Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area
253 Route 344
Copake Falls, NY 12517
- General Information: (518) 329-3993
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. The campground offers both ground sites and platform sites for tent camping in addition to approximately 30 sites that can accommodate up to a 26 foot camping trailer. Trailer sites do not offer hook up facilities, however, centrally located restroom and shower facilities are located in all campsite areas. The park offers 3 cabin areas that 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. In addition to the history offered by the Iron Works Museum, visitors can take a ride on the Pomeroy Railroad that offers an immersive interpretive experience that replicates the narrow-gauge railroad that transported iron ore from the nearby mine (now known as the Ore Pit Swimming Pond) to the blast furnace at the Copake Iron Works during the 19th Century. 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.
Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park:
- Bash Bish Falls - the most dramatic and highest single drop waterfall in Massachusetts. Bash Bish Falls is operated as a Massachusetts (DCR) State Park with separate regulations.
- Copake Iron Works Museum - established in 1845, iron remained active until 1903. The charcoal blast furnace, blowing engine house, machine shop, office and powder storage building still remain and are open to the public during the spring, summer and fall seasons
- Harlem Valley Rail Trail - once a rail line extension of New York City, it is now a picturesque trail with interpretive signs
- Taconic State Park, Rudd Pond Area - another area of Taconic State Park to the south with a large pond.
- Appalachian Trail - a portion of the AT can be accessed near Taconic State 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).
Taconic State Park, Copake Falls
P.O. Box 100Copake Falls, NY 12517
Hours of Operation
- Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset, weather and conditions permitting.
- 2024 Swimming Season: The Taconic State Park Copake Falls Swimming Season ends as of August 12, 2024 due to a shortage in Lifeguard staffing. The last day of swimming at the Ore Pit Pond will be Sunday, August 11. Swimming is available daily at Rudd Pond and Lake Taghkanic through Labor Day weekend, September 2, 2024.
- Picnicking: Year-round. Picnic Pavilion available year-round.
- 2024 Camping Season: 5/10 - 11/17
Ironworkers & Bash Bish Cabins: 5/17-10/20
Greenwich cottages: 5/17-11/17
*Please note within the camping season time frame, some loops/sites may open later or close earlier. For more details, please call the park or visit http://www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com. - Hunting: Park Permit Required. DEC rules and regs apply. All Deer seasons; Spring and Fall Turkey seasons, bow until noon only.
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.
- Camping
- Campsites: $15-22/night
*Additional $5/night for non-NYS residents
Cabin:
$546-$624/week
Daily rate is 1/4 the weekly charge
Cottages:
$700 weekly/ $175 daily
-Non-NYS residents $28/week, $7/daily - Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cars: $8
Bus: $35
(Swimming season only.)
Fee Collected:
5/25 - 6/28, weekends/holidays
6/28 - 9/2, daily(subject to change depending on staffing)
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.
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.
The Pomeroy Family Railroad at Copake Iron Works Historic Site
The Pomeroy Family Railroad at the Copake Iron Works Historic Site in Taconic State Park is open Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 4pm, from Memorial Day weekend to mid-October. There is no charge to ride the railroad and no reservation is required. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. The railroad is fully accessible for differently-abled passengers.
Built entirely by volunteer labor and private funds, the Pomeroy Family Railroad runs on a 950-foot loop. The engine pulls two retrofitted ore carts to carry passengers. The rail line replicates the narrow-gauge railroad that transported iron ore from the nearby mine (now known as the Ore Pit Swimming Area in Taconic State Park) to the blast furnace at the Copake Iron Works during the 19th century. A narrative describing significant points on the rail line helps riders understand the area's rich industrial heritage.
Francis and Ella R.K. Masters were prominent New Yorkers who had a farm in the area and an interest in preserving the region's natural treasures. In 1924, they donated a large tract of land to New York State as the first parcel of what was to become Taconic State Park. That same year the newly created New York State Council of Parks signed agreements to purchase over 2,600 acres of land. In 1925, the Taconic Regional Commission was created and Francis became Columbia County's first Parks Commissioner. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the commission's first chairman. Two years later, when Taconic State Park opened to the public, it became the region's first State Park.
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 11/15.
Deer and Bear late bow: 12/9 to 12/17 & 12/26 to 1/1
Deer and Bear Crossbow: 11/6 to 11/15
Deer and Bear regular season (rifle/shotgun): 11/16 to 12/28
Deer and Bear muzzle loading season: 12/9 to 12/17
Note: Columbia County allows rifles - Dutchess County is shotgun only (Rudd Pond - DEC Zone 4Z).
Small Game:
No Rabbit Hunting
Turkey, archery and shotgun: Fall season: 10/19 to 11/1 Spring season: 5/1 to 5/31.
Squirrel (Shotgun only): 11/1 to 2/28
Fox (Shotgun only): 10/1 to 2/28
Ruffed grouse (Shotgun only): 10/1 to 2/28
No Rabbit or Hare. No waterfowl. No migratory birds. No reptiles. No amphibians. No youth hunts. No handguns. No target practice.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Biking
- Camper Assistance Program
- Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
- Fishing
- Grills
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
- Playgrounds
- Showers
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
- Swimming Beach
- Visitor Center * Copake Iron Works Museum and Heritage Trail
- Waterfalls