Simple tips for Great Photos
Make your park memories last with strong outdoor photography. Follow these tips from the managing editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine. LESSON ONE
Get Up Early
Early morning and late afternoon offer “magic hour” light—rich in tone and low-angled, casting soft shadows that give definition and depth to your subjects. Midday light, on the other hand, casts harsh shadows, flattening your subjects. So get up early to catch the best light. LESSON TWO
Give it Scale
When shooting a mountain, meadow, body of water, snowscape, or other outdoor composition, add a sense of scale by including something of known size—whether a person, cabin, tree, or animal. This gives perspective, helping viewers understand what they’re looking at. LESSON THREE
Tell a Story
Shoot more than just scenery. Also get action shots of your loved ones enjoying the park: hiking, biking, setting up tents, preparing a meal, spreading out a trail map on a rock. Take a variety of wide shots, closeups, and portraits. Such pictures tell the story of your outing. LESSON FOUR
Frame it
Paintings look better when framed, and photo compositions often do, too. Use an element in the foreground—a rock outcrop, doorway, window, person, trees, or branches—to lend depth to your picture. The frame can go along one, two, three, or all four sides of a picture.
More to Explore: • The Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography by Scott S. Stuckey (National Geographic Books, 2010) offers many additional photo tips from 15 professional photographers. $21.95; http://shop.nationalgeographic.com. • For a photo tour of New York state parks go to nysparks.com/photogallery MOREAU LAKE STATE PARK
NY10MP
Official State Park Map & Guide
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YOUR BEST SHOT
IN THE PARK: TODAY ACTIVITIES
Five Fun Things to do in Your Parks
2
Chat it up
Park staff are the park experts. Take the time to talk with one to get the inside scoop. Before you start your adventure, ask a staff member where their favorite spot is, how long it takes to get there, and why it’s special to them. Their favorite part of the park may become yours too. For more ideas see the Recommendations article.
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Hunt for treasure
Do your kids love to hunt for treasure, how about planning a scavenger hunt? They can learn to identify different plants and trees while hiking. Put natural items like acorns and pinecones on your list of things to find. The first one to correctly identify a species checks it off their list. Use this time to talk about keeping the park clean and healthy for the next visitors. For list ideas go to www. parkvisitor.com/treasure.
4
Get smart
Learn more about your park by stopping by the Visitor or Nature Center, checking to see if tours are offered, or taking the time to read the placards, signs, and displays located throughout the park. What new fact will you take home with you?
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Meet the Locals
Over 100 species of mammals, tens of thousands of insects, hundreds of fish, 70 species of amphibians and over 300 species of birds make New York home.
Mammals
Birds
Fish/Reptiles
Chipmunks These creatures can
Ruby Throated Hummingbirds
carry over 60 sunflower seeds in each cheek pouch; they store seeds underground.
These tiny birds flap their wings over 700 times every 10 seconds making their namesake hum.
Northern Pike This common fish can weigh up to 50 pounds and reach 59 inches long, almost five feet!
Eastern Coyote Related to
Great Blue Heron These
wolves, but smaller, their highpitched yelps can sometimes be heard as far away as three miles.
magnificent birds can stand up to four feet tall and have a six foot wingspan.
Walleye The largest member of the perch family and a voracious predator, it’s popular in New York and can be easily caught.
North American River Otter
Golden-Crowned Kinglet
Snapping Turtles These reptiles
The only type of otter found in New York. These mammals build dens with underwater entrances.
A tiny bird that survives our winters, the kinglet weighs the same as a penny.
continue to grow their entire lives, can be found throughout New York and is the state reptile.
Let technology meet nature
Use your GPS-enabled cell phone or wrist top computer to trace your steps while exploring your state park. Take pictures at landmarks, during your road trip, or at interesting areas and then mark the waypoint on your device. When you get home, add the GPS tag to your photos when you post them to Flickr.com, Google maps or other web sites to show your photos tagged along the trail you walked. Now you have a trailmap complete with photos for next time.
