The Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a great place to take the whole family for an exciting day of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and bird-watching. The park is located 30 miles from New York City and is open year-round. Click here for more info.
The park offers a variety of trails for all ages and skill levels. There are also carriage roads that wind through wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and fields with views of rivers and lakes.
45 Miles of Scenic Carriage Roads
A portion of the former Rockefeller family estate in Pocantico Hills is now a 1,400-acre state park, with over 45 miles of carriage roads. The name of the game here is outdoor aficionados who want to get their fill of the great outdoors in this Westchester County gem.
Using the latest technology to design and construct these roadways, the preserve’s planners and architects were able to create a system that allows visitors to traverse the park on horseback or on foot. The best part about this system is that it is free to use! The result is a truly unique and impressive piece of New York State history. You will not be disappointed. There are a variety of hiking trails, ponds, and rivers to explore. A short stroll will take you past the state’s first triple arch bridge. For those looking for something more interactive, the preserve offers an impressive array of nature programs and educational exhibits to keep you occupied.
Swan Lake
The 67-acre State Park nestled on scenic Swan Lake is a popular destination for swimmers and fishermen. The swimming area is lifeguard-supervised, picnic sites with grills are available and visitors can make use of the numerous hiking trails.
For those interested in a round of golf, tee off at the 18-hole, 7,035-yard championship course at Swan Lake Golf Club. Located in the heart of Suffolk County’s beautiful Pine Barrens, this course has long been regarded as one of the best maintained in Long Island and features fantastic oversized greens & strategically placed fairway bunkers.
Licensed anglers are also encouraged to visit the 22-acre Swan Lake for bass and brown trout fishing. Birders, horseback riders, and carriage drivers will also appreciate the many miles of scenic carriage roads in this preserve. A great place to also visit is FDR State Park.
Rockwood Hall
One of the most popular sections of Rockefeller State Park Preserve is the Rockwood Hall property, located on the Hudson River. The former estate home of William Rockefeller was donated to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in 1983 for use as a public park.
Walking the trails here is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. The trails are wide and easy to navigate, so even if you’re not a seasoned hiker you can still enjoy them.
You’ll also find plenty of scenic views along the trail, with plenty of vantage points to see the Hudson. The area is also perfect for bird watching and viewing the flora and fauna.
Guests can also check out the Art Gallery, which features rotating exhibits from local artists. And don’t miss the Tree Peony Garden, where you can admire a display of beautiful blooms.
Buttermilk Hill
If you’re in the Nyack area and want to take some time for yourself, Buttermilk Hill State Park is a great place to head. It’s located less than a mile south of the Palisades Mall and offers a great hiking trail with a beautiful waterfall and two nice vistas.
This 75-acre park was opened to the public in 1975 and is a great place to enjoy a scenic hike. There’s a one-mile trail that takes you past the waterfall and a couple of fantastic vistas.
The falls are situated on Hires Run, a tributary of the Conemaugh River. There are several viewing platforms and a swimming area above the falls.
The trails also offer a few concrete ruins that may have once been part of a bridge or structure. This is an added attraction that helps set the falls apart from the rest of the area. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy the scenery and get a bit lost in your thoughts. Next blog post.
Driving directions from Cappco PressureWashing to Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Driving directions from Rockefeller State Park Preserve to Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park at Tarrytown
