fairfield County. Stamford Museum & Nature Center has miles of beautiful walking trails. These trails cover much of the 118-acre property, offering short hikes along Poorhouse Creek to more challenging excursions along the High Ridge Trail. A walk through any trail may afford glimpses of wood duck pairs, painted turtles sunning on rocks, or even a pileated woodpecker. Spectacular glacial erratic boulders are strewn throughout the trail system. An enthusiastic hiker will find a number of different walks to suit a particular mood or season, like finding a secluded bridge on a bird-watching morning, or discovering a cave where coyotes have slept. The trails wind through a mature forest of American beech, oaks, black birch, and other native plant species.
Playground Did you ever wonder what the world is like from an animal's point of view? Scamper through the giant hollow log into Nature's Playground and find out. This exciting new playground in the woods at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is nestled into a rocky hillside and is part of the Overbrook Natural Science Complex. Kids (or adults) can scale a spider's web to a tree house with a lookout, then wind their way down a tubular slide or zoom down the otter slide.
They can jump on a bouncing bug, try to walk across a moving bridge or climb into a hawk's nest to survey their territory. Wiggle like a worm across two huge maple leaves, and crawl through an ant's nest. Dig for fossils in the huge sand pit. They also can become the captain and crew of the boat that's anchored here.
Nature Trails Our trails connect with the 88 acre-Bartlett Arboretum on the north end of the Museum's property.
New England Working Farm Explore our traditional working farm and discover the sounds, smells, and textures that evoke memories and reveal the nature of farmlife. Observe staff conduct the daily chores that maintain this active, productive farm. Heckscher Farm is a living resource for learning. Children and families make personal connections to a not-so-distant past when farming was a major way of life in the region. Through observation, exploration, and participation, visitors can immerse themselves in the experiences of farming.
Education We are an Educational Institution. The Museum's 10-acre farm provides educational and recreational activities. At the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, we offer year-round classes in art and nature for toddlers through adults. Press blue button for more information about the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
Things To Do Hiking / Walking Playground Nature Trails Working Farm
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.
Kaaterskill Falls Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Catskill Mountains, in the town of Hunter 12441, Greene County in the Hudson Valley. Kaaterskill Falls is a two-drop waterfall located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, on the north side of Kaaterskill Clove, between the hamlets of Haines Falls and Palenville. The dual cascades total 260 feet (79 m) in height, making it one of the higher waterfalls in New York, and one of the taller waterfalls in the eastern United States.
Waterfall Statistics Total height of both falls = 260 feet (79 m) Height of the longest drop = 180 feet (60 m) Number of drops 2
The Kaaterskill Falls are one of America's oldest tourist attractions, with it appearing in some of the most prominent books, essays, poems and paintings of the early 19th century. Long before Alexis de Tocqueville's famous essay on America, Kaaterskill Falls was lauded as a place where a traveler could see a wilder image, a sort of primeval Eden. Beginning with Thomas Cole's first visit in 1825, they became an icon subject for painters of the Hudson River School, setting the wilderness ideal for American landscape painting. The Falls also inspired "Catterskill Falls", a poem by William Cullen Bryant. Source: Several articles including Wikipedia.com
The word is Hiking through the Catskills, on the way to Kaaterskill Falls, is Bastion Falls. Although smaller and not as dramatic as Kaaterskill Falls, Bastion Falls, 30 feet high, is quite striking and beautiful. Be sure to spend some time enjoying this smaller fall.
Warning It appears that people have had serious accidents climbing to the top of the falls. Do not be tempted to climb to the top of the falls as missteps on the slippery rocks have resulted in serious accidents and even fatalities.
The sign reads: "For much of its 315-mile course, the Hudson River flows straight and broad. But at the Highlands, the Appalachian mountain chain intersects the river to create a fifteen mile stretch of rugged, mountainous landscape. This area contains the river's narrowest and deepest points, as well as its fastest currents. The Hudson River is an estuary, a mixture of salt and freshwater, and the saltwater line extends just north of Beacon. The River is tidal all the way up to the Troy Dam above Albany."
There are many things to do in the Hudson Highlands. If you love the outdoors, plan a visit to Hudson Highlands State Park, a 6,000-acre park located on Route 9D in Dutchess County. 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.
Enjoy a hike on the park's extensive hiking trail network. Hikes vary 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.
Things To Do in the Hudson Highlands Birding | Bird Watching Boat Rentals (including Kayaks & Canoes) Boating Fishing Hiking Trails Historic Places (Bannerman Island) Nature Trails Hunting
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.
Popolopen Creek at Bear Mountain "Scenic Hudson Valley"
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Creek from Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Bear Mountain Bridge offers spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. The bridge's roadway has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporates the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. Crossing the bridge on foot offers magnificent views, wonderful photo opportunities, and an invigorating walk.
On the walkway facing northeast, you can see 3 bridges from the Bear Mountain Bridge: the Popolopen Suspension Bridge, the Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge, and the train tracks. These bridges cross Popolopen Creek.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream, that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek. The footbridge connects the trail between the twin forts and carries the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, a bridge for pedestrians only, was designed to create an economic and esthetically pleasing river crossing of 140m on the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain Park. The Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge is located in Fort Montgomery in Bear Mountain Park. You can access the bridge on a path near the Bear Mountain Bridge toll booths. Or, you can get to Popolopen Creek from Fort Montgomery. Parking is available at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center off 9W, just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, where you can hike down to the creek.
American Revolution Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, forts on each side of Popolopen Creek, were the scenes of fierce American Revolutionary war battles for control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts; destroying Fort Montgomery in the days that followed.
Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 1/2 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
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
Hudson Highland Nature Museum offers the Outdoor Discovery Center and the Wildlife Education Center.
Outdoor Discovery Center 100 Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road Cornwall, NY 12518
Wildlife Education Center 25 Boulevard Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
Founded in 1959, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is a center for nature, with a focus on environmental education an a mission to develop responsible caretakers of the natural world. Over the years it has developed quality educational programs for students and the public that focus on the unique ecology of the Hudson Highlands and promote knowledge and appreciation of our natural world. Each year the Museum reaches over 30,000 children and adults.
Kids Things To Do Animals and Nature programs Birthday Parties at the Wildlife Education Center More birthday parties ideas for children. Hiking Trails (Guidebooks at the Outdoor Discover Center) Summer Science and Nature Camp Weekend Nature Programs Young Naturalists Classes
Things To Buy for Kids The Museum Nature Shops have a wide selection of items to spark a child’s imagination, great books to enjoy and beautiful jewelry to wear. They offer a wonderful supply of small toys, birthday party goodie bag items, nature guide books, nature crafts and nature-themed books for children, jewelry, bird feeders and bird seed and more.
Press blue button for more about the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for children, families, and grownups. Also in Location Cornwall-on-Hudson
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
Founded in 1959, the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum is a center for nature, with a focus on environmental education and a mission to develop responsible caretakers of the natural world. Over the years it has developed quality educational programs for students and the public that focus on the unique ecology of the Hudson Highlands and promote knowledge and appreciation of our natural world.
Things To Do at Outdoor Discovery Center The Outdoor Discover Center is located at 100 Muser Drive (entrance to the center is on Muser Drive across from 174 Angola Road) in Cornwall, NY.
Things To Do at Wildlife Education Center See the Living Hudson Exhibit; a multi-sensory experience full of the flora and fauna native to the Hudson Estuary. Follow the journey as water trickles down a highland creek into a wetland pond. The pond empties into a freshwater stream which then joins the Hudson River Estuary.
Press blue button to learn more about upcoming events, featured programs, and to Meet the Animal of the week.
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.
Click to enlarge sign about Fort Montgomery in the American Revolution.
The interpretive sign reads: Welcome to Fort Montgomery "You are standing near the western end of Fort Montgomery: a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, the British captured Fort Montgomery and destroyed it in the days that followed.
"Trails from this parking area lead to two of the fort's redoubts. The trail that passes beneath the highway will take you to the Fort Montgomery visitor center and Fort Montgomery's remains where interpretive signs will help you understand the history of the fort and the battle."
Fort Montgomery State Historic Site Fort Montgomery is located in Fort Montgomery, NY 10922 at Bear Mountain in the historic Hudson River Valley.
Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce battle for control of the Hudson River during the American Revolutionary War; the Hudson was considered strategic by both the Americans and the British during the American War for Independence. Today, Fort Montgomery stands as an archeological site and a historic ruin.
Building Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton "Early in the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress realized that the Hudson River was critical to the American cause. If the British controlled the river, they could divide the rebellious colonies. Therefore, the Americans began work on Fort Montgomery in March 1776. . .
"Fort Montgomery was a bustling community of hundreds of people. Soldiers, laborers, merchants, families, servants, and slaves lived at or visited the fort. Ships and boats arriving and departing added to the atmosphere of a small city.
"Supplies were often hard to obtain, morale was often low, and discipline was a chronic problem. Nevertheless, Forts Montgomery and Clinton were largely complete by October 1777, when the British attacked them."
Fort Clinton "Originally, the commissioners in charge of the work were confident that no overland attack on the fort was possible, but misgivings led them to begin extending the fortifications inland. They began fortifying several pieces of high ground that became Fort Montgomery's three redoubts.
"When the Americans discovered that the land on the opposite side of the Popolopen Creek was higher and would threaten Fort Montgomery if held by the enemy, they began constructing a second fort there, called Fort Clinton. They connected the two forts by a pontoon bridge.
Click to enlarge sign about the Battle of Fort Montgomery.
The interpretive sign reads: Battle of Fort Montgomery "To aid Lieutenant General John Burgoyne's British army stalled at Saratoga, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton sailed from New York with 3,000 British, German, and Loyalist soldiers and a flotilla of warships. On the morning of October 6, 1777, Clinton landed 2,100 of his men on the west side of the Hudson River near Stony Point. This force followed a narrow trail through the mountains, where they ran into a party of 30 men sent from Fort Clinton to detect the British advance. After beating the Americans back, Sir Henry Clinton sent 900 men around Bear Mountain to attack Fort Montgomery. The rest would wait to attack Fort Clinton until the first group had reached Fort Montgomery.
"In the afternoon, the British began an assault on both forts, which were defended by no more than 700 men. At Fort Montgomery, the Americans kept the British at bay as the two sides exchanged musket fire. When the Americans refused to surrender, the British stormed both forts. Taking advantage of the growing dark and the smoky haze from the battle, many of the Americans escaped, but as many as 275 were taken as prisoners to New York City where they remained for much of the war.
"Following the battle, the British destroyed Fort Montgomery, garrisoned Fort Clinton, and burned New York's capital at Kingston. Then, receiving orders to join Sir William Howe's army near Philadelphia, Clinton's men destroyed Fort Clinton and sailed back down the Hudson. Although captured and destroyed, the forts had presented enough of an obstacle to keep the British forces in New York from aiding Burgoyne's army. The following year, in 1778, the American began rebuilding their defenses, this time at West Point."
Click to enlarge photo of the Wounded Patriot at the Battle of Fort Montgomery.
Men in the photo represent two American patriots: Private, Ulster County Militia, and Private, 5th New York Regiment. The militiaman, in civilian clothing, is armed with a British musket. He assists his wounded comrade carrying a French musket from the 1750s.
The American Revolution - 1777: History of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton The following historical accounts record the Battles of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton from different historical perspectives:
The War of the Revolution, by Christopher Ward, Volume II (Macmillan, 1952)
"An opaque fog lay close to the surface of the Hudson River on the morning of October 5, 1777. The awakening bugles of General Israel Putnam’s Continentals at Peekskill on the eastern shore of the river seemed muted by the white and misty blanket. The slow-rising sun burned irregular holes in it, however, and through these the General’s sentinels, who had been posted south of his encampment during most of the summer, saw something that banished their accustomed boredom. There were barges and galleys downriver—many of them—and above the low lying haze rose the towering masts of British frigates. From downriver, too, came the muffled sounds of alarm guns. The long-dreaded invasion of enemy troops from occupied New York had begun.
"The elderly Yankee Israel Putnam was busy at once. An oarsman, rowing desperately, bore messages across the wide stream to Fort Montgomery, an unfinished cluster of earthworks then under the command of the thirty-eight-year-old governor of the new state of New York, Brigadier General George Clinton. At this bastion, nearly a hundred and fifty feet above the spot where the Popolopen Creek joins the Hudson, the Governor received Putnam’s letter. Immediately he sent a summary of its contents to his older brother, General James Clinton, then in command of Fort Clinton, a smaller stronghold on the steep south bank of the narrow creek.
"In the meantime, the British under Sir Henry Clinton (a distant cousin of the American generals of the same surname) were disembarking at Verplanck’s Point on the east bank of the Hudson, not far below Putnam’s headquarters. The grating of their boats in the shallows of the river, the sharp voices of their officers ordering immediate formations, came strangely through the thick fog to the ears of Putnam’s scouts, informing them only that the invaders were in considerable numbers . . .
". . . Perhaps the Battle of Fort Montgomery would have been utterly neglected had not two young American soldiers chosen to visit the site on a sunny spring day of the following year. Historians do not usually end their chapters on such footnotes as these men provided, but their reports have so documented the narrative that they deserve place here. One of them, a young chaplain named Timothy Dwight (later president of Yale College), wrote in his journal that while he was climbing from a river barge to the place where the battle had been fought, the stench of dead bodies caused him great distress.
"We found, at a small distance from Fort Montgomery, a pond of a moderate size, in which we saw the bodies of several men, who had been killed in the assault upon the fort. They were thrown into this pond, the preceding autumn, by the British … Some of them were covered at this time; but at a depth so small as to leave them distinctly visible. Others had an arm, a leg, or a part of the body, above the surface. The clothes which they wore when they were killed, were still on them, and proved that they were militia; being the ordinary dress of farmers. Their faces were bloated and monstrous; and their postures were uncouth, distorted and to the highest degree afflictive . . ."
Battles Of The Revolutionary War: 1775-1781 by W.J. Wood (Dec 23, 2003) "On October 6th, 300 Continental soldiers of the 5th New York regiment, 100 artillerymen of Lamb's Artillery, and some 300 Levies and militiamen defended the unfinished Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton against a combined force of roughly 2,100 Loyalists, Hessians, and British regulars led by Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton attacked Forts Montgomery and Clinton from the landward side (which was only partially completed) with support from cannon fire from British ships on the Hudson River. The land columns attacking from west of the fort consisted of the New York Volunteers, the Loyal American Regiment, Emmerich's Chasseurs, the 57th and the 52nd Regiments of Foot.
"The Americans had emplaced an iron chain and a boom across the Hudson River, protected by four warships, to impede the British flotilla.
