10 Pup-Approved State Park Adventures
What adventure is complete without the company of your canine companion(s)? Here at PTNY, we understand the joy of being able to adventure with the whole family--including your furry friend! That's why we've compiled a list of 10 dog-approved excursions in NY state parks. The list was inspired by the NY State Park Explorer App, which you can download here.
Before we share our favorite pup-friendly trips, note that most New York state parks welcome pets on leashes up to six feet long and most state park campgrounds allow up to two pets per site in designated areas. Remember to bring your pet’s proof of vaccination, make sure to accompany your pet at all times, and do not take your pet into buildings, picnic or swimming areas, or anywhere pets are specifically prohibited. Always check the specific pet policy of the park you plan on visiting ahead of time at https://parks.ny.gov/.
The following list highlights the variety of canine-friendly excursions that NY state parks offers. For more ideas, check out the resources at the end of this article.
Capital Region/ Saratoga
Saratoga Spa State Park
This 2,739-acre, four-season park located in Saratoga Springs has many features that you and your pup will enjoy together. Promenade along the majestic Avenue of the Pines, hit the more than seven miles of hiking trails, or make some friends (canine and human!) at the designated dog park. The Saratoga Spa dog park, featuring half an acre just for small dogs and a larger section for bigger dogs, is open 6 a.m.to 9 p.m.
Saratoga Spa State Park is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark and is known for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources, including the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths and Spa, and the Peerless Pool Complex. A trip to Saratoga Spa State Park is bound to have something for the whole family. Make sure to check out the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park website for more information.
Central Region
Gilbert Lake State Park
Located in Otsego County, Gilbert Lake State Park is home to a gorgeous lake, three ponds, and 12 miles of interconnecting trails through wooded, hilly terrain in the Catskills--providing the perfect woodland outing for you and your pup. Explore the Lake of the Twin Fawns as well as Ice and Spring Ponds as you meander through the peaceful foothills of the Catskills. Planning on staying a few days? Dogs are allowed in campgrounds on leash, given they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and follow all campsite rules.
Long Island Region
Belmont Lake State Park.
Belmont Lake State Park, located in West Babylon, NY, is a 463-acre day use park bisected by Carll's River and Belmont Lake. Dogs are welcome on the 7.6 miles of multi-use trails that wind around this recreation area as well as in the park’s official dog run. The dog run is 100 square feet with separate areas for large and small dogs and plenty of pet waste stations.
If you live in or are visiting Long Island with your canine friend, do them (and yourself) a favor by bringing them to Belmont Lake State Park for an outing.
Niagara Region
Artpark
Earl W. Brydges Artpark is located along the Niagara Gorge in the town of Lewiston, NY. Although Artpark is known for presenting performing and visual arts programs, it also offers scenic nature trails that you and your pup will enjoy. It is the only state park where you can simultaneously walk along the Niagara Gorge to see fall colors while reveling in design and art installations along the way. Artpark offers eight trails of varying difficulty and, for a limited time (until December 3), you will be able to experience the site- reactive audio experience of Artpark’s Sonic Trails.
Knox Farm State Park
Knox Farm State Park is the former country estate of Buffalo's renowned Knox Family, located adjacent to the historic village of East Aurora in Western NY. This 633-acre park comprises a variety of habitats, including 400 acres of grasslands and 100 acres of woodlands, ponds and wetlands. Visitors to Knox Farm can observe wildlife, hike, cross-country ski and ride horseback along beautifully scenic nature trails.
Knox Farm has one main attraction that will particularly appeal to your canine companion--a six-acre dog park! The dog park is divided into two main areas--one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Besides plenty of room to run, play, and make friends, there are also water spigots in or near each section for filling pet bowls / buckets. This dog park is one of the biggest in the region and will make a trip to Knox Farm an great experience for you and your pup.
Palisades Region
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Gertrude’s Nose Loop in Minnewaska State Park is a pup-approved favorite trail. This 6.7-mile loop in Ulster County's Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located on a ridge of the Shawangunk Mountains, which rise more than 2,000 feet above sea level, providing spectacular views for most of the hike. This hike is rated moderately difficult and is fairly popular on a fair-weather day. To get to Gertrude’s Nose Trail, you will have to first hike the carriage roads leading around Lake Minnewaska but don’t worry, the views around the carriage roads are also stunning.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is home to numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths for recreation and enjoyment. This park is located a few hours from New York City and provides the perfect escape for you and your pup for an afternoon or longer. Peek PTNY staff companion, Friday, enjoying a sunny day on Gertrude’s nose!
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, and hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.
The park features over 50 trails spanning more than 235 miles that offer sweeping views for you and your pup to enjoy. You can choose from a wide range of elevation and difficulty, including six miles of the Appalachian Trail, which may provide a nice challenge for you and your dog. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park but is only open April through late November, weather permitting.
Taconic Region
Walkway Over the Hudson
The longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world gets an A+ rating from dog lovers. The 1.28-mile bridge provides breathtaking, unobstructed 360 degree views of the Hudson River and surrounding scenic valley from 212 feet above the water's surface. It is ADA handicap-accessible, thanks to a 21-story glass-enclosed ADA elevator on the Poughkeepsie waterfront that provides a lift with a stellar view. Join the Friends of the Walkway for an event or program and bring Fido along. Or take a day-trip to Poughkeepsie just to experience this one-of-a-kind landmark with your furry and human friends--either way, you won’t regret it!
Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve
Located in Cold Spring, NY, 8,000-acre Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve has over 70 miles of hiking trails to explore with your canine companion. One trail that has been voted top-tier by many adventurous pups is the Cornish Estate Trail. This 4.5- mile moderately-challenging trail offers spectacular views of Mount Beacon and the Hudson River. It also provides access to the ruins of the former mansion estate of Edward J. Cornish, president of the National Lead Company. This path winds through abandoned buildings and old stone structures that will kindle your--and your furry friend’s-- curiosity. The trail is closed in December and January but Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve has many other trails to explore year-round. Please remember to follow proper hiking safety guidelines and have knowledge of the conditions you will encounter before you venture out with your pooch.
Thousand Islands Region
Mexico Point State Park
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario, Mexico Point State Park is a hidden gem in the town of Mexico, NY. Featuring picnic areas, a bathhouse, ruins of an old inn, beautiful trails of historical interest and a small dog-friendly beach, Mexico Point State Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a restful day by the water with your pup.
Unlike most state parks, there is no fee for entry which means you can save a few dollars for a treat for Fido on the way home. Mexico Point Park is situated on 120 acres and provides the public with serene picnic areas, nature trails, swimming, and cultural experiences. For more information, visit the Friends of Mexico Point Park.
For more ideas on exciting adventures to experience with your pup in NYS, check out the following resources: