New Yorkers love a good escape from the concrete jungle. If you are desperately craving a peaceful, scenic retreat, one of our favorite upstate nature havens is getting a serious upgrade.
Governor Kathy Hochul just announced a 93-acre expansion to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam County.
This massive addition is all about protecting local wildlife and giving city dwellers fresh outdoor recreation opportunities.
A Scenic Climb In The Hudson Highlands
The newly acquired land sits just southeast of the park’s existing 15,000 acres.
It features dense, mature woodlands and one of the highest points in the immediate area, rising 1,021 feet above its surroundings.
When you visit, expect to find picturesque clusters of moss-covered boulders near the summit.
This expansion is not just about the incredible views.
The state used $220,000 from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund to purchase the land, which formerly housed a pet daycare facility. It protects crucial habitats for sensitive wildlife, including the northern long-eared bat.
The Perfect Excuse To “Get Offline”
This move ties perfectly into the state’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative.
For those looking to ditch our screens and recharge, the new acreage provides the perfect canvas for future hiking trails.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is already a massive hit with outdoor enthusiasts.
Stretching across Putnam and Dutchess counties, the park is packed with miles of trails, 80 scenic campsites, and beautiful spots for boating, fishing, and birding.
Whether you are planning a summer trip to Canopus Lake or just want to take a quiet breather in the Hudson Highlands, this beloved park just got a whole lot better.
