Things to Do: 5 ways to keep cool this summer with New York State Parks
Summer has hit and as happens every year, it has some of us wishing for the cooler months. Rather than hiding in the A/C and waiting it out, round up some friends and family and keep cool this summer with some swimming in New York State Parks.
Each year I pick up an Empire State Pass which gives me (and anyone in the same car) unlimited paid access to state parks for a calendar year (January-December) This comes in especially handy in the summer and fall months.
Below I will be detailing some of my personal favorites in the State of New York but if you are from elsewhere the folks over at Tripsavvy have made a great list about State Park Annual Passes that can save you a chunk of money if you visit the parks often.
Awosting Lake/ Minnewaska Lake at Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Entry Fees: $10 per car or present your Empire State Parks Pass
Located just outside New Paltz, NY you will find Minnewaska State Park Preserve. This has become one of my favorite towns and State Parks in the state of New York. Located just 2 hours from NYC it is very easily accessible for a day trip though you won’t regret staying longer.
The preserve offers great hiking for all levels and 2 life-guarded lake beaches. The most accessible is Lake Minnewaska which requires parking and taking a very short walk. You’ll head just past the grassy picnic area and down a short hill to a beach area that is very popular for families with young children.
The 2nd option would be Lake Awosting. This requires either a hike or bike ride up a well maintained carriage road with gradual elevation gain. While there are multiple options on trails the most popular (and easiest) route is up Upper Awosting Trail which is a 7 mile round trip.
As you can imagine the crowd at this lake is a bit more mature. While there are kids, they are typically a bit older and mellow. The trek is most certainly worth it. You will be greeted with amazing views from cliffs looking out on the Hudson river valley, opportunities to explore other foot paths that lead to waterfalls and if you time it right, there are blueberries that line the carriage road. *Pro tip- don’t feed the ducks if you don’t want all day visitors
After a day at the preserve head towards town to enjoy apple orchards, farm stands, great restaurants or maybe swing by one of the breweries, wineries or distilleries in the area.
FDR Pool
Entry Fees: $8 per car or present your Empire State Parks Pass, *additional $3 per person to enter pool.
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, located in Yorktown Heights, NY is right off the Taconic Parkway and less that 1 hour from NYC. The park offers many activities such as hiking, fishing, picnic areas, boating, disc golf, basketball and…a Pool twice the size of an Olympic pool! Due to it’s close proximity to the city weekends can be quite the sight to see, but this pool is well staffed and maintained.
Jones Beach
Entry Fees: $8 per car or present your Empire State Parks Pass
Jones Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the state. Boasting more than 2,400-acres of maritime environment and 6.5 miles of beach this state park welcomes over 6 million visitors a year. The
park offers picnic areas, showers, wifi and various opportunities for recreation. A visit to Jones beach has become a summertime tradition for many in the Tri-State area and is most definitely a must do. If you play your cards right you can wrap you visit up with a concert at the famous Jones Beach Theater which welcomes world class acts every year.
Taconic State Park – Ore Pit Pond
Entry Fees: $7 per car or present your Empire State Parks Pass, camping- varies fees can be found here
Located in 2.5 hours from Midtown Manhattan, Taconic State Park offers an array of activities
including hiking, biking, fishing and hunting. During the summer months swimming is offered at Ore Pit pond. Here you will find a life-guarded swimming area with dock and designated kiddie swim area. Thanks to the in park camping ground this makes for a great weekend getaway.
Robert Treman State Park
Entry Fees: $8 per car or present your Empire State Parks Pass, camping varies fees found here
This is by far one of my absolute favorite NY trips I have ever done. Robert Treman State Park is located just outside of Ithica, NY, home of Cornell University and Ithica College. Ithica offers a busy, upbeat vibe flowing with great food, an impressive arts community and loads of activities. While the 4.5 hour drive may seem a bit excessive it is absolutely worth the effort.
Car Camping and cabins are offered within the park. Both are a short walking distance from the swimming area located at the base of a stream fed waterfall. This is the perfect area to relax after a day of enjoying the nearby waterfall filled gorges. Buttermilk Falls, Watkins Glann and Taughannock Falls state parks are all within a very short driving distance. All offer incredible views, short hikes and loads of water features.
*To see more about our trip up here, check out the ” Camp Babes” highlight on our Instagram page from your cell phone.
These are just a few of the options within the NY state park system for swimming. To find more visit the NY State Parks website
Was your favorite swimming hole not mentioned? Tell us about it in the comments below!