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WILDLIFE
Go the distance
How far do you plan on walking, running or biking today? How could today’s visit affect your life when you return home? If you walk or bike this far at home you can save money and reduce carbon emissions. Will you change your habits?
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F The Little Brown Bat is the only A mammal that can fly and they can C T eat up to 600 mosquitoes per hour!
MUST SEE & DO: PA R K S TA F F R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
GORGE VIEWS
NIAGARA FALLS STATE PARK
Devil’s Hole State Park This park features a scenic walkway leading down along the turbulent Niagara River offering an up-close view of the Whirlpool rapids.
ALLEGANY STATE PARK
Whirlpool State Park The park offers spectacular views of swirling rapids, the whirlpool and the Niagara River Escarpment as well as a network of nature trails that descend into the gorge.
Please check our website when planning your visit: nysparks.com Allegany Region The western-most part of the state is a haven for camping, breathtaking views and learning all about nature. CAMPING
LAKEFRONT FUN
Allegany State Park: Quaker & Red House Areas Our largest state park is known for its primitive forested valleys, un-glaciated landscape, fall leaves, wildlife and endless outdoor activities. Over 600 campgrounds, group camps, fully-equipped cottage rentals and over 150 winterized cabins make this a popular destination all year.
Long Point State Park: Chautauqua Lake Catch native Muskie, picnic along the shore or boat on one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America at 1,300 ft above sea level.
Lake Erie State Park The campsites and cabins offer magnificent scenery, while day users can enjoy picnic areas with shelters, playgrounds and hiking trails that are available to crosscountry skiers in winter months.
Midway State Park Also located on the shores of scenic Chautauqua Lake, Midway is a family treasure established in 1898 as a trolley park and has one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the nation. The nostalgic atmosphere includes rides on the vintage carousel, games of mini golf, tilt-a whirl and go-kart rides.
Niagara Region From the majesty of Niagara Falls to the spectacular gorge views, a trip through the Niagara Region should be on everyone’s list.
VIEWS Allegany State Park The restored Summit Fire Tower rises 66 feet and offers commanding views of Red House Lake and the surrounding valley area 1,000 ft below.
MILESTONES
OUT OF THE ORDINARY
NATURE CENTER
Niagara Falls State Park The nation’s oldest state park is celebrating its 125th anniversary! Experience the history and power of this park and find out why millions of visitors are drawn to it each year. Visit niagarafallsstatepark.com for special events to be held all year.
Golden Hill State Park Stay in the completely restored Lightkeeper’s quarters of the historic 30-Mile Lighthouse on Lake Ontario with three bedrooms, kitchen and vast water views. Or tent or trailer camp while fishing, boating, hiking and more.
Allegany State Park The Red House Building offers excellent natural history displays depicting the animals and plants found among its 65,000 acres. Check out the North American black bear, a piebald deer and albino woodchuck displays, including a working beaver pond complete with an otter and turtles.
Darwin Martin House State Historic Site Be sure to see the inventive design of the new visitor center for the Darwin Martin House in downtown Buffalo. The pavilion was created as an interpretive gallery to welcome guests to the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned Martin complex.
Lake Erie State Park This park features breathtaking views of Lake Erie from the high bluffs, a shoreline covering over three quarters of a mile and a great place to see rare migratory birds along the waters edge.
Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site Since 1679, this site has played an important role in the struggles of France, Great Britain, and the U.S. to control the Great Lakes region. Featuring the oldest buildings on the Great Lakes, visitors will see living history programs, exhibits and re-enactments.
Artpark State Park Artpark’s outdoor amphitheater rests atop the Niagara River Gorge, which provides a magnificent backdrop for concerts, festivals and other special events.
NATURE CENTERS Niagara Falls State Park Visitors of all ages will enjoy the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center’s interactive displays, virtual elevator trip into the gorge, the 180° multiscreen theater showing 12,000 years of the Niagara River, and the 26-foot rock climbing wall that resembles the walls of the gorge. Beaver Island State Park Enjoy the beautiful butterfly and wildflower gardens or experience Beaver Island’s diverse wildlife along the river. Woodlawn Beach State Park The nature center features a 24foot wall mural of the wetlands and sand dunes, and an impressive fish exhibit with life-sized models of Lake Erie fish. Outdoors, an interpretive boardwalk awaits.
