Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve: TRAIL CLOSURE
Due to road construction, the Brook Trail (Red Trail) is CLOSED between the Cornish Connector trail and Route 9D. Access to the trailhead, Route 9D, and the tunnel is prohibited. The trail will remain closed until further notice.
For further information, please visit : https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/HudsonHighlandsClosureSignage.png
3011 Route 9D
Cold Spring, NY 10516
- General Information: (845) 265-3175
- Secondary Phone: (845) 225-7207
A mostly undeveloped preserve of over 8,000 acres with over 70 miles of trail, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve consists of a series of separate parcels of land stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill, north to Dennings Point in Beacon. The Park Preserve protects a mosaic of special habitats from the estuarine shore of the Hudson River, through young deciduous forest, to the rocky ridges and summits towering above the surrounding area, providing a haven for many plants and animals just 50 miles north of New York City. The Hudson Highlands and Hudson River provide spectacular backdrops for the many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here, such as hiking, boating, fishing, and birding. The park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging.
Reminder for Hikers:
We strongly recommend following proper hiking safety guidelines and having knowledge of the conditions you will be facing before your planned hike. For best practice,
● Please stay on marked trails. Do your part to protect the surrounding ecosystem.
● Wear proper hiking gear (such as hiking boots or sturdy shoes).
● Bring water with you, carry a trail map and make sure to leave enough time to complete your hike. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
● Please note that overnight camping and use of fire are prohibited throughout the park.
In case of an emergency, NYS Park Police can be reached at (845) 889-8866.
Keep in mind there are multiple points of entry to the park, and a network of trails leading to popular destinations. Make a plan before heading out. Park maps can be obtained at most trailheads and at the Hudson Highlands Park Office, as well as digitally (check the Maps tab) and through the Avenza PDF Maps app. Information found on AllTrails, Trail Link, and other popular hiking websites and blogs have proven to be inaccurate and misleading. Please use official park trail maps only when planning your trip. Be informed and be safe.
Parking: Parking is available at most trailheads and/or alongside roads within the park, but is limited. Weekends are very busy and trails can be crowded. Additional parking for Mount Beacon is available along the surrounding streets in Beacon. Additional parking for the Little Stony Point Area is available at the Cold Spring train station. Cars parked illegally will be ticketed and/or towed.
For additional information on hiking tips and safety, visit the website for the NY-NJ Trail Conference: http://www.nynjtc.org
For visitors who wish to view the scenic park from the water, kayaks and canoes are available for rental at Hudson River Expeditions.
One area of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Bannerman Island, can only be accessed by water and explored via guided tour through the Bannerman Castle Trust. Private kayaks and canoes may not land on the island. Known originally as Pollepel Island, this island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This majestic Hudson River landmark is home to Bannerman Castle, built by American entrepreneur Frank Bannerman VI between 1901 and 1918. For more information on visiting this unique site, please call (845) 831-6346.
Consider these park-approved hiking suggestions for your next outing!
Hiking Suggestions
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in 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).
1498 Route 301 (Fahnestock State Park) Carmel, NY 10512
Hours of Operation
- Park is open daily, sunrise to sunset.
- Hunting: Deer hunting (bow and shotgun) and spring turkey hunting (bow and shotgun) is permitted in season.
A New York State Hunting License as well as a Park Permit is required.
Please call the Park Office for more details.
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Key BCA Criteria:
- Migratory concentration site
- Diverse species concentration site
- Species at risk site
The Hudson Highlands BCA is located within Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve which consists of a series of separate parcels along a 16 mile stretch of the east shore of the Hudson River extending from southern Dutchess County to northern Westchester County. The park extends eastward from the river up to 4 miles. In 2007, approximately 270 acres within Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve were designated as the Constitution Marsh BCA. The park is largely undeveloped, and offers numerous recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and kayaking along the Hudson River. The Hudson Highlands BCA is within Audubon New York's Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands Important Bird Area.
During spring and fall migration, songbirds can be found in abundance along the forested banks of the Hudson River. Of 75 Neo-tropical migratory songbird species that breed in New York, 55 have been observed within the BCA. Cerulean Warblers (Special Concern) and Peregrine Falcons (Endangered) breed within the park, and substantial numbers of Bald Eagles (Threatened) congregate along the Hudson during the winter.
Download a copy of the BCA map.
Big Game:
-
Archery only. - May enter woods ½ hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset. Park hunting permit required - unlimited.
- Gun season: Shotgun only. Map available at park office. May enter woods at ½ hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset. Park hunting permit is required - limited to first 200 hunters.
- Crossbow
- Muzzleloadong: May enter the woods ½ hours before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset.
Small Game:
-
Spring Turkey - shotgun or bow, (no weekends or holidays). No youth hunt. May enter woods ½ hour before sunrise until noon. Park hunting permit is required - limited to first 200 hunters.
All Park hunting permits are available starting 1 month prior to opening day for their respective season.
Maps:
Hudson Highlands Hunting Map North
Hudson Highlands Hunting Map South
