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In 2005 named by Metroland as Best Swimming Hole
Taconic State Park is located along 11 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range,
sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas,
Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain
that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views.
The
extensive campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate campers
seeking a more rustic experience, as well as those seeking a more "home
like" experience. There are 46 tent, 24 tent platform, and 36 trailer sites
and three cabin areas. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in
length, but do not offer hook up facilities. Centrally located restroom and
shower facilities are located in all campsite areas. The cabin areas vary in
number of cabins, location and size. The smallest cabins accommodate up to 4
people and the largest 6 people. All cabins have electricity, lights, hot
and cold running water, flush toilets, a kitchen with a refrigerator and
stove, a dining area, a picnic table, and outdoor camp fire ring with grill.
The "Ironworkers" cabins are equipped with private showers; campers in the
"Bash Bish" cabins utilize a centrally located shower facility. Each cabin
in the Greenwich Cabin Area is wheelchair accessible and offers extra
amenities such as a microwave, sofa, shower, dishwasher and cable television
hookup.
There are plenty of activities for campers, as well as day visitors to
enjoy in the oldest State Park in the Taconic Region. Bike or stroll along
the newly developed Harlem Valley Rail Trail, hike to Bash Bish Falls, just
over the Massachusetts border or up Brace Mountain, the highest point in
Dutchess County. Stop at the newly created Iron Works museum to learn about
the iron industry at the former site of Copake Iron Works, established in
1845. Fresh water fishing enthusiasts will delight in hooking brown trout
and other fish in the Bash Bish Brook or rainbow trout in the old iron ore
mine pit. Campers and day visitors are welcome to participate in one of many
nature programs that focus on local wildlife and outdoor activities. The fun
doesn't end in wintertime. There are great trails for cross country skiing
and snowshoeing, as well as 10 miles of snowmobile trails.
In season both deer hunting (rifle/shotgun/bow) and turkey hunting (bow
only, until 12 Noon) are permitted. A New York State hunting license is
required. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land
in both Dutchess and Columbia Counties. Please adhere to the appropriate
regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation.
