Fahnestock State Park (Clarence Fahnestock)
COVID-19 UPDATE: While New York State Park grounds, forests and trails are currently open, please note that parking, indoor spaces and restrooms at State Parks may be limited or closed to prevent community spread of COVID-19. If you do plan on visiting, we ask all visitors to recreate local, meaning choose parks close to home, practice social distancing and use common sense to protect yourself and others. Learn more about COVID-19 and its impact on NY State Park operations, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/covid19/
Due to tree work being performed in Fahnestock State Park the following trail closing will be in effect until further notice:
- The Perkins Memorial Trail ( Yellow blazes) will be closed from the intersection with the Charcoal Burners Trail (Red Blazes) to the intersection with the Cabot Trail (White Blazes).
- The entire length of the Cabot Trail (White Blazes) will be closed from the intersection with the Charcoal Burners Trail (Red Blazes) to the intersection with the Perkins Memorial Trail (Yellow Blazes).
1498 Route 301
Carmel, NY 10512
- General Information: (845) 225-7207
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is a delight 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. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, which provides high-quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park, which includes 20 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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. Please note that all freshwater fishing requires a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This permit can be obtained from town halls and many sporting goods stores.
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, charcoal grill, and fire ring. Additionally, there is an area for RV camping. Although there are no hookups available or dump station, restroom and shower facilities are centrally located to all RV and tent sites. The campground's nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. Reservations for group camping are not being accepted at this time.
While the park remains open, please note available parking has been reduced as a preventative measure to combat COVID-19.
Pavilion Information
Fahnestock has one pavilion. The day use price is $75 and can accommodate up to 50 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com. Please note: as of June 15, 2020 Governor Cuomo announced gatherings will be limited to 25 people in areas that have begun Phase Three of reopening. Pavilions in NYS parks will limit attendance in accordance with the governor's ruling.
Watch the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park and Hudson Highlands State Parks video, produced for Friends of Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands by Anthony Sherin and narrated by Jane Alexander.
Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park:
- Hudson River Expeditions-experience the beauty of the Hudson Highlands through kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals & guided tours
- Appalachian Trail-a portion of the AT runs through Fahnestock & Hudson Highlands State Parks
- Martin Hugh McGuire Hemlock-Northern Hardwood Area-newly dedicated area of the Bird Conservation Area, located in the campground.
- Hudson Highlands State Park-home of the consistently #1 rated trail in America, the Breakneck Ridge Trail.
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Hours of Operation
- Park is open daily, sunrise to sunset.
- Winter Park: 12/15 - 4/1, weather permitting
Weekdays: 10 am - 4:30 pm.; Weekends: 9 am - 4:30 pm.
Ski rentals, tube rentals, snow shoes, and baby sled available. Boat Rentals:
Weekend 9am - 5pm
Weekdays 9am - 3pm- Hunting - In season both deer (bow and shotgun only) and spring turkey (shotgun only) hunting are permitted in designated areas.
NYS hunting permits, as well as a Park Permit, are required.
Hunting Information - 2020 Camping Season:
April 10, 2020 - November 28, 2020
Reservations made through Reserve America: Call 1-800-456-CAMP
Reservations for group camping are not being accepted at this time. - Food Service: Concession at Winter Park.
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Vehicle Entrance Fee- Canopus Lake Complex
- $8/car
Non-profit bus: $35
Commerical bus: $75
Collected:
5/22-6/26, weekends & holidays
6/27-9/7, daily - Boat Rental
- $10/hr; $25/day
$25 cash deposit
Personal Boats:
Season permit (for those with own boat): $30
Weekly permit (for those with own boat): $10 - Camping
- $15-$19/night
Out-of-State Surcharge: $5/night
Reservation fee: $7.25
Walkup: $1.25
Cancellation: $7.25
Change: $7.25
For reservations: Call Reserve America at 1-800-456-CAMP or visit www.reserveamerica.com.
Group Camp (wilderness): Call Park office for information - Winter Park
Please visit the Fahnestock Winter Park webpage for this information.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.
Key BCA Criteria:
- Diverse species concentration site
- Species at risk site
The Fahnestock BCA is located within Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. The BCA is especially important because of its undisturbed stream valleys, lakes, and wetlands which provide food, shelter, and breeding sites for birds and other wildlife. The Fahnestock BCA is within Audubon New York's Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands Important Bird Area. It was originally designated as a BCA in 2000. This update to the BCA Management Guidance Summary was completed in order to consider recent land acquisitions which have expanded the size of Clarence Fahnestock State Park. Review of these sites indicated that the majority of these parcels met the criteria for inclusion within the existing BCA.
Fahnestock BCA represents one of the largest areas of contiguous forest in the lower Hudson Valley, and thus provides significant stopover and breeding habitat for a diverse group of forest-dependent bird species. Characteristic bird species found during migratory and breeding periods include Broad-winged Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Veery, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Species-at-risk at Fahnestock include the State Threatened Least Bittern and Special Concern Sharp-shinned, Cooper's and Red-shouldered Hawks and Eastern Whip-poor-will.
Download a copy of the BCA map.
Go birding with the Fahnestock Bird Checklist.
Big Game:
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Archery only. 10/1 - 12/17/19 - May enter woods ½ hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset. Permit required - unlimited.
-
Gun season: Shotgun only. Map available at park office. 11/16 - 12/8/19. May enter woods at ½ hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset. Permit is required - limited to first 200 hunters.
-
Muzzle loading: 12/9 - 12/17/19. May enter the woods ½ hours before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset.
Crossbow: 11/2-12/17/19
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Turkey - shotgun only (Monday-Friday only). No youth hunt. 5/1-5/22/20. May enter woods ½ hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset. Permit is required - limited to first 200 hunters.
All permits are available starting 1 month prior to opening day for their respective season.
Please come to the park office to obtain hunting permits and maps, or call (845) 225-7207 with any questions. The park office located at 1498 Rte 301 Carmel, NY 10512.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Biking
- Boat Launches
- Boat Rentals
- Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
- Equestrian Trails
- Fishing
- Food (Accessible)
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice Fishing
- Pavilions and Shelter Rentals
- Showers (Accessible)
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing