COVID-19 UPDATE:; 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/
Taconic State 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. There are 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms, 36 trailer sites and three cabin areas for a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in length, but do not offer hook up facilities. Centrally located restroom and shower facilities are located in all campsite areas. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. The smallest cabins accommodate up to 4 people and the largest 6 people. All cabins have electricity, lights, hot and cold running water, a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a dining area, a picnic table, and outdoor camp fire ring with grill. 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 plenty of activities for campers, as well as day visitors to enjoy in the oldest State Park in the Taconic Region. Bike or stroll along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, hike to Bash Bish Falls, just over the Massachusetts border or up Brace Mountain, the highest point in Dutchess County. Stop at the newly created Copake Iron Works Museum to learn about the iron industry at the former site of Copake Iron Works, established in 1845. Copake Falls offers swimming opportunities at a designated swimming area with a dock in Ore Pit Pond and at the adjacent kiddie pool. The small but deep Ore Pit Pond is a popular destination due to its excellent water quality. Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty-- floatation devices are not allowed. Fresh water fishing enthusiasts will delight in hooking brown trout and other fish in the Bash Bish Brook or rainbow trout in the old iron ore mine pit.
The fun doesn't end in wintertime. There are great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as 5 miles of snowmobile trails.
In season deer and bear hunting (rifle/shotgun/bow), turkey hunting (bow/shotgun), squirrel, fox and ruffed grouse hunting are permitted. Small game season begin November 1st. A New York State hunting license is required. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. Please adhere to the appropriate regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The use of handguns are not permitted in any state parks. No youth hunts.
Pavilion Information
Copake Falls has one pavilion. The day use price is $50 and can accommodate up to 60 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 state parks will limit attendance in accordance with the governor's ruling.
Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park:
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
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).
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.
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.
Copake Iron Works Museum's Summer Tours
Visit the expanded Copake Iron Works Museum (33 Valley View Road, Copake Falls, NY) in Taconic State Park, with tours on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Saturdays and Sundays, May 28 through September 4, 2-4 PM, and on Monday, September 5, from 2-4 PM. On display are a series of iron artifacts, ranging from plow parts to chisels and unknown objects. Each one has been catalogued by the Friends of Taconic State Park's Historic Preservation Committee. In its heyday, a total of 5,000 tons of iron ore were wheeled into Copake Falls each year from surrounding towns such as Pawling and Amenia. Admission is free. For more information visit http://www.friendsoftsp.org.
Taconic State Park Hunting Map
Obtain Permit (No Cost) from the Park Office to be displayed in vehicle dashboard while hunting. Office hours vary - call ahead.
Big Game:
Deer and Bear archery season (early bow): 10/1 to 11/20.
Deer and Bear late bow: 12/14 to 12/22.
Deer and Bear Crossbow: 11/7 to 11/20
Deer and Bear regular season (rifle/shotgun): 11/21/20 to 12/13/20
Deer and Bear muzzle loading season: 12/14/20 to 12/22/20
Note: Columbia County allows rifles - Dutchess County is shotgun only (Rudd Pond).
Small Game:
No Rabbit Hunting
Turkey, archery and shotgun: Fall season: 10/17 to 11/1 Spring season: 5/1 to 5/31.
Squirrel (Shotgun only): 11/1/19 to 2/29/20
Fox (Shotgun only): 11/1/19 to 2/14/20
Ruffed grouse (Shotgun only): 11/1/19 to 2/29/20
No waterfowl. No migratory birds. No reptiles. No amphibians. No youth hunts. No handguns. No target practice.
Meeting spot: Taconic State Park Day Use Pavilion/Playground Special instructions: Bring work gloves and water
Project 1: Sweep off Camping Platforms
Start time: 9:00am
End time: 12:00pm
Appropriate for children 12 and under
Additional tools: Brooms
Project 2: Flip/Rake Mulch in Playground Area
Start time: 9:00am
End time: 12:00pm
All ages welcome
Additional tools: Pitchforks, Gravel Rakes
Project 3: Remove leaves from kiddie pool, Rake out gravel
Start time: 9:00am
End time: 12:00pm
Appropriate for 13 and up