Genesee Region Great boating and camping can be found in this area of New York. Here find seclusion like you never dreamed. And fun, too! BOATING
CAMPING
Silver Lake State Park The park provides a boat launch facility for boating and fishing Silver Lake, picnic facilities and a year round comfort station.
Lakeside Beach State Park Reserve one of the 270+ campsites and have a front row seat to panoramic views of Lake Ontario and surrounding farms and fruit orchards. Spend the day fishing or enjoy the hiking and biking trails and playing fields, or try your hand at the park’s disc golf course. Winter activities include hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Irondequoit Bay Marine Park Located just outside the city of Rochester, this facility is a launch site for both paddlesports and small power boats, and provides access to Lake Ontario. Oak Orchard Marine State Park Fish for trout and salmon in the waters of Oak Creek, or use the boat launch into Lake Ontario for some Great Lakes fishing. Conesus Lake State Park If you’re looking to cast for walleye, bring your boat to the launch at this western-most Finger Lake. LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
Darien Lakes State Park This camping park with more than 150 electric sites offers hilly terrain with woodlands, ravines, streams and 12-acre Harlow Lake. Its playgrounds and proximity to a popular theme park makes it convenient for families. Pack a lunch, grab the kids and cross the rustic bridge over the lake channel to Picnic Island.
Hamlin Beach State Park On the south shore of Lake Ontario, this family-friendly park features tent and trailer sites, a sandy beach, biking and nature trails and popular special events. Be sure to check out the environmental education center at the Yanty Creek Marsh area.
OUT OF THE ORDINARY Letchworth State Park Nothing prepares visitors for dramatic 17-mile gorge carved by the Genesee River through the heart of this park and its three waterfalls. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, the striking property offers tent sites, cabins—many of which are winterized—and the Glen Iris Inn, for those who prefer not to rough it. If you’re staying a couple days consider visiting the William Pryor Letchworth Museum and see the Native American Council Grounds. Then cap your trip with a hike on the 7-mile gorge trail one day and whitewater raft the next! Or splurge a bit and take a hot-air balloon ride down the length of the gorge.
Finger Lakes Region From the many waterways to the deep historical nature of this region, delight in all this region has to offer for you and your family. HISTORY Ganondagan State Historic Site Discover the vibrant history and culture of the Seneca. Highlights include a full-size replica of a longhouse, miles of trails, guided tours and many special events throughout the year. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park With sweeping views of Canandaigua Lake, this site is one of the nation’s most extensively preserved country estates from the Victorian era. Newtown Battlefield State Park A pristine granite monument marks the site of the 1779 hillside battle between The Continental Army and British regulars, Loyalist rangers and 1,000 Iroquois Indian warriors.
SCENIC GORGES & FALLS Buttermilk Falls State Park Taking its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek, the park offers hiking, swimming and camping as well as the scenic Larch Meadows glen and wetland area. Watkins Glen State Park This iconic park is guaranteed to leave visitors spellbound by its
breathtaking gorge. The glen’s stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs and 19 waterfalls. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Robert H. Treman State Park The park’s rugged Enfield Glen gorge is its scenic highlight, scattered with 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Cool off in the stream-fed pool beneath the waterfall. Taughannock Falls State Park The park’s 215-foot namesake waterfall is one of the best natural attractions of the Northeast. Trails offer epic views from above and below the breathtaking falls.
GOLF Mark Twain State Park Mark Twain’s Soaring Eagles course is the home of one of the most scenic and challenging 18-hole courses in the area. The holes are marked by glacial features such as “kettle ponds”. Bonavista State Park Golf Course This 9-hole course offers spectacular views over Seneca Lake as well as a full service clubhouse and restaurant and shaded picnic area.
WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK
Pinnacle State Park and Golf Course Golf course landscape architect Geoffery Cornish designed this challenging 9-hole golf course which offers tremendous vistas.
MARINAS Allan H. Treman State Park With access to Cayuga Lake, this park offers one of seven marinas in the region and is one of the largest inland marinas in New York with more than 400 slips, plus picnic sites and playing fields. Sampson State Park Located on 2,000 acres along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, the park features boating and camping as its most popular recreational activities. The marina has just over 100 boat slips and a large multiple ramp launch site.
Central Region In the heart of New York you will find the home to sunsets along one of the Great Lakes, lush valleys, glaciallycarved lakes and rolling hills. OUT OF THE ORDINARY
FISHING
Green Lakes State Park This flagship park’s outstanding feature is its two aqua-hued glacial lakes formed at the end of the last ice age—about 15,000 years ago. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters.
Chenango Valley State Park The park’s two kettle lakes were created when the last glacier melted to form the lakes and bog, great for fishing for trout, bass, perch and bullhead. Birdwatchers stay busy here and campers can choose between both cabins and campsites, while golfers will enjoy the 18-hole course.
State Park at the Fair One of the smallest state parks in New York, this oasis in the middle of the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse is popular for fair-goers, welcoming 250,000 visitors annually even though it’s only open 12 days each year.
Verona Beach State Park Home to a diverse aquatic habitat, visitors can try their hand at fishing and will likely find walleye, yellow perch, small- and large-mouth bass and more. 14 miles of multiuse trails on the eastern shore of Oneida Lake await hikers. GREEN LAKES STATE PARK
Please check our website when planning your visit: nysparks.com
Delta Lake State Park Situated on a peninsula extending into the Delta Reservoir, this park features a boat launch and shoreline fishing for trout, pike, bass, bullhead and perch. While there, enjoy the day in one of many picnic areas, or on one of the many hiking and nature trails.
ROBERT MOSES NATURE CENTER, SACKETS HARBOR BATTLEFIELD STATE HISTORIC SITE (RIGHT)
Thousand Islands Region This family-friendly region receives raves as a summer getaway destination with some of the best camping, boating and fishing.
HISTORY Lorenzo State Historic Site Located in Cazenovia, this property was occupied by five generations of the Lincklaen/ Ledyard family, from 1807 to 1967. Fort Ontario State Historic Site Visitors to Fort Ontario in Oswego will see the star-shaped fort restored to its 1868-1872 appearance, complete with reenactments and exhibits. Gilbert Lake State Park One of the foremost examples of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-era parks, be sure to visit the CCC Museum to learn more. The park offers a lake and three ponds for day use and camping. Glimmerglass State Park and Hyde Hall Located eight miles outside Cooperstown, the property overlooks Otsego Lake, the “Glimmerglass” of James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales. Visit Hyde Hall State Historic Site, a 50-room country estate that was one of the largest domestic structures built in the US between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
FISHING
HISTORY
Wellesley Island State Park Pack your rod and a tent —the largest camping complex in the region is here—for this rustic paradise where fishing for pike, bass, bullhead and perch is excellent. A full service marina (and boat rentals!) and four launches.
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site This center of American naval and military activity during the War of 1812 is interpreted to the public by exhibits, signs, re-enactments, and a restored Navy Yard and Commandant’s House.
Coles Creek State Park The park offers wooded and open campsites near a swimming beach on Lake St. Lawrence, an ideal location for boating and fishing. Kring Point State Park Situated on a narrow peninsula whose south shore faces Goose Bay and north shore faces the St. Lawrence River—each with docks—fishing and boating at the park are popular pastimes here. See many of the 1700 islands for which the region is named. Half of the park’s campsites are on the waterfront and virtually every cabin and has a river or bay view.
CAMPING Keewaydin State Park Directly on the St. Lawrence River, this family-friendly campground offers 48 waterfront sites and a sheltered marina for seasonal and transient boaters. Robert Moses State Park Located partly on the mainland and partly on Barnhart Island, visitors reach the park through a tunnel under the Eisenhower Lock. The property is expansive, offering a full range of recreation including wooded campsites and cabins.
