During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to keep in mind that we should be recreating locally, meaning as close to home as possible. That does not mean long drives to well-known State Parks that might draw crowds, something that has been happening recently in some popular sites.

Parks facilities are spread across 11 regions that span the state, so many people need not travel far to find a trail. To learn more about your region and its facilities, