One of the greatest perks of living in this area is the beauty that surrounds us, especially in the fall when the foliage turns. My father and I used to take time to go places and take photos together during natures art show. Whether you are looking for an afternoon out, a picnic spot, or somewhere to take some lovely photos, Amy has put together a fabulous list of local places to visit so you can enjoy.
By: Amy Alinkofsky
Day Camp in the Park
http://daycampinthepark.com/
Another drive up the Palisades Parkway leads to the Harriman State Park area, Seven Lakes Drive and Day Camp in the Park. Located on a 500 acre nature preserve within Harriman State Park, Day Camp in the Park offers summer camp programs for children on Lake Tiorati. Drive around the area to get the great views and a sneak peek of a summer oasis.
Bear Mountain State Park
3006 Seven Lakes Dr, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
http://nysparks.com/parks/13/details.aspx
Bear Mountain State Park is just a quick drive up the Palisades Parkway (which is a leaf peeping drive). The park features a large play field, picnic areas, lake and river fishing access, Trailside Museum and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, as well as a Carousel. An outdoor ice rink is open from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November.
Rockland Lake State Park
299 Rockland Lake Rd, Valley Cottage, NY 10989
http://nysparks.com/parks/81/amenities-activities.aspx
Rockland Lake State Park’s lake is located on a ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River. The park offers picnic tables; grills, and hiking trails with breath-taking views of the Hudson Valley. Walkers, joggers, roller bladers, and bicyclists can enjoy the 3.2 mile paved trail around the lake to take in the beautiful fall scene.
Warwick Valley Area
https://issuu.com/warwickcc/docs/2015_most_recent_guide/1
An area filled with orchards, farms, wineries and festivals, and just a short drive from Rockland. Visit the area’s only Drive In Movie Theater, take a hayride, pick pumpkins, explore a corn maze or get ice cream at Bellvale Creamery, all while taking in the beautiful scenery. Bellvale Farms/Creamery – http://bellvalefarms.com/
Fishkill Farms
http://www.fishkillfarms.com/aboutus.html
Moving to the opposite side of the Hudson, there is Fishkill Farms. Through mid October, they have Harvest Festival Weekends. They offer homemade food, donuts and cider, plus entertainment in the form of hayrides and live music on select days. The spectacular views, lovely fall weather, and the satisfaction of picking your own apples all combine for great family-friendly fun.
Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY 10994
www.rocklandartcenter.org
Visit RoCA – The Catherine Konner Sculpture Park is open year round, dawn to dusk at no charge. Stroll around the 4 acre Sculpture, and visit the indoor galleries as well. RoCA’s new Nature trail was cleared this summer, is accessible from the top of the Sculpture field and is adjacent to Buttermilk Falls County Park and its hiking trails.
Kennedy Dells Park
355 North Main Street, New City, NY 10956
http://rocklandgov.com/departments/environmental-resources/county-parks-and-dog-runs/kennedy-dells-park/
This park has trails and picnic areas and is adjacent to Zukor Park, which has a large playground area for the kids. Take the trail up the hill and you are immersed in the forest until you emerge and see the dog run. Go further into the trails to find streams and scenery not to be missed.
Walkway Over the Hudson
87 Haviland Rd, Highland, NY 12528
https://walkway.org/
Originally the Poughkeepsie Railroad bridge, it was re-opened as a pedestrian walkway and now is the longest footbridge in the world. It is close to the Poughkeepsie waterfront area on the east side of the river and features expansive views of the region.
Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
https://www.boscobel.org/
Located on a 60 acre property with spectacular Hudson Valley Views and built between 1804 and 1808, guided tours of the house are available April through December. The readers of Hudson Valley Magazine voted Boscobel “The Best Place to Picnic”, so pack your own, plus a blanket or chair (some tables and benches available) or purchase food upon arrival. Located close to Garrison and Cold Spring, which are wonderful places to visit as well.
Storm King Art Center
Mountainville, NY
www.storkking.org
Widely celebrated as one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center has welcomed visitors from across the globe for fifty years. Its pristine 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands provides the setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.
Happy Hiking!!!