NATURE CENTERS Robert Moses State Park Part of the Seaway Trail, the park includes one of the North Country’s most popular nature centers and environmental education facilities. Rooms are filled with live animals, a variety of aquaria and more than 100 mounted animals. Check out the indoor honey bee observatory, giving visitors a close up look at the amazing world of bees. Wellesley Island State Park The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center sits on a pristine 600-acre peninsula of Wellesley Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. Visit the butterfly house which features native flora and butterflies. The nature center overlooks Eel Bay, a unique habitat of the St. Lawrence River.
Saratoga/Capitol Region With trails galore, Hudson River access and amazing geology, this region includes top destinations and plentiful recreation for all. HIKING Moreau Lake State Park Located in the foothills of the Adirondacks, the park offers a variety of trails including the 5.6-mile Western Ridge Trail. Stop at the Spier Falls overlook for breathtaking views of the Hudson River, then later cool off in the lake or under the shady groves of trees. Thacher State Park Don’t miss descending the 100foot cliff as part of the Indian Ladder Trail for exceptional views of the Helderberg Escarpment. You’ll be hiking under waterfalls and over underground streams. EMMA TREADWELL THACHER NATURE CENTER
Peebles Island State Park Situated at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, the park’s Perimeter Trail offers scenic views of waterfalls and dams. Stop at the park’s Visitor Center to learn more about the island’s historic and natural resources. Grafton Lakes State Park An easy hike passes Mill Pond and and a plateau before cutting back down through hardwood forests.
NATURE CENTERS Thompson’s Lake and Thacher State Parks Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center’s exhibits include a geologic model of the Helderberg Escarpment, a live honeybee observation hive, bird viewing area, fossils, furs and more. Trails for hiking and skiing lead from the nature center to the lake, through woodlands and fields. Moreau Lake State Park The nature center at Moreau Lake features numerous wildlife mounts, pelts and skulls. Try one of the nature-based recreation programs for children and adults including hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on over 20 miles of trails.
Grafton Lakes State Park Park naturalists at the Shaver Pond Nature Center conduct outdoor education programs during the summer season. The center also houses the state’s air and acid rain monitoring site.
WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON STATE HISTORIC PARK
CAMPING Taconic State Park Camp here year-round while hiking, swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, bicycling, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Fahnestock State Park The large sandy beach at Canopus Lake, the trail system, RV, group and wilderness camping here is superb.
OUT OF THE ORDINARY Saratoga Spa State Park This National Historic Landmark property draws many visitors each year who want to sample the mineral springs at the park. Naturally carbonated, the springs can be found at a number of pavilions throughout the park, or treat yourself and take a mineral spring bath on site at the Roosevelt Bath and Spa during your stay. Crailo State Historic Site Crailo State Historic Site is the only museum in North America devoted exclusively to the 17th century Dutch settlers and fur traders of New Netherland—and their Native American trade partners. Visitors can check out the site’s new exhibit, “A Sweet and Alien Land: Colony of the Dutch in the Hudson River Valley.” Schodack Island State Park The Hudson River and Schodack Creek shorelines edge this 1,052acre park. With its designation as both a State Estuary and as a Bird Conservation Area, make sure that you bring your binoculars: here visitors can spot some great birds, including our national bird, the bald eagle, plus cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees.
Taconic Region Highland trails, Hudson River vistas, historic estates and sylvan campgrounds define some of the region’s treasures. MILESTONES
NATURE CENTERS
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Opened in October 2009, this newest state park, with entry points in Poughkeepsie (near the rail station) and Highland, provides access to the Hudson River’s breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river’s surface and is 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The Walkway Over the Hudson links 27 miles of planned or existing recreational trails in Dutchess and Ulster counties. The pedestrian deck is 25-feet wide, providing enough room for recreation of all types.
Taconic Outdoor Education Center Nestled in the Hudson Highlands within Fahnestock State Park, TOEC provides environmental education, retreats, teambuilding, maple sugaring, outdoor recreation, and public programs. Norrie Environmental Center The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve is headquartered here within Mills-Norrie State Park in Staatsburgh. The center is located directly on the Hudson River and includes conference and classroom space, interpretive exhibits, a research lab, and a weather station. A variety of nature programs are offered here to park visitors during the summer months.
