Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Join a park environmental educator on a guided nature/history/geology walk one mile up the Gorge Trail to explore the origins and history of the park and gorge. Meet at the beginning of gorge trail at the end of the main entrance area that is located on Franklin St./NYS Route 14. Tours are free and do not require reservations.

10:0am & 1:00pm

No Tours on Monday or Tuesday

Improve your health while de-stressing by joining us for fast paced walks on our trails every Saturday morning in the summer.

Ages 12 and up

Improve your health while de-stressing by joining us for fast paced walks on our trails every Saturday morning in the summer.

Ages 12 and up

Start the weekend off with a great journey into the heart of Minnewaska! Join us on this long and adventurous hike to see highlights including Verkeerderkill Falls, Mud Pond, and the crystal-clear Lake Awosting where we will eat lunch and go for a swim. This hike is approximately 12 miles long, round-trip, with only three miles on a carriage road and the rest on a footpath. Participants must wear appropriate shoes and bring a backpack with plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. This outing is recommended for hikers over the age of 16. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Sam's Point Visitor Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989.

The Baker trail is always an enjoyable and challenging hike. We will summit thePalmertown Mtn range at a comfortable pace. Then we will hike the ridge which is rather flat and takes us past the overlook of Moreau Lake. This is a pleasant hike that if we are lucky enough we may get a chance to see some wildlife. This hike will be a about 4.5-5 miles. Reservations are required with 24 hours advanced notice, please call 518-793-0511.

The Baker trail is always an enjoyable and challenging hike. We will summit thePalmertown Mtn range at a comfortable pace. Then we will hike the ridge which is rather flat and takes us past the overlook of Moreau Lake. This is a pleasant hike that if we are lucky enough we may get a chance to see some wildlife. This hike will be a about 4.5-5 miles. Reservations are required with 24 hours advanced notice, please call 518-793-0511.

Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep, crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline: August 12th.

Meet at the NE corner of 168 Street and St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan, a short walk from subway stations. Washington Heights near the High Bridge deserves more attention, especially now that the gleaming bridge beckons day trippers once more. Let's take a long walk that starts across the Harlem River via the High Bridge. You will hear the tale of the Old Croton Aqueduct then wind back to the gorgeous Jumel Terrace Historic District, Trinity Cemetery (resting place of Ed Koch and John James Audubon), and to hidden Audubon Terrace. Along the way, we will pay homage to Paul Robeson, jazz greats like Lena Horne, the indomitable Eliza Jumel and to NY baseball. Be prepared for many stairs and up to 4 hours of hilly walking (4.5 miles), plus elevated subway train transfers. Metro North Hudson Line riders can ride down to Manhattan with the guide. Bring snacks, drinks and a sun hat/light-colored umbrella. Rain cancels. Inquiries: text or phone Lesley Walter, 914-671-7112.

Get out of the house and come join in the fun as Allegany State Park continues its series of hikes called "3rd Saturday Treks." As the name implies, these free, family-friendly hikes take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month all year long. These treks will be led by park staff, members of the Friends of Allegany State Park, or Historical Society members and each will focus on a different area of the park.

The August Third Saturday Trek will take place on August 18, 2018. Participants will explore the Osgood trail and learn about the flora and fauna of the summer months. This is also a great trail to add to your Allegany 18 line up if you haven't gotten the chance to hike it yet! Keep in mind this trail has a steep incline for 1.25 miles so hikers are asked to come dressed for the weather with appropriate footwear (hiking boots recommended). Hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Osgood trailhead, next to the McIntosh trail.Registration is not required.

 For more information, visit the Allegany State Park Facebook page or contact the Environmental Education/Recreation Department at 716-354-9101 ext. 236 or AlleganySP@parks.ny.gov.  

Join Allegany State Park staff as they discover the birds that call Lake Erie State Park home. Stick around for the afternoon Family Nature Hike. Meet at the campground playground - programs are free to the public.

10:00am Birds

1:00pm Family Nature Hike

Follow in the footsteps of the attacking American forces as the sounds of musket and cannon fire from the British camp echo around you. Walk with a guide and learn the details of the battle. Not suitable for younger children. Bring bug spray and flashlight. By advance reservation only, please call 845-786-2521. Fee: $5.00 adults / $4.00 children (must be 10 years and over) and seniors.

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for this challenging five-mile loop hike along the Millbrook Mountain Footpath and Carriage Road. Our destination is Millbrook Mountain, a white cliff offering expansive views of the Catskills, the Wallkill Valley including New Paltz and the iconic Skytop stone fire tower, located further north along the Ridge. This hike features various terrain including steep hills, possibly slippery rock surfaces and a stream crossing. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves, where ice persists into summer in deep, crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline: August 13th.

