Visitor Info

The Parks

Combined, Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park and Hudson Highlands State Park encompass some 23,000 acres and span three counties - Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester. These two parks serve as an important natural area while attracting more than 350,000 visitors annually and offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities in an exceptionally scenic and historic setting.

The Parks lie just 50 miles north of New York City and are easily reached from the Taconic Parkway, Route 9D, and Metro-North’s Hudson Line.

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding.
The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming, and Fahnestock Winter Park which includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.

Hudson Highlands State Park

A mostly undeveloped preserve of nearly 6,000 acres, Hudson Highlands State Park consists of a series of separate areas of recreational land stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill north to Dennings Point in Beacon.

The spacious park is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, 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.

Activities and resources

BOATING: You can rent a rowboat on Canopus Lake for a gentle paddle and great fishing. Park on Route 301 about 1 mile west of the Taconic. Boat rentals are $7 per hour, $25/day. All you need is a driver’s license and the rental fee (and a $25 refundable cash deposit). The park supplies personal flotation devices. You can rent kayaks and get lessons at Atlantic Kayak Tours, located at the state park facility at Annsville Circle and Route 6/202. www.atlantickayaktours.com

HIKING: There are over 100 miles of trails in the parks. You can pick up a trail map at the park office on Route 301, 0.5 mi west of the Taconic State Parkway, or buy more detailed maps at Hudson Valley Outfitters in Cold Spring (www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com) or online from the NY-NJ Trail Conference (www.nynjtc.org/catalog/maps)

CAMPING: Camp sites at Fahnestock State Park are reserved in advance and book early. Plan your camping trip by contacting Reserve America at 1-800-456-2267 or www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do

HUNTING: Hunting in designated areas of Fahnestock is by permit only. To obtain more information and a permit, please contact the Park office at (845) 225-7207.