"Lt. Col. Mungo Campbell and several British regulars approach the fort with a flag of truce indicating that they wish to avoid `further effusion of blood.' Clinton sends Lt. Col. William S. Livingston to meet the enemy. The British officer requests that the patriots surrender. They are promised that no harm would come to them. Livingston, in turn, invites Campbell to surrender and promises him and his men good treatment. Fuming at this audacity, the British resume the fight. British ships working against an ebb tide attack the forts and American vessels. A steady volley ensues with each side receiving a share of the bombardment. British officers Campbell and Vaughan close in on all sides of the twin forts. Leading his men into battle, Campbell is killed in a violent attack on the North Redoubt of Fort Montgomery. Vaughan's horse is shot from under him as he rides into battle at Fort Clinton.
"After a fierce battle lasting until dark, the British pushed the courageous Americans from the forts at the points of their bayonets. The defenders are overpowered by sheer numbers and the British gain possession of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. American casualties numbered about 350 killed, wounded and captured, while the British paid a price of at least 190 killed and wounded. Those who were not killed or did not escape are shipped to the infamous Sugar House Prisons in New York City and then onto British "hell ships" (prison ships) in the harbor. A "return," or report of prisoners, is sent to communities in the Highlands to inform families of their loved ones' capture. It is up to the families to send provisions lest the prisoners starve. Countless patriots perish on the prison ships.
"U.S. Army battle map, The Battle of Fort Montgomery, 5-6 October 1777 U.S. Army battle map, The Battle of Fort Montgomery, The British Attack, Dusk, 6 October 1777 Forts Montgomery and Clinton, located just south of West Point, were built for the defense of the Hudson Highlands in 1776. It was here that British and loyalist troops overwhelmed Clinton's outnumbered patriots in October.
"Although the Americans lost the battle for the Highlands, a relative handful of Americans aided in delaying British reinforcements from joining Burgoyne in the upper Hudson Valley and allowed Gates to gain much needed militia reinforcements in time to ultimately win Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga."
A guide to the Battles of the American Revolution by Theodore P. Savas and J. David Dameron (Savas Beatie LLC, NY 2006)
American Perspective: "Waiting within the American fortifications on Bemis Heights was the bloodied Continental Army led by Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates. Not an audacious commander, Gates was content to await General Burgoyne's next move. While Gates market time on Bemis Heights, Patriot forces assigned to defensive positions guarding the entrance to the Hudson Highlands worked to complete two forts on the Hudson River 100 miles south of Albany, New York. Their commander was Brig. Gen. George Clinton (not to be confused with the British commander with the same last name). The forts over which the American Clinton (who was also governor of New York) labored were named Montgomery, in honor of fallen Patriot Gen. Richard Montgomery, and Clinton, after himself as commander of the forces in that region. Built on opposite banks of Popolopen Creek, which emptied into the Hudson River on its western shore at a strategic bend, eight miles south of West Point, the bastions were key to the strategic defense of the Hudson Highlands.
Fort Montgomery guarded the northern bank of the creek and Fort Clinton the southern bank. To the "east of both forts flowed the majestic Hudson River. All told, the American fielded 600 men and 20 pieces of heavy artillery. The Patriots strung a heavy iron chain across the river and seeded the water with log obstacles to disrupt any maritime assault upon the American forts. Patrolling the Hudson were two Americans warships, Montgomery and Congress, supported by a handful of smaller vessels . . .
"Fort Clinton was constructed on the south side of Popolopen Creek on a rocky ridge overlooking the Hudson River below, oriented to cover a 400-yard wide plain before the drop to the waterway. Fort Montgomery also overlooked the Hudson River, but was situated on the northern shore of Popolopen Creek, which ran west from the Hudson . . .
"After a perfunctory request that the defenders capitulate (which was rejected), the twin assaults began. There was no element of surprise or effort at finesse. The British attached nearly simultaneously with the sun setting behind Lt. Col. Archibald Campbell's columns. Sir James Wallace's British river fleet also arrived and opened fire on the American vessels and forts, providing the British land forces with supporting fire.
"Fort Montgomery fell first . . . Fort Clinton's defenders offered a better account of themselves, but the outcome was the same. Sir Henry Clinton ordered his command to launch a direct attach (there was little room to maneuver). His regulars and Hessian allies swept forward through a line of obstructions, taking terrible casualties during the approach and in the close-quarter fighting that followed. The weight of British metal carried the day, however, and within a short time the garrison was dead, wounded, captured, or fleeing . . .
"By 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. the fighting was over. Only 300 Americans, including Generals James and Governor George Clinton, escaped, most from Fort Montgomery . . . Casualties: British: 190 killed and wounded; American: 350 killed, wounded, and captured."
Fort Montgomery as a Historic Ruin New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has decided not to recreate Forts Montgomery and/or Clinton. "Because of the limits of available information, any recreation would be inaccurate and would hide the violent end of these massive fortifications. Instead, the remains are preserved, just as the have survived the ages, as hallowed ground."
Fort Montgomery stands as an archeological site and a historic ruin.
Fort Montgomery, Today Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. This Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
The site includes a Visitor Center and interpretive trail that guides visitors past the fort's ruins to breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The Visitor Center features artifacts discovered in Fort Montgomery, mannequin displays, a 3 dimensional map model, and a 14 minute orientation film.
Information Source The history of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton during the American Revolutionary War; a War of Independence between the Americans and England, is sourced from interpretive signs at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center and on the Fort Montgomery historic trails.
Things To Do at Fort Montgomery Audio-Visual Programs Demonstrations Group Tours Hiking Historic Site Interpretive Signs Museum Scenic Views Self Guided Tours Visitor Center
Sources: Ward, Christopher. The War of the Revolution, Volume II (Macmillan, 1952) Wood, W.J. Battles Of The Revolutionary War: 1775-1781 (Dec 23, 2003) Savas, Theodore P. and Dameron, David J. A guide to the Battles of the American Revolution Savas Beatie LLC, NY 2006
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.
Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and more about Snake Hill in New York.
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
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.
Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain - Orange County
The Appalachian Trail The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, designated a linear National Park by the 1968 National Trails System Act, is a continuous, marked public footpath extending approximately 2,144 miles from Mount Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia along the Appalachian Mountain range.
Click to enlarge photo of Appalachian Trail Sign.
The sign reads: "APPALACHIAN TRAIL Footpath for Hikers 2100 Miles Georgia-Maine Maintained by Volunteers NY - NJ Trail Conference"
Note: Look for this sign on the Rockland side of the Bear Mountain Bridge tollbooths.
"The [Appalachian] trail maintains a wilderness character by following the scenic ridges of the Appalachian Mountain ranges of the White, Green, Berkshire, Ramapo, Kittatinny, Blue Ridge, Great Smoky, and Nantahala Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is protected along most of its course by federal or state ownership of the land. The entire trail environment is maintained as a place for everyone to hike and enjoy the Appalachian Mountains, while at the same time conserving the natural, scenic, historical and cultural resources of this one-of-a-kind, linear park." Source: Signage at the Visitor Center on the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
A Bit of History In 1921, the idea for the Appalachian Trail originated with a volunteer forester Benton MacKaye. He conceived "The Trail" as a refuge from modern stresses, stretching along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, where hikers could re-connect with the natural world. Once MacKaye's idea was published, over the years, volunteers from hiking groups in the Northeast made that dream a reality - a 2,144-mile-long hiking trail that became our nation's first National Scenic Trail.
Through a network of 32 hiking and trail clubs from Maine to Georgia, volunteers form the basis of a unique, volunteer-based, cooperative management system for this national parkland. Volunteers take an active role in safeguarding the quality of the Trail both for the hiking public and local communities. The private Appalachian Trail Conference oversees the volunteer effort along the Trail's length.
Click to enlarge photo of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The roadway of the Bear Mountain Bridge carries the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. The Bear Mountain Bridge has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably walk on both sides of the bridge.
Click to enlarge photo of View of the Hudson River.
The photo of the Hudson Valley is taken from the northwest side of the bridge. Experience wonderful views of the majestic Hudson River when walking the Appalachian Trail on the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Appalachian Trail enters New Jersey at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and runs northward along the ridgeline of the Kittatinny Mountains to High Point State Park. There it strikes east along the NJ/NY state line, crosses the Wawayanda plateau, and enters New York state on the ridge overlooking Greenwood Lake. It traverses Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park (where the Appalachian trail was first conceived), crosses the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge, heading northeasterly towards and through Fahnestock State Park. Continuing northeast, it crosses into Connecticut near Kent, CT.
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Creek from the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, a bridge for pedestrians only, connects the trail between the twin forts, Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, and carries the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek.
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.
The Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park is on Lake Sebago. The camp offers rustic cabins and full service cottages. Also available: row boat rentals, beach, biking and hiking, organized sports, Saturday bonfire, rainy day movies and activities, play area, recreation hall, and tennis courts.
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 what you can expect.
Things To Do at Sebago Cabin Camp Beach Biking Boat Rentals Cabins (Accessible) Camper Recreation Fishing Grills Hiking Picnic Tables Playgrounds Recreation Programs Showers (Accessible) 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.
Schunnemunk State Park, a 2,700-acre park, is located at 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987 in Orange County. Schunnemunk offers acres of rolling meadow and spectacular mountain top. Hikers encounter elevations up to 1664 feet and thrilling 360 degree views of adjacent valleys, portions of the distant Hudson River and surrounding forest and farm lands.
Eight marked trails include the Long Path, Jessup, Western Ridge, Trestle, Sweet Clover, Otterkill, Dark Hollow and Barton Swamp Trails totaling over 20 miles traverse the mountain and glades.
Press blue button for more about directions, permits and applications, and the activities at Schunnemunk State Park.
Things To Do at Schunnemunk State Park Birding Hiking trails Picnicking
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
Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site is located at Vails Gate, NY 12584 in Orange County in the Hudson River Valley. On several occasions during the Revolutionary War, Major General Henry Knox, Commander of the America artillery, established his military headquarters at John Ellison's 1754 Georgian-style house in Vails Gate. From October 1782 until the spring of 1783, as 7,000 soldiers and 500 "camp followers" were establishing winter quarters at the New Windsor Cantonment, and General Washington was lodged at Jonathan Hasbrouck's house in Newburgh, New York, Major General Horatio Gates occupied the elegant home from which he commanded the cantonment. Here the army awaited the end of the Revolutionary War that became effective when Washington issued the cease fire orders on April 19, 1783.
For most of the 18th and into the 19th century, the Ellison family had important commercial dealings in milling and trade. From their mill, flour was shipped down the Hudson River to New York City and the West Indies. At present, remains of the mill, with traces of the underground racecourse, and the Jane Colden Native Plant Sanctuary may be visited. Explore how the Ellisons and other families of the mid-Hudson Valley lived 200 years ago.
Point of Interest Knox's Headquarters State Historic Site is fun for the children and family of all ages.
Attractions Costumed Interpreters Demonstrations Educational Services Gardens Group Tours Guided Tours Hiking Interpretive Sign Picnic Area Re-enactments Scenic Views
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is located at Vails Gate, NY 12584 in Orange County in the Hudson River Valley. In October 1782, General George Washington moved his army to New Windsor, above West Point and just beyond the Hudson Highlands, to establish winter quarters. He was accompanied by 7,000 troops including 500 women and children or "camp followers." By late December 1782, they had erected nearly 600 log huts into a "cantonment," a military enclave. High-ranking officers were quartered in private homes.
Washington was pleased that the army was better housed, fed, and clothed than ever before in the long war, but life for the officers and troops at the Cantonment remained hard. It was at the New Windsor Cantonment that the cease fire orders were issued by Washington ending the eight-year War of Independence on April 19, 1783. The final success, however, was the gradual, orderly disbandment of the army at the Cantonment, and the peaceful march of its still largely unpaid officers and men back to their homes or new pursuits.
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is fun for children and family. See the staff in reproduction period dress and uniforms demonstrate musket drills, blacksmithing, military medicine and camplife activities. View the exhibits at the Visitor Center and the reconstructed Temple Building, which served as a chapel for the soldiers.
Constitution Island is part of West Point, the United States Military Academy, a National Registered Landmark.
Constitution Island is most famous for the Great Chain that was placed across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War. Constitution Island is also known for the Warner family who lived on the Island during the 19th century. The Warner House and ruins of the Revolutionary War fortifications are the primary points of interest. The Island’s 280 acres are covered with hiking trails that are enjoyed by the Island’s visitors. The Constitution Island Association was founded in 1916 to preserve and protect the history and traditions of this unique American site. Also learn about the chaining of the Hudson.
Things To Do at Constitution Island Hiking Trails Historic Site Warner House Daily and Weekend Tours
Cold Spring Tours Daily tours leave from West Point’s South Dock Weekend tours & Special Events are served by a shuttle bus from the Cold Spring Metro-North train station.
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
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance."
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Breakneck Ridge Hike 1 - (difficult, 2.8 mi., 3-4 hr.) A steep, difficult loop hike with the most dramatic views in the Highlands. Exhilarating, but not recommended in windy or slippery conditions.
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance."
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Hiking Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) Hike 5 of Hiking Trails in Philipstown is a strenuous hike, recommended for experienced hikers.
Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)from 9D Hike 5 - (moderate/difficult, 5.7 mi., 4-5 hr.) A loop hike with a spur to the summit, at 1420 feet, Bull Hill is the tallest mountain in Putnam County. This loop hike steeply climbs Bull Hill, with tricky footing, and spectacular views over the Hudson River.
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance."
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Hiking Charcoal Burners Trail Hike 4 of Hiking Trails in Philipstown is an easy hike, recommended for beginner hikers.
Charcoal Burners Trail Hike 4 - (easy, 2 mi., 1-2 hr.) A woodland loop with a side trail overlooking a pond.
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance."
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Hiking Little Stony Point Hike 6 of Hiking Trails in Philipstown is an easy hike, recommended for beginning hikers.
Hiking Little Stony Point Hike 6 - (easy, 1 mi., 1 hr.) A short loop hike with spectacular views of the Hudson and a spur trail to a cliff top.
Little Stony Point Park Little Stony Point is a Hudson Highlands State Park located at 3011 Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County, just north of Cold Spring. Little Stony Point offers an unofficial swimming beach, as well as recreational boating, kayaking, and fishing.
Although Little Stony Point is a state owned recreational resource, its upkeep is dependent on the work of volunteers (LSPCA), who operate through a cooperative management agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to keep the park clean and make needed improvements, such as weed abatement, grading trails, and trash pick-up. 100% of donations to the LSPCA are used directly for park and structural upkeep. Source: Little Stony Point Park
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance."
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Hiking Round Hill Hike 2 of Hiking Trails in Philipstown is a moderate hike, recommended for hikers with some experience.
Round Hill Hike 2 - (moderate, 5.5 mi., 3-4 hr.) A loop hike through woods with a couple of great views. This hike is in the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area.
Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area "The Fahnestock Bird Conservation Area is a large, wooded tract which includes six lakes, a hemlock/stream ravine, and some marsh habitat. Much of the forest is mature oak and mixed hardwoods with an understory of mountain laurel. Relatively large stands of hemlock are also present in some areas of the park. The BCA supports a representative community of breeding birds that prefer mature hardwood forests, as well as some marsh and water-dependent bird species. The BCA includes the Hubbard/Perkins Conservation Area, and other portions of the state park." Source: Department of Environmental Conservation
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance."
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Hiking School Mountain Road Hike 3 of Hiking Trails in Philipstown is an easy hike, recommended for beginner hikers.
School Mountain Road Hike 3 - (easy, 8.2 mi., 4hr, ) An out and back hike especially good for horses, and mountain bikes. This out and back hike is in the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area. Horses and mountain bikes are permitted on this trail.
Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area "The Fahnestock Bird Conservation Area is a large, wooded tract which includes six lakes, a hemlock/stream ravine, and some marsh habitat. Much of the forest is mature oak and mixed hardwoods with an understory of mountain laurel. Relatively large stands of hemlock are also present in some areas of the park. The BCA supports a representative community of breeding birds that prefer mature hardwood forests, as well as some marsh and water-dependent bird species. The BCA includes the Hubbard/Perkins Conservation Area, and other portions of the state park." Source: Department of Environmental Conservation
Hiking in the Hudson Highlands affords many breathtaking views and magnificent vistas. The following state parks and protected areas are found in the Hudson Highlands. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of this beautiful area of the Hudson Valley. In addition to hiking, many parks offer activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding.
Stonecrop Gardens is located at 81 Stonecrop Lane, Cold Spring, NY 10516 in Putnam County. "Stonecrop was originally the home of Anne and Frank Cabot. Stonecrop became a public garden in 1992 under the direction of Caroline Burgess."
"At its windswept elevation of 1,100 feet in the Hudson Highlands Stonecrop enjoys a Zone 5 climate. The display gardens cover an area of approximately 12 acres and comprise a diverse collection of gardens and plants including woodland and water gardens, a grass garden, raised alpine stone beds, cliff rock gardens, and an enclosed English-style flower garden. Additional features include a Conservatory, display Alpine House, Pit House with an extensive collection of choice dwarf bulbs, and systematic order beds representing over 50 plant families.
"Stonecrop's plant collections and display gardens not only demonstrate what can be achieved by horticultural enthusiasts, but also serve as an educational resource which, together with its professional staff, constitute the foundation upon which is based a developing School of Practical Horticulture."
Press blue button for more about workshops, activities and attractions at Stonecrop Gardens.
Things To Do at Stonecrop Gardens Garden Conservancy Gardening workshops Gardens and walking paths Guided Tours Picnicking Photography
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.
Boscobel Hike and Scenic View Boscobel is located at 1601 Route 9D (Bear Mountain Highway), Garrison, NY, 10524 Putnam County in the Hudson Valley. Plan a day trip to Boscobel and go hiking in the Hudson Highlands where you will experience many breathtaking views while absorbing the natural beauty of the landscape. The Boscobel Hike is an easy one mile hike on a woodland trail at Boscobel. Be rewarded with magnificent views of Constitution Marsh and West Point. Grounds pass needed.
The Hudson Highlands includes several state parks and protected areas where you can hike, go on nature walks and enjoy 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 in the Hudson Highlands including boating, skiing, nature walks and birding, and hiking.
Click to enlarge photo of Constitution Marsh sign.
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary is located at 127 Warren Landing Road, Garrison NY 10524, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley. Constitution Marsh is located approximately 55 miles north of New York City. It is on the east side of the Hudson River, two miles south of the village of Cold Spring.
Constitution Marsh Trail, moderate hike, 2 miles. This out and back hike in the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary has a short difficult section leading to a boardwalk into the marsh. For information about the hiking trail and more about Constitution Marsh, call the Center at 845-265-2601.
The sign reads: Constitution Marsh
"No habitat nurture more life than a tidal marsh. Marsh plants feed animals such as Muskrats and Snapping Turtles. Decomposed plants provide food for countless shrimp, crabs, and even tinier animals which in turn support many species of fish. Young fish feed in the rich marsh "nursery" and then ventue down the Hudson to the sea.
"Constitution Marsh teems with life at all times of the year and changes with each season. The summer begins with the annual ritual in June of female Snapping Turtles climbing the hill to lay their eggs on Boscobel's grounds. From June through September, the marsh below is green with cattails, Wild Rice, Pickerelweed, and Arrowhead. Marsh Wrens, Red-winged Blackbirds, Least Bitterns, Yellow Warblers, and colorful Wood Ducks nest in the marsh. White-tailed Deer visit the wetlands to escape from biting insects.
"The cattails turn from green to reddish brown in the fall, and migratory birds stop on their way south for the winter. Osprey, Marsh Hawks, Swallows, Black Ducks, Mallards, and Green winged Teal rest and feed amoung the cattails and bulrushed before continuing on the migrations. In winter, plans die back in preparation for a new round of growth, and the marsh turns a brownish straw color. Bald Eagles are often spotted at this time of year surveying the marsh from their perches in the trees at Constituion Island. Finally, with the coming of Spring, the cycle begins anew. Migrants reappers, plants sprout new leaves, and the marsh again teems with life.
"Contstitution Marsh was purchased in 1969 by Lila Wallace and Laurance Rockefeller. Now a part of Hudson Highlands State Park, it has been managed the the National Audubon Society since 1970.
"Constitution Island was part of an original land grant made by the British crown to the Philipse family and remained in its possession until Henry Warner, a New York City lawyer, purchased the property and the adjacent marsh in 1836. His unsuccessful attempt to convert the marsh to a wild rice farm left the numerous tidal chaneels visible today. Warner's daughters Susan and Anna lived in the family home on Constitution Island until Anna died in 1915 at the age of eighty-seven. Due to financial losses suffered by their father in the 1840's, they both started writing to help support the family and became knows as the 'Bronte sisters of America.' Together, the sisters had over one hundred books published. Susan's first novel The Wide, Wide World (1850) sold more than a million copies in numerous editions. Anna Warner wrote the well know religious hymn Jesus Loves Me, which was published in 1860.
"Philanthropist Margaret Slocum [Mrs. Russell] Sage purchased the Island in 1908, and she and Anna Warner presented it to the United States governement as a joint gift with the stipulation that it be an addition to West Point. In 1917, West Point cadets created the Martlaer's Rock Association (now the Constitution Island Association), a not-for-profit organization which maintains the property for the enjoyment of the public."
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary is located at 127 Warren Landing Road, Garrison NY 10524, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley. Constitution Marsh is located approximately 55 miles north of New York City. It is on the east side of the Hudson River, two miles south of the village of Cold Spring.