Lake Taghkanic State Park Campers will delight in the secluded campsites, cabins, lakeside cottages, family beaches and playgrounds. Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park A rare camping spot on the lower Hudson River, get glimpses of the river while camping in 46 tent sites or 10 cabins available.
HISTORY Olana State Historic Site A must-see at the Persianstyle villa created by Frederic Edwin Church, one of the most renowned American artists of the Hudson River School, is the intricate stenciling on both the interior and exterior. Clermont State Historic Site Clermont was the Hudson River seat of the prominent Livingston family of New York for more than 230 years. Seven successive generations of the family left their imprint here, from the architecture to the landscape.
MINNEWASKA STATE PARK PRESERVE
Please check our website when planning your visit: nysparks.com
Palisades Region
Incredible vistas, rich military history, Hudson River waterfront and plenty of recreation opportunities are great for all ages. BEST VIEWS Bear Mountain State Park The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain has spectacular panoramic views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and on a clear day, the Manhattan skyline.
Franny Reese Preserve Named after “the mother of the modern environmental movement” Frances Stevens Reese, the views of the Hudson River are stunning.
NATURE CENTER & ZOO
Minnewaska State Park Preserve With 22,000+ acres of cliffs, summits and plateaus, Minneswaska—located on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge—offers breathtaking vistas.
Sterling Forest State Park The U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg Visitor Center overlooks Sterling Lake and features exhibits describing natural resources of the nearly 18,000-acre park.
Fort Montgomery Battlefield State Historic Site While exploring the fort’s exhibits and ruins, take time to experience the views of Bear Mountain Bridge and the Hudson River.
Bear Mountain State Park The Trailside Museums and Zoo has four museums, connected by nature trails, devoted to local geology, history, nature study and to exhibiting local wildlife.
OUT OF THE ORDINARY National Purple Heart Hall of Honor A tribute to our nation’s heroes is located at New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site and features interactive exhibits, interviews and an electronic database where visitors can search for Purple Heart recipients.
New York City Region
Known for its energy, culture, shops and tourist sites, New York City is also home to at least one state park in each borough. OUT OF THE ORDINARY
WATER SPORTS
Riverbank State Park Four New York State Parks have carousels including the recently restored Totally Kid Carousel at Riverbank State Park in Manhattan. Re-opened last season, the carousel was originally conceived and executed by artist Milo Mottola, who was commissioned by the Percent for Art Program within the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Robert Clemente State Park Located along the Harlem River in the Bronx, this 25-acre park offers swimmers an Olympic-size pool complex and visitors can also enjoy a multi-purpose recreation building, ball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds and a waterfront promenade.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve Climbers are welcome on Minnewaska’s sheer ledges rising more than 2,000 feet above sea level with rugged and rocky terrain, blanketed by dense hardwood forest encircling two lakes.
East River State Park A newly-constructed play area will greet visitors to this waterfront park in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The half-acre all-ages playground was built on a plot of land to the right of the North 8th Street entrance close to the water, and includes a large wooden train that children can climb and crawl through, set among the trees.
Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site The 87-acre property is home to the Stony Point Lighthouse, the oldest extant lighthouse on the Hudson River. A significant stop along the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Revolutionary War Trail, this site features a museum too.
Gantry Plaza State Park The park’s frontage along the East River boasts spectacular views of the midtown Manhattan skyline. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the four piers or through the manicured gardens and unique mist fountain. Along the way, stop to admire the rugged beauty of the park’s restored gantries.
Riverbank State Park Included in this 27-acre rooftop recreation mecca in the heart of Harlem is an Olympic-size pool for year-round swimming and a lap pool and wading pool outdoors for the summer season. More of a landlubber? You can also take advantage of tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field, handball/paddleball courts, a running track, football/soccer field and a covered rink for roller skating in the summer and iceskating in the winter. Hudson River Park Many types of marine activities and programs are available for visitors to enjoy at this linear park which runs down the river along the west side of Manhattan. Operated by the Hudson River Park Trust, the park spans the waterfront from West 59th Street
to Battery Place. With its 400 acres of estuarine sanctuary, be sure to check ahead for specific areas designated for different kinds of boating activities.
