Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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: June 20th.

Join us as we discover what's growing, emerging or changing in our springtime woods.

Some may car pool to nearby trails.

Join us as we discover what's growing, emerging or changing in our springtime woods.

Some may car pool to nearby trails.

Learn all about phenology, the study of how plants and animals change throughout the seasons, and collect real data that can be used by scientists to monitor climate change. We are offering this hike once a month to monitor seasonal changes in plants along the Beacon Hill loop hike. This two mile hike offers beautiful views of the Rondout and Wallkill valleys as well as the Catskill Mountains and should feature beautiful blooming mountain laurel. Our route follows along carriage roads as well as a footpath, which does include some hills and tricky footing. This program is recommended for adults and children over the age of eight, accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

Let's take a walk to the beach and see what the tide left behind. From snails, to skates, to hermit crabs, every baywalk is different! On our walk we will learn about plants and animals that call this island their home.

Nature hides things in plain sight every day. Take a short walk, guided by a member of the Environmental Education Team, as you discover nature's hidden "gems." Can you find the items on the list to complete the scavenger hunt?

Let's take a walk to the beach and see what the tide left behind. From snails, to skates, to hermit crabs, every baywalk is different! On our walk we will learn about plants and animals that call this island their home.

Join Emily Shertzer, Student Conservation Association/AmeriCorps Intern and Laura Conner, Environmental Educator, for an adventurous seven-mile loop hike to Gertrude's Nose, which offers one of the most expansive views in Minnewaska. From our start at Lake Minnewaska, this route will follow Millbrook Mountain Footpath to Gertrude's Nose Footpath, a cliff-edge path abounding with views of the Wallkill Valley, Taconic Mountains and beyond. This challenging hike includes steep rock scrambles, numerous hills and tricky footing in places. We will return on Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road. Participants must bring water, snacks and lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Meet at the Minnewaska Nature Center.

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary line that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, prickers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Meet at Perry Entrance

Letchworth State Park has over fifty miles of boundary line that traverses many scenic hills and dales. Ten miles in five sessions will be explored. Long pants, sturdy footwear (for mud, prickers, poison ivy and stream crossings) and packed lunch or snacks are all recommended.

Meet at Perry Entrance

Summer is here, and a mid-June evening is the perfect time for a stroll by the Great Lake. Bring your cameras for some breathtaking shots of the sun setting over the water. Meet at the bath house.

Summer is finally here! Bring the kids or grandkids out to Lake Erie State Park for a nature program and exploration of the natural wonders that take place there. Tom Leblanc, Environmental Educator from Allegany State Park, will be leading the hike as you navigate the trail, watching for birds and spotting wildflowers along the way! Meet at the bath house.

Meet at the parking lot on by main pavilion. The hike will follow the Gorge and will return using the North Rim Trail. Total hike mileage 3.5 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

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: June 26th.

Descend the cliff and learn about the geologic and cultural history of the Helderbergs on this scenic and historic trail. See underground streams, look for fossils and step inside the crevice cave along the trail. Trail is moderately rugged with stairclimbing and a couple of steep slopes. Wear sturdy shoes and meet at the Indian Ladder Trailhead behind the Visitor Center. Walk lasts about 1.5 hours. Call 872-0800 to register.

Take a walk with your adventurous doggie pal along the Shaver Pond trail with local hikers Stevie and her dog Bulla. Outing is free with gate fee of $8/car.

Descend the cliff and learn about the geologic and cultural history of the Helderbergs on this scenic and historic trail. See underground streams, look for fossils and step inside the crevice cave along the trail. Trail is moderately rugged with stairclimbing and a couple of steep slopes. Wear sturdy shoes and meet at the Indian Ladder Trailhead behind the Visitor Center. Walk lasts about 1.5 hours. Call 872-0800 to register.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

Have fun navigating with a compass while exploring Westcott Beach and learning about nature! If interested, meet us at the pavilion.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Have fun navigating with a compass while exploring Southwick Beach and learning about nature! Ask at the toll booth for directions on where to meet.