"Constitution Marsh Audubon Center & Sanctuary is a unique and beautiful 270-acre tidal marsh managed by Audubon as a wildlife sanctuary since 1970 . . . Our mission at Constitution Marsh Sanctuary is twofold: to provide stewardship to this fragile wetland and to teach others about it. We believe there is no substitute for a trip to the shoreline, where one can explore and discover the river first hand. Our goal is to give all visitors, whatever their age, the opportunity to closely observe river life and thus gain new insights into the natural world."
Note: If you are planning a kayak or canoe trip through the marsh on your own, public water access is provided at the Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring, and not at the Audubon Center.
Press blue button to learn more about things to do at Constitution Marsh.
Things To Do Canoe Tours Hiking at Constitution Marsh School Tours Self-Guided Tours
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
Manitoga, The Russel Wright Design Center, is located at 584 Route 9D, Garrison NY 10524, Putnam County in the Hudson Valley. Hike over 4 miles of paths through a 75-acre designed landscape with links to the Appalachian Trail.
"In the 1930s, 40s and 50s, the signature on a set of dinnerware or piece of furniture elicited instant response. At that time, Wright was one of the best known designers in the U.S. At the apex of his career, Wright left New York City and moved his base of operations to Garrison. It was here that he created a unique home and designed landscape. He named it Manitoga, meaning place of the great spirit in Algonquin. Wright shared the Native Americans' respect for the earth.
"When Wright first found this property in 1942, it had been damaged by a century of quarrying and lumbering. Over the next three decades, until his death in 1976, he carefully redesigned and re-sculpted Manitoga's 75 acres using native plants, his training as a theater designer and sculptor, and his innovative design ideas. Though the landscape appears natural, it is actually a careful composition of woodland trees, rocks, ferns, mosses, and wild flowers.
"Wright created over four miles of paths that wind over creeks, into woods, among boulders, and through ferns and mountain laurel to focus visitors' attention on the importance of living in harmony with nature.
"Manitoga is the only 20th century modern homesite open to the public in New York, and one of few on the east coast. Wright considered it his most important creative effort. In 2006, Manitoga was named a National Historic Landmark."
Things To Do Hiking Paths with links to the Appalachian Trail National Historic Landmark Tour of Wrights Home & Studio
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.
Manitou Train Station and Manitou Point Nature Preserve
Click to enlarge photo of Pond at the Manitou Train Station.
If you are waiting for a train at the Manitou Train Station, or have just arrived at Manitou, look around at this scenic spot. Can a train station get any prettier than this? Look into the pond and you may see frogs jumping and the sounds of a bullfrog. Look up from the pond and you can see the Bear Mountain Bridge in the distance. Walk over the train tracks toward the river; you can sit on a rock and put your feet into the Hudson River. Or, gaze up at the rolling hills facing north.
Click to enlarge photo of MTA Train Station at Manitou.
The Manitou Train Station is located at 1 Manitou Road in the hamlet of Manitou, Philipstown in Putnam County, New York. Metro North has limited train service to Manitou. Check the MTA Train Schedule.
The Manitou Point Nature Preserve The Manitou Point Nature Preserve is located 1.8 miles north of the Bear Mountain Bridge. Cross the Bear Mountain Bridge from west to east and continue on route 9D to Mystery Point Road. Make a left on Mystery Point Road and you will see a parking area on the left.
A Bit of History The Manitou Point Nature Preserve is a former estate on the Hudson renovated and revived by The Open Space Institute and Scenic Hudson. The mansion, once owned by Edward Livingston whose great-grandfather signed the Declaration of Independence, is now the headquarters of Outward Bound. Although the mansion is not open to the public, four miles of scenic winding trails and surrounding carriage roads, are open.
Note: Edward Livingston purchased the property in 1894 and turned it into an elaborate estate with buildings to house his livestock. In 1897, he finished a two-story mansion; now the afore mentioned national headquarters for Outward Bound.
Hiking the Manitou Point Nature Preserve The Manitou Point Nature Preserve is 135-acres on a peninsula jutting into the Hudson River. This area offers six short but different hikes, appealing to hikers with different skills and interests.
The following is credited to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference: "For an exciting and adventurous hike, the River Loop Trail is tailor-made. Beginning 400 feet to the north of the mansion, the trail offers the hiker a spectacular view of North Sugar Loaf Mountain on the east bank and West Point on the west. Heading south, the trail merges briefly with a carriage road and then literally hugs the edge of the Hudson River: there are no guard rails between you and the river 10 feet below. Note: This trail may be closed in icy weather. For your safety, respect a closed trail sign. The trail is paved with fallen pine needles and acorns and spongy moss, which makes for a cushioned feeling underfoot. A colonnade of closely-spaced tall trees flanks the narrow trail and gives the appearance of a royal promenade."
After a day of birding or hiking at Manitou, eat out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Putnam County, New York offering natural foods and healthy options.
Things To Do at Manitou Point Nature Preserve Birding Hiking / Walking Nature Walks
Hiking in Philipstown Putnam County, Hudson River Valley of New York
"The Hudson Highlands is a region of simple, yet dramatic beauty, astounding biodiversity, and major historical significance." The Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based organization devoted to protecting the natural resources, rural character, and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands in NY State’s Hudson Valley.
Go hiking in the Hudson Highlands where you will experience many breathtaking views while absorbing the natural beauty of the landscape. Enjoy magnificent vistas while hiking in Philipstown, Putnam County, in the Hudson Highlands.
The Hudson Highlands include the following state parks and protected areas. All of these parks offer fabulous hiking and other outdoor activities that will immerse you in the natural wonders of the Hudson Highlands. There are many parks in the Hudson Highlands offering activities such as boating, skiing, nature walks and birding in addition to hiking.
Twenty-two hiking trails in Philipstown are listed below:
Breakneck Ridge Hike 1 - (difficult, 2.8 mi., 3-4 hr.) A steep, difficult loop hike with the most dramatic views in the Highlands. Exhilarating, although not recommended in windy or slippery conditions.
Round Hill Hike 2 - (moderate, 5.5 mi., 3-4 hr.) A loop hike through woods with a couple of great views. This hike is in the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area.
School Mountain Road Hike 3 - (easy, 8.2 mi., 4hr, ) An out and back hike especially good for horses, and mountain bikes. This out and back hike is in the Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area. Note: Horses and mountain bikes are permitted on Hike 3, School Mountain Road.
Charcoal Burners Trail Hike 4 - (easy, 2 mi., 1-2 hr.) A woodland loop with a side trail overlooking a pond.
Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)from 9D Hike 5 - (moderate/difficult, 5.7 mi., 4-5 hr.) A loop hike with a spur to the summit, at 1420 feet the tallest mountain in Putnam County. Some steep portions, tricky footing, and spectacular views.
Little Stony Point Hike 6 - (easy, 1 mi., 1 hr.) A short loop hike with spectacular views of the Hudson and a spur trail to a clifftop.
Bull Hill from Nelsonville Footpath Trail Hike 7 - (moderate/difficult, 5 mi., 3-4 hr.) A loop to the summit, with phenomenal views during any season.
West Point Foundry Hike 8 - (easy, 1 mi., 1 hr.) A stroll through the West Point Foundry Preserve past the ruins of the historic foundry. In operation from 1818-1912, the West Point Foundry played an important role in industrialization. One of four national armories established after the War of 1812, it manufactured much of the Union’s artillery, including the famous Parrott gun, during the Civil War, and was immortalized as the “Goldspring Foundry” in Jules Verne’s 1865 book, From the Earth to the Moon. Non-military cast-iron products included machinery for cotton and sugar mills, America’s earliest steam engines, and several of its first locomotives, including the De Witt Clinton. The Foundry also cast cannon and structural parts for iron-clad ships which transformed nautical technology. This site is both archaeologically & ecologically sensitive; please do not touch or remove any artifacts, soil, or plants.
Boscobel: The Woodland Trail Hike 9 - (easy, 1 mi., 1/2 hr.) A stroll with views over Constitution Marsh and West Point. Grounds pass needed.
Constitution Marsh Trail Hike 10 - (moderate, 2 mi., 1 hr.) This out and back hike in the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary has a short difficult section leading to a boardwalk into the marsh. For more information, call the Center at 845-265-2601.
Philipstown Park Hike 11 - (easy/moderate, 3/4 mi., 3/4 hr.) The Trail of Trees in Philipstown Park has a couple of wetland crossings on stepping stones or a narrow plank, then passes through forested woodlands with a view of West Point.
Cedar Ridge Trail Hike 12 - (moderate, 1.5 mi., 1 hr.) An out and back hike through fields of a working cattle farm and woods to a ridge with a view of the Hudson. Not recommended for dogs.
Chimney Trail Hike 13 - (moderate, 3-4 mi., 2 hr.) An out and back hike with a gradual ascent, about 40 minutes each way. Sweeping views to the west of mountains, and a peek at the Hudson River.
North and South Redoubts - Revolutionary War Heritage Trails Hike 14 - (moderate, 2.4 mi., 2 hr.) Sweeping Hudson River vistas from summit ruins of two Revolutionary War forts. The route is out and back and includes two halfmile uphill segments.
Arden Point & Marcia’s Mile Hike 15 - (easy, 2.2 mi., 1.5 hr.) A hike around a magnificent promontory to a gazebo with views of the Hudson River.
Glenclyffe Loop - Benedict Arnold Escape Path Hike 16 - (easy, 1.6 mi., 1 hr.) A loop on the Glenclyffe property in Garrison, which was acquired by the Open Space Institute (OSI) in 2001. Offering fields, streams, gentle rocky slopes and ridges, a portion of the trail follows the route taken by Benedict Arnold in 1780 when he escaped to the British Army.
Sugarloaf Hill Hike 17 - (moderate, 3.2 mi., 2 hr.) An out and back hike in Hudson Highlands State Park. At the top is a spectacular view south of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain Bridge and Anthony’s Nose.
White Rock Walk Hike 18 - (moderate, 3 mile, 1.5 hr.) This loop hike features a swampy meadow boardwalk, dramatic stone walls, a pretty Hudson overlook, and varied terrain, on the Appalachian, Osborn Loop, and Carriage Connector Trails.
Appalachian Trail from Graymoor to Denning Hill Hike 19 - (moderate, 4 mi., 3 hr.) An out and back hike along the Appalachian Trail with some brief but rapid changes in elevation and a 240 degree view south to NYC at the end. Two short walks to viewpoints afford additional sights.
Manitoga Paths Hike 20 - (easy/moderate, 2.1 mi., 1-3 hr.) Three hikes follow lovely loop paths at Manitoga, the former home of renowned designer Russel Wright. The hikes includes steep portions, rocky terrain, views, the repeated sound of water falling over rocks, and a connection to the Appalachian Trail.
Manitou Point Nature Preserve Hike 21 - (easy, 2 mi., 1 hr.) A loop past a mansion with a path paralleling the Hudson River.
Anthony’s Nose Hike 22 - (moderate/difficult, 3.6 mi., 3 hr.) An out and back hike on the Appalachian and Camp Smith trails to the promontory known as Anthony’s Nose. Spectacular views overlooking Bear Mountain Bridge and the Hudson River.
Press blue button for hiking map, directions to get to each hike, and more information about each of the hikes in Philipstown. Storm King and Crow’s Nest mountains rise across from Little Stony Point. Bull Hill, Breakneck Ridge and Beacon Hill stand behind. These mountains are part of the Appalachian Range, and the gorge at Little Stony Point is the only place the range is cut by a river. Glacial activity deposited an immense granite formation here. At the turn of the last century the rock was mined and used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and other projects. A tramway brought the granite from the mines to a dock at Little Stony Point.
Important information for all hikers Tick prevention: The deer tick that can transmit Lyme Disease, is common in this area. Take precautions by wearing light-colored clothing with long sleeves, tucking pants into socks, using insect repellent on your clothing and checking for ticks at the end of your hike.
Press blue button for The Philipstown Greenway brochure and map, offering important information about each hike, directions, difficulty of each hike, and safety precautions.
The hikes listed above, including information about each hike, is sourced from and credited to the Philipstown Greenway Committee.
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
Popolopen Creek at Bear Mountain "Scenic Hudson Valley"
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Creek from Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Bear Mountain Bridge offers spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. The bridge's roadway has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists and incorporates the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. Crossing the bridge on foot offers magnificent views, wonderful photo opportunities, and an invigorating walk.
On the walkway facing northeast, you can see 3 bridges from the Bear Mountain Bridge: the Popolopen Suspension Bridge, the Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge, and the train tracks. These bridges cross Popolopen Creek.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream, that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek. The footbridge connects the trail between the twin forts and carries the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, a bridge for pedestrians only, was designed to create an economic and esthetically pleasing river crossing of 140m on the Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain Park. The Popolopen Creek Suspension Footbridge is located in Fort Montgomery in Bear Mountain Park. You can access the bridge on a path near the Bear Mountain Bridge toll booths. Or, you can get to Popolopen Creek from Fort Montgomery. Parking is available at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center off 9W, just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, where you can hike down to the creek.
American Revolution Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, forts on each side of Popolopen Creek, were the scenes of fierce American Revolutionary war battles for control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, the British captured both forts; destroying Fort Montgomery in the days that followed.
Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 1/2 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
Buttermilk Falls Park, a 75-acre park, is located at 199 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY 10994 in Rockland County. The park is maintained in its natural state offering many scenic views with picnic opportunities at the base of the falls. The falls are typically full in early spring and after a rainfall. The land is primarily steep woodland with Buttermilk Falls cascading down the mountain through a gorge that is part of the Palisades ridge. At the top of several scenic overlooks, views span New Jersey to the south, Ramapo Mountains to the west and South Mountain to the north.
A Bit of History Rockland County purchased the park in 1975. For decades the falls have been a natural attraction for their deep gorge and ravine effects. It is said that in the early 1900's, during his visits to Blauvelt, President Teddy Roosevelt frequently rode horseback in this area stopping at the peak for scenic views.
Directions A trail can be accessed at the entrance of the parking area for Buttermilk Falls County Park on Greenbush Road in West Nyack.
Press blue button for directions (click map) and more information about Buttermilk Falls Park.
Things To Do at Buttermilk Falls Park Birding Hiking / Walking (moderate level hike) Nature Walks Picnicking Scenic Views
Bowline Point Park is located on Bowline Road (off Samsondale Avenue), Haverstraw, NY 10927 in Rockland County. The park is located on the Hudson River behind the power plant.
Go swimming at Bowline Point Park offering an Olympic size pool with a diving well and wading area, two water slides, a newly re-designed toddler pool, a toddler playground, a handicap accessible water spray area, a handicap accessible playground, one refurbished tennis court, regulation size volleyball courts, walking paths and a fishing pier with a spectacular river view. There are also numerous picnic tables and grills throughout the park for picnics and a covered pavilion and gazebo for parties.