NATURE CENTERS Interpretive Center at Clay Pit Ponds Preserve This fully accessible facility on Staten Island showcases the history of the 260-acre preserve and its natural elements through interpretive displays. The center offers visitors guided walks and education programs showcasing its unique habitats year-round. Bring your binoculars and take your time exploring the wild trails, marshes and woods. RIVERBANK STATE PARK
G E T I N V O LV E D JONES BEACH STATE PARK
Long Island Region Noted for its beaches, golf courses, arboretums, trails and grand estates, its parks and historic sites attract nearly 20 million visitors a year. BEACHES Jones Beach State Park With a miles-long white sand beach, boardwalk and 15,000seat outdoor concert venue, Jones Beach is the classic East Coast beach experience at its best. Hither Hills State Park The Walking Dunes along the northern bay front are 100-ft dunes that “walk” across the shoreline, burying trees as they move from west to east. Wildwood State Park Swimmers can take advantage of the refreshing waters of Long Island Sound and picnickers can relax at the shaded picnic areas and nearby playgrounds.
Camp Hero State Park The tip of Long Island generates some of the best surfing waves on the eastern seaboard. Watch the surfers ride the curls from the beach. The park also boasts some of the best surf fishing in the world, fish 24 hours a day with a permit.
NATURE CENTERS Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach The center features a variety of marine habitats including the South Shore Estuary Reserve, the seashore and the sand dune region. Children can dig up whale bones in the Discovery Bone Cove, take a walk through a butterfly garden and view a shipwreck.
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve Nature Museum Housed in the former Smith home built in 1751, the preserve offers environmental education programs year-round for schools and youth organizations. Long Island Environmental Interpretive Center at Connetquot River State Park Preserve Home to the regional team of environmental educators, the staff takes requests from schools, youth organizations and special interest groups for interpretive programs and hikes at many of the state parks on Long Island.
HIKING Trail View State Park Featuring a 7.4 mile multi-use trail, this system links to the existing Long Island Greenbelt for a continuous 22+ mile hike. Caumsett State Historic Park For a leisurely stroll, enjoy acres of serenity from rolling open meadows and harbor views to woodland paths and trails. Nissequogue River State Park The nature trail here skirts bluffs overlooking the mouth of the Nissequogue River with scenic views of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut shoreline. Heckscher State Park The park’s 20 miles of trails attract not only hikers, but cyclists and cross-country skiers.
How You Can Help Your Park Here are some simple ways that you can support you state parks. By helping your park today, you will save it for future generations.
Leave No Trace
We encourage you to practice Leave No Trace when visiting your park or any outdoor trail or area. It is easy to do and allows others to enjoy the park, including animals that call here home. The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are: Plan Ahead and Prepare; Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces; Dispose of Waste Properly; Leave What You Find; Minimize Campfire Impacts; Respect Wildlife; Be Considerate of Other Visitors. To learn more, visit: www.LNT.org.
Recycling
At every opportunity you have, please recycle. This prevents cans and bottles from going into landfill space, which inevitably ends up affecting our ecosystem. Recycling also saves the park
money in reduced hauling and disposal costs. Instead, please recycle your bottles, cans, stove canisters and more throughout the park’s receptacles, and reuse items when you are able, like your refillable water bottle.
Volunteer
Each year millions of people benefit from a state park experience, many are passionate volunteers who do everything from share their knowledge to help clean up. Even helping an hour a month can provide a vital resource to the state park and help keep these beautiful parks. Do you love to fish? Volunteer to help clean the shoreline. Is camping more your thing? Then help build new sites. Information is available from the park
office.
“Petiquette”
in the Park
We want our dogs to enjoy the park as much as we do, while still preserving others’ experiences: • Keep your dog on a 6’ leash or shorter • Always clean up after your dog • Call ahead to confirm pets are allowed and if there are any restrictions • Keep your dog quiet and calm • All vaccinations must be current