Join a naturalist to learn the seven different Leave No Trace principles during a hike. Ages 5 and up. Call (518) 584-2000 ext. 111 to register.

Explore Niagara Falls State Park with a Park Naturalist and experience the beauty of Niagara Falls during the evening hours. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

Improve your health while de-stressing by joining us for fast paced walks on our trails every Saturday morning in the summer.

Ages 12 and up

Improve your health while de-stressing by joining us for fast paced walks on our trails every Saturday morning in the summer.

Ages 12 and up

Meet at the Main Comfort Station. Join a Park Naturalist for a leisurely walk on the Park's trails. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Meet on the south side. We will walk down river to observe this unique eco-system. Please wear chest waders (no felt bottoms), a modest bathing suit or shirt & shorts. You must wear water shoes or sneakers. The water is cold, fast moving and can be to the waist. Bring a towel, walking stick and drinking water.

Meet on the south side. We will walk down river to observe this unique eco-system. Please wear chest waders (no felt bottoms), a modest bathing suit or shirt & shorts. You must wear water shoes or sneakers. The water is cold, fast moving and can be to the waist. Bring a towel, walking stick and drinking water.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the meandering moonlit trails of the preserve. The woodlands are different in the dark. Discover what creatures are around this time of night!

Easy 2-mile hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Meet near the restrooms at the parking lot at Croton Gorge Park, Rte. 129, Cortlandt, NY 10567. The leader of the hike will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam, the trailhead of the Aqueduct Trail. The Aqueduct was completed in 1842 to supply water to a thirsty New York City. (From Metro-North Hudson Line Croton-Harmon Train Station: 15-minute taxi. Parking fees: http://parks.westchestergov.com/parking-fees). Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, saraakelsey@gmail.com or 646-303-1448.

Our Park Educator will be leading this month's Full Moon Hike. While walkingaround the lake, we will point out flora and fauna as the sun is setting and themoon is rising. Call for reservations with 24-hour advanced notice, 518-793-0511. Program fees apply.

Our Park Educator will be leading this month's Full Moon Hike. While walkingaround the lake, we will point out flora and fauna as the sun is setting and themoon is rising. Call for reservations with 24-hour advanced notice, 518-793-0511. Program fees apply.

Join Laura Conner, Environmental Educator and Stefan Ramirez, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Intern for an all-day long, nearly eight-mile-long walk along three carriage roads and one footpath. After a short walk along the Lake Minnewaska Carriage Road, we'll head uphill along the Castle Point Carriage Road. This route offers cliff edge views that get better at each turn. When we reach Castle Point, we'll soak up the expansive views of Lake Awosting, Sam's Point, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. From here, we begin our hike along the Blueberry Run Footpath, which meanders through rock gardens and cool forests until joining the Upper Awosting Carriage Road for a relatively easy walk back to our starting point. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of water and enough food to sustain them all day. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center. Pre-registration is required by calling Minnewaska at 845-255-0752.

Join a park educator as we go into our woods to explore! We will walk to a close by creek. There we will look under logs and rocks searching for cool critters. But make sure you always put everything back where you found it! Please call to reserve a spot at 518-793-0511 with 24-hour advanced notice. We will meet and pay for the event at the park office.

Join a park educator as we go into our woods to explore! We will walk to a close by creek. There we will look under logs and rocks searching for cool critters. But make sure you always put everything back where you found it! Please call to reserve a spot at 518-793-0511 with 24-hour advanced notice. We will meet and pay for the event at the park office.

Nature and health are intrinsically linked and the partnership between TOP and CMH brings innovative education programs to Olana to aid you in your wellness. Join Columbia Memorial Health's & AMC Cardiologist to learn about the prevention of heart disease and what your options are now locally with more advanced Cardiac Care available. Participants will experience a 20-minute talk, followed by a short walk with the expert on Olana's carriage roads. Snacks will be served. For more information visit OLANA.org 5:30PM | Location: Wagon House Education Center | Free | All Ages | Rain or shine

A park educator will lead as we hike along this steep but short hike up to the Spring Overlook. This almost mile long trek one way is one of the favorites at the park. Once at the top you will see a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Reservations are required with 24-hour advanced notice, please call 518-793-0511. This hike is about 2 miles round trip, so not very long, but a little on the steeper side.