Press blue button for more about activities and hours at Bowline Point Park in Haverstraw, NY.
Things To Do at Bowline Point Park Fishing pier (scenic views) Pavilion and Gazebo (Covered area - permits available for parties) Picnic Tables (Picnicking is available throughout the park) Playground (Accessible) Playground for Toddlers Pools (Olympic size pool and toddler pool Tennis Court Volleyball Courts Walking paths Water Spray Area
Cheesecote Mountain Park, a 217-acre park, is located at Willow Grove Road, Haverstraw, NY in Rockland County.
Cheesecote Park offers 217 acres of parkland with picnic areas, hiking trails, camping grounds and a 6-acre lake for fishing. A permit is needed for over-night camping.
Press blue button for more about activities and attractions at Cheesecote Mountain Park.
Things To Do at Cheesecote Mountain Park Camping Grounds Fishing (lake and river fishing) Hiking Trails / Walking Nature Trails Picnic Tables
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
Appalachian Trail in Bear Mountain - Rockland County
The Appalachian Trail The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, designated a linear National Park by the 1968 National Trails System Act, is a continuous, marked public footpath extending approximately 2,144 miles from Mount Katahdin, Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia along the Appalachian Mountain range.
Click to enlarge photo of Appalachian Trail Sign.
The sign reads: "APPALACHIAN TRAIL Footpath for Hikers 2100 Miles Georgia-Maine Maintained by Volunteers NY - NJ Trail Conference"
Note: Look for this sign on the Rockland side of the Bear Mountain Bridge tollbooths.
"The [Appalachian] trail maintains a wilderness character by following the scenic ridges of the Appalachian Mountain ranges of the White, Green, Berkshire, Ramapo, Kittatinny, Blue Ridge, Great Smoky, and Nantahala Mountains. The Appalachian Trail is protected along most of its course by federal or state ownership of the land. The entire trail environment is maintained as a place for everyone to hike and enjoy the Appalachian Mountains, while at the same time conserving the natural, scenic, historical and cultural resources of this one-of-a-kind, linear park." Source: Signage at the Visitor Center on the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
A Bit of History In 1921, the idea for the Appalachian Trail originated with a volunteer forester Benton MacKaye. He conceived "The Trail" as a refuge from modern stresses, stretching along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, where hikers could re-connect with the natural world. Once MacKaye's idea was published, over the years, volunteers from hiking groups in the Northeast made that dream a reality - a 2,144-mile-long hiking trail that became our nation's first National Scenic Trail.
Through a network of 32 hiking and trail clubs from Maine to Georgia, volunteers form the basis of a unique, volunteer-based, cooperative management system for this national parkland. Volunteers take an active role in safeguarding the quality of the Trail both for the hiking public and local communities. The private Appalachian Trail Conference oversees the volunteer effort along the Trail's length.
Click to enlarge photo of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The roadway of the Bear Mountain Bridge carries the Maine-to-Georgia Appalachian Trail. The Bear Mountain Bridge has eight-foot-wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists to comfortably walk on both sides of the bridge.
Click to enlarge photo of View of the Hudson River.
The photo of the Hudson Valley is taken from the northwest side of the bridge. Experience wonderful views of the majestic Hudson River when walking the Appalachian Trail on the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Appalachian Trail enters New Jersey at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and runs northward along the ridgeline of the Kittatinny Mountains to High Point State Park. There it strikes east along the NJ/NY state line, crosses the Wawayanda plateau, and enters New York state on the ridge overlooking Greenwood Lake. It traverses Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park (where the Appalachian trail was first conceived), crosses the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge, heading northeasterly towards and through Fahnestock State Park. Continuing northeast, it crosses into Connecticut near Kent, CT.
Click to enlarge photo of Popolopen Creek from the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Popolopen Creek Footbridge, a bridge for pedestrians only, connects the trail between the twin forts, Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, and carries the Appalachian Trail on the western side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Popolopen Creek Popolopen Creek is a stream that is mostly fed by Lake Popolopen, Stillwell Lake, and Weyant's Pond. Eventually, the creek drains into the Hudson River. In 2002, New York's Governor George Pataki, dedicated a long suspension foot bridge that spans Popolopen Creek.
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
845-786-2701
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
The Sebago Cabin Camp in Harriman State Park is on Lake Sebago. The camp offers rustic cabins and full service cottages. Also available: row boat rentals, beach, biking and hiking, organized sports, Saturday bonfire, rainy day movies and activities, play area, recreation hall, and tennis courts.
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 what you can expect.
Things To Do at Sebago Cabin Camp Beach Biking Boat Rentals Cabins (Accessible) Camper Recreation Fishing Grills Hiking Picnic Tables Playgrounds Recreation Programs Showers (Accessible) 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
Thiells Mt. Ivy Ballfields are located in Thiells, NY 10984 in Rockland County. Playing fields are available to be used as two baseball and/or softball fields with sixty foot bases and backstops. Fields could also be used for various sport teams.
Also available is a nature walk or jogging path along the Mineceongo creek. If you enjoy fishing, in late March or early Fall the Town of Haverstraw stocks the Mineceongo creek with Trout.
Press blue button for more about activities, park hours, and directions to Thiells Mt. Ivy Ballfields in Rockland County.
Things To Do at Thiells Mt. Ivy Ballfields Fishing Hiking/Walking Trail (along the Mineceongo Creek) Nature Trails Playing Fields
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.
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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.
The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail stretches 12.2 miles south from the New Paltz/Rosendale town line to the Gardiner/Shawangunk town line. The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail opened officially in October 1993 as the seventeenth rail trail in New York State. In 2001 it was recognized as the first Countryside Trail in the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail System, and in 2007 it was designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
The trail extends for 12.2 miles from the southern border of Gardiner to the northern border of New Paltz. Along the way it passes through woods, open fields, and agricultural lands, and links the hamlet of Gardiner with downtown New Paltz. Trail users will discover a wide variety of birds and other wildlife and beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Wallkill River. The trail surface is gravel and packed dirt, except for a section of the trail in the heart of New Paltz from Plains Road to Broadhead Avenue, which is wheelchair accessible.
The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a multiuse trail, welcoming hikers, joggers, bicycle and horseback riders, dog walkers, and, in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Except for vehicles for the disabled, no other motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. For everyone's safety, please follow the guidelines for multiuse trails and be courteous to other trail users.
Things To Do Biking Bird Watching Explore Local History Family Outings Horseback riding Hiking / Jogging Picnic Nature Walks Scenic Vistas Stream Watch
Cantine Veterans Sports Complex, a 127-acre sports and recreation complex, is located at the Washington Avenue Extension, Saugerties, NY 12477 in Ulster County. The Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex is a 127-acre sports and recreation complex owned and operated by the Town of Saugerties under the Department of Parks, Recreation & Buildings.
Things To Do Ball fields (11) Bandstand (enclosed) Basketball courts (3) Conference center Grandstands (2 covered) Hiking Trails (views of the Catskills and Berkshires Horseshoe pits (8) Pavilions (4 with service Kitchenettes) Picnic areas and barbeque equipment Playgrounds, (3) including a Small World Playground Senior Citizen’s multi-purpose recreation center Shuffleboard courts (indoor and outdoor) Soccer fields (4 regulation size) Tennis courts (4 lighted)
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
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