Hudson Valley 'Staycations': Boating Extravaganza!

In the depths of summer and with temperatures upwards of 90 degrees people are often running indoors, clinging to the cold AC.  Despite what one may think, there are ways to be outside and enjoy the summer season in a refreshing and relaxing way.  With massive rock cliffs, large gaping forests, and expansive calm waters, the Hudson Valley boasts some of the most beautiful parks and recreation areas.  While it may not seem “fun” to be hiking up cliff or through the forest, why not take a relaxing boat ride and go for a refreshing dip in the water?

Putnam County: Fahnestock State Park

Covering 14,086 acres of land across Putnam and Dutchess counties, Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, located off of Route 301 in Carmel, makes for an exciting and relaxing weekend trip.  In addition to its hiking trails and campground, the park also includes a large lakeside beach and boating rentals at low prices.  Spend just a few hours or the entire weekend; either way, it’s sure to be a blast. 

Patch’s Recommendation?  Pack some picnic lunches and a few snacks and head to Canopus Lake, “the jewel” of Fahnstock. Take out a rowboat; rentals go by hour or by day for $7 and $25 respectively.  If you’re the active type, try some fishing and, if not, just enjoy the mountains, forests, and views that surround you.  Then, if you’ve had enough of boating, go to the beach and take a nice relaxing swim in the calm water.  Read a book the or enjoy the picnic areas nearby.

Check out http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/133/details.aspx for specific fees and hours of operation.

Rockland County: Bear Mountain State Park

Just off the Palisades Parkway, on Seven Lakes Drive, is the expansive, charming, and captivating, Bear Mountain State Park.  Set into the mountains on the west side of the Hudson, this area, equipped with playing fields, picnic areas, a swimming pool, hiking, and boating, holds some of the most breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.  Go for just a day trip or a weekend getaway at one of the 3 lodges in the park.

Patch’s Recommendation? Pack up a picnic lunch, some drink and snacks, and head to Bear Mountain.  After parking, take a trip to the park’s Merry-Go-Round, which is not the average amusement park ride.  This one of a kind merry-go-round lets visitors enjoy painted scenes of the park while sitting on hand carved seats of native animals for just $1.  After that, head to the water and rent a boat for only $5 a person per hour.  Hang out in the water and enjoy the scenery and take a relaxing dip in the pool for an escape from the heat.  Pool admission is $2 per adult, $1 per child and free for children under 5.

Check out  http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/13/details.aspx for specific fees and hours of operation.

Westchester County: Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park

Only 40 miles from NYC off of Crompond Road in Yorktown, lies the gaping area of FDR State Park.  Spacious and open, this park includes picnic areas, nature trails, playing fields, a large pool and a lake.  At one time, the enormous pool can hold 3,500 bathers for $2 per adult and $1 per child.  Rich with history and beautiful scenery, this park is certainly fitting for a weekend getaway.

Patch’s Recommendation? Pack some lunch and picnic supplies and head, first, to the water at Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond located in the park.  Take out a row boat or peddle boat and enjoy the calming water.  Next, take a trip over to the pool, which is twice the size of an Olympic pool, if you can imagine that.  Go for a dip in the water or relax, read a book, and enjoy the views.

Check out http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/148/details.aspx for specific fees and hours of operation.