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Named in 2005 as one of Reserve America's Top Outdoor Locations.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is a delight for outdoor
enthusiasts. This 14,086 acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess
counties, boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic
campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and
birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which
provides high quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park
which includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and
snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.
The large beach at Canopus Lake is
the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby
picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming,
campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which
are available for rental by the hour or the day. Visitors with their own
boats must obtain a Regional Boating permit at the Park Office. Fishing by
boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and
four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel,
perch or brook and rainbow trout. Please note that all freshwater fishing
requires a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. This permit can be obtained from town halls and many sporting
good stores.
The scenic campground, formed along the park's natural rock ridges,
provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80
campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area
for RV camping. Although there are no hookups available or dump station,
restroom and shower facilities are centrally located to all RV and tent
sites. Individuals, as well as larger camping groups, are welcome. The
campground's nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of
touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities.
Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.
