Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

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.

Rudd Pond has 15 tent sites and 26 tent platform sites, each providing campers with grand views of the ridge, pond, and nearby countryside. Each campsite has a picnic table and a camp fire ring and grill. Public restrooms and a hot water shower house are conveniently located in the campground. Campers or day visitors to the Rudd Pond area can participate in a wide variety of activities including unguarded swimming (designated swimming area), picnicking, hiking, and biking. Families and individuals alike will enjoy boating on the scenic 64 acre pond. Rowboats and canoes are available for rental from the park. Visitors who possess regional boating permits (available for purchase at the Park Office) are also welcome to launch their own rowboats, canoes, or kayaks. Gas motorized boating is not permitted, however a small electric trolling motor can be used. A variety of fish, including bass, sunfish and pickerel, inhabit the pond and fishing is permitted with a New York State Freshwater Fishing License. Licenses are available for purchase from nearby locations in town. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate and fish on the pond, conditions permitting.

In season deer and bear hunting (rifle/shotgun/bow), turkey hunting (bow/shotgun), rabbit/hare hunting, 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.

*Note: Guarded swimming will be available in the northern part of the park in the Copake Falls area.

Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park:

• 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, Copake Falls area - another area of Taconic State Park to the north with cabins, hiking and more.
• Village of Millerton - Just a six minute drive from Rudd Pond, experience what BudgetTravel.com calls "One of America's 10 Coolest Small Towns." Millertown features a small cinema, the Harney & Sons Tea Shop, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, numerous antique stores, as well as access to the Dutchess County portion of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

• 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).