A park educator will lead as we hike along this steep but short hike up to the Spring Overlook. This almost mile long trek one way is one of the favorites at the park. Once at the top you will see a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Reservations are required with 24-hour advanced notice, please call 518-793-0511. This hike is about 2 miles round trip, so not very long, but a little on the steeper side.

Meet at the Main Comfort Station. Join a Park Naturalist for a leisurely walk on the Park's trails. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Explore Niagara Falls State Park with a Park Naturalist and experience the beauty of Niagara Falls during the evening hours. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

Improve your health while de-stressing by joining us for fast paced walks on our trails every Saturday morning in the summer.

Ages 12 and up

Improve your health while de-stressing by joining us for fast paced walks on our trails every Saturday morning in the summer.

Ages 12 and up

Meet at the Franklin Street main entrance in front of the new Welcome Center. The hike will go up the Gorge Trail and we will return using the Indian trail and South Rim Trail. Total hike mileage 3.0 miles. Hike length and exact route subject to change due to weather conditions.

Registration: email josh.teeter@parks.ny.gov or call (607) 387-7041 ext. 131

Meet at the Main Comfort Station. Join a Park Naturalist for a leisurely walk on the Park's trails. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Join a park naturalist for a leisurely walk along the picturesque Lake Erie shoreline. Bring a camera to capture the moment! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

Explore the Shingle Gully Ice Caves where ice persists into summer in deep crevice caves. These caves are in a backcountry area in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This rugged, protected landscape is accessible only on guided tours led by park staff and volunteer docents. This all-day, strenuous adventure ascends and descends 1,500 feet, includes off-trail bushwhacking and steep rock scrambles, and is only appropriate for experienced hikers. Pre-registration is required by calling Sam's Point at 845-647-7989. Pre-registration deadline: August 29.

Fall Migratory birds. Join Rockland Audubon Society’s Della and Alan Wells as they explore the diverse bird habitats of Stony Point. Bring binoculars! Gates open 7:45a.m., Meet in parking lot. Open to all, from new to experienced birders.

Hike #13 Route 305 to Tibbetts Hill Rd. This hike is located in Allegany County in the Town of Belfast. Park and meet at the parking lot on the south side of Route 305 between Baragon Hill Rd and Gleason Hill Rd. Easy, flat trail with a mixed surface. This section is heavily wooded and traverses through forested wetlands offering numerous opportunities to view wildlife. 4.2 miles to trail marker and back (42.302822, -78.163094)

Founding Father John Jay was a native son of New York City, but the city he knew was not the metropolis we know today. This tour takes us along many of the same streets John Jay walked as we visit locations where he lived, worked, played, and prayed. Plan to walk approximately 2 miles during this 3-hour tour. Advance registration required. $20; $15 members Friends of John Jay Homestead.

10:00am-1:00pm | Location: NYC | $20; $15 members | Ages: Best for 12+

Meet at the Joseph Caputo Community Center & take a short walk to the Weir on the Double Arch Bridge. There you will descend into the original 1842 brick water tunnel and learn its history supplying water to a thirsty New York City. There is an optional (self-led) walk along the Sing Sing Kill Greenway, located below the Double Arch Bridge, after the Weir Tour. Address: 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562, just west of Rte. 9/Highland Ave. at the junction of Croton Ave. (Rte. 133) (from Metro-North Ossining Train Station by taxi or 15-minute uphill walk). Inquiries: Peter Dispensa, solarconstant@msn.com or 914-522-5000.

Join the staff of Philipse Manor Hall on this walking tour of downtown Yonkers as we commemorate The Hudson Valley Ramble! Philipse Manor Hall and downtown Yonkers have both shaped and been shaped by the Saw Mill, or Nepperhan, River. Following the river from its mouth at the Hudson to Chicken Island, patrons will learn about the growth of Yonkers from 1682 to the present, and discuss how these changes are connected to larger trends in New York and the United States. $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Free for Friends members and for children 12 and under.

Join us for a tour of Olana’s geological landscape with Hartwick College Geology Professor, Robert Titus. This program will start from Olana’s Visitor Center. Participants will learn about the geological history of Olana and the forces that shaped the 19th-century Hudson River School artist Frederic Church’s artist-designed landscape. Experience Olana’s landscape with new eyes—the eyes of geologist who sees where science meets storytelling and time travel is possible. We will hike about 1.5 miles with rests, followed by apples and ice water. Wear smart shoes and sunscreen.