Join us for a hike on the Devil's Hole Trail as we discuss the geologic and local history of the gorge. We will pass by the Devil's Hole Rapids and Giant Rock, famous for its prominence in photos of the Great Gorge Route trolley line. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

As the name implies, these free, family-friendly hikes will take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from April through October. These treks will be led by park staff and each will focus on a different area of the park. Each hike will last approximately two hours. Registration is not required.

Meet at Summit Warming Hut

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Have fun navigating with a compass while exploring Westcott Beach and learning about nature! If interested, meet us at the pavilion.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Join us for a night time walk along the scenic Lake Erie Trail at Evangola State Park. We will search for nocturnal creatures, listen to the twilight sounds, and enjoy the stars above. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

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.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a citizen scientist? Join us for a short hike and discussion about how to get involved in exciting projects like eBird and Habitat Network. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

Meet at the main entrance parking lot on Franklin Street. 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

Join us for a hike on both the Artpark Gorge Trail and River's Edge Trail as we discuss the Niagara Escarpment, gorge rock layers and fossils, and of course where the falls began over 12,000 years ago!For information and registration call (716) 282-5154

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Take in one of Evangola State Park's amazing sunsets while hiking along the scenic Lake Erie shoreline (weather permitting). Then enjoy an evening of Nature and Art activities for the whole family in the historic Nature Center. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

As the name implies, these free, family-friendly hikes will take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from April through October. These treks will be led by park staff and each will focus on a different area of the park. Each hike will last approximately two hours. Registration is not required.

Meet at Program Site 6, new Wetland Boardwalk parking lot just off the Maintenance Road

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

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.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

Join us at Southwick Beach on August 26th for a guided hike where we'll focus on the small but beautiful aspects of the trail. We'll touch on everything from lichens and mosses to insects and mushrooms, so you can learn about the tremendously important tiny organisms that make the forest tick. Ask at the toll booth for directions to our meeting location.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

There is nothing better than a gorge hike in the evening! Bring along a snack for a hike on the Whirlpool Rapids Trail to get a close up view of the amazing Whirlpool and rapids! For information and registration call (716)282-5154.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

Relax and unwind while walking around the oldest state park in the United States. Enjoy stories of yesteryears and today. End your walk with fireworks at 10:00 p.m. weather permitting. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

Meet at the parking lot on Banzhoff Road. The hike will follow the Red trail to the Yellow trail down to the upper reservoir. We will head back on the Yellow trail but use the Blue loop to get back to the parking lot. Total hike mileage 3.8 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

Registration: Not required but appreciated https://parks.ny.gov/parks/attachments/TwoRiversStateParkTwoRiversStateParkTrailMap.pdf

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

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

An exhilarating evening hike to search for migrating tree bats where on a September night the highest count of migrating bats in the Great Lakes was recorded! For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

As the name implies, these free, family-friendly hikes will take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from April through October. These treks will be led by park staff and each will focus on a different area of the park. Each hike will last approximately two hours. Registration is not required.

Meet at Site 41, on ASP 3, Entrance to Blacksnake Mountain Trail

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Join us for an evening hike on the Great Gorge Railway Trail to learn about the gorge geology and local history. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Bring a picnic supper as we hike to the waterfall and enjoy dinner in the serenity of a hemlock ravine above the falls. Picnic supper should fit in a backpack. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

Embark on a crepuscular journey to discover creatures of the night that call Knox Farm home. Flashlight recommended. For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

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

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays at the Summit Fire Tower. The Summit Fire Tower is a short walk on the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike area trail.

Starting May 27th, 2017; The Allegany State Park Historical Society and The Friends of Allegany State Park will host walks on the weekends for park visitors to discover the Summit Fire Tower and Stone Tower. These free events are open to the public and weather dependent.

Meet anytime from 11am to 12:30pm on Sundays at the APS Stone Tower (Program Site 17).

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 postponed.

As the name implies, these free, family-friendly hikes will take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from April through October. These treks will be led by park staff and each will focus on a different area of the park. Each hike will last approximately two hours. Registration is not required.

Location TBD

Meet at the Jacksonville Rd parking lot. The hike will go out on the future 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

Meet at the main entrance parking lot on Rte. 13. The hike will go up the Rim Trail to the Bear Trail, out to Lake Treman and back to the main parking lot. Total hike mileage 3.5 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