4PM | Location: Visitor Center | Member: $5, Non-Member: $10 | Ages 8+. For more information visit OLANA.org/calendar

Join us for our final Hike Through History Series! Come learn about Artpark's history and geology of the Niagara Gorge on this very scenic trail! For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

Learn about the animals of the night and who makes what sound. Try to identify trees by their shape and texture of their bark. Look to the stars and moon, find out how they can help you navigate at night. Bring a head lamp (although we will try not to use it).

Meet at the Main Comfort Station. Join a Park Naturalist for a leisurely walk on the Park's trails. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Easy 1-mile hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Meet near the restrooms at the parking lot at Croton Gorge Park, Rte. 129, Cortlandt, NY 10567. The leader of the hike will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam, the trailhead of the Aqueduct Trail. The Aqueduct was completed in 1842 to supply water to a thirsty New York City. (From Metro-North Hudson Line Croton-Harmon Train Station: 15-minute taxi. Parking fees: http://parks.westchestergov.com/parking-fees).

Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, saraakelsey@gmail.com or 646-303-1448.

Meet at the Main Comfort Station. Join a Park Naturalist for a leisurely walk on the Park's trails. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

The early bird gets the view! Join your fellow early risers to celebrate the first Sunday of Spring and Fall with a Sunrise Stroll on the Walkway. Enjoy the sunrise and Walkway’s spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. The east and west gates to the Walkway will open at 6:30 AM. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

6:30AM – 7:30AM | Location: Walkway Over the Hudson | FREE | All Ages

Take an after-lunch stroll on the Aqueduct Trail. Meet at Irvington's Town Hall at 85 Main Street, less than ½ mile east up Main Street from the Irvington Metro-North train station (free parking). Visit the Tiffany Reading Room, one of a handful of Tiffany interiors. Meander north on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (which intersects with Main Street) to Lyndhurst and back, admiring architectural landmarks, including the skeletal remains of a Lord & Burnham conservatory, and Hudson River views. Learn the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the millionaires who lived along the trail in the 1800's. On the return trip, you might stop to tour Jay Gould's Lyndhurst or Washington Irving's Sunnyside mansion (paid guided tours are available at both). When you return to Main Street, if you would like to see more, you may choose to continue your walk south (and back) on the Aqueduct to view more historic mansions. (From Metro-North Hudson Line Irvington Train Station, a 5-10-minute uphill walk). Free and no reservation required. Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, saraakelsey@gmail.com or 646-303-1448.

Come discover what all the hoopla's about as we set out on a moonlit hike to witness the rise of the harvest moon, the closest full moon to the autumnal equinox. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

Meet at the parking lot by Watkins Glen High school (see CVT map). We will hike the trail a little south of Montour Falls for a total hike mileage of approximately 5 miles. Hike length and exact route subject to change due to weather conditions.

Registration: Email josh.teeter@parks.ny.gov or call (607) 387-7041 ext. 131 and let us know how many people in your group to expect.

For a map of the trail and the location of the meeting parking lot visit: http://nysparks.com/parks/attachments/CatharineValleyTrailParkMap.pdf

Hike #14 Bull St. to West Cuba Rd. This hike is located in Allegany County in the Village of Cuba. Park and meet on the west side of Bull St near the gazebo adjacent to the funeral home. Easy, flat trail with a milled surface. Relaxing trail parallels Griffin and Olean Creeks offering views of abundant wildlife. 2.7 miles round trip (42.216592, -78.283329)

Visitor Center- Come explore the trails at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site w/ site educator David for this free Autumn Tour. The tour covers about a mile of the historic Erie Canal towpath and will include interpretive stops along the way. Autumn is a terrific time of year to walk the trails at Schoharie Crossing, and this is a great chance to get a free tour.

Tour time is approximately 90 minutes with interpretive stops. Please wear appropriate footwear for walking on grass trails. In case of *Rain* tour will be post-poned.

Meet at the Upper Entrance parking lot by the Old Mill. This hike will begin on the Rim trail to see Lucifer Falls from the overlook and will also include portions of the Finger Lakes Trail. Total hike mileage approximately 4.5 miles. Hike length and exact route subject to change due to trail and weather conditions.

Registration: email josh.teeter@parks.ny.gov or call (607) 387-7041 ext. 131

Meet at the Jacksonville Rd parking lot. The hike will go out on the Black Diamond Trail 2 1/2 miles and then we will turn around and return to the parking lot. Total hike mileage 5 miles. Hike length and exact route subject to change due to trail or weather conditions.

Registration: email josh.teeter@parks.ny.gov or call (607) 387-7041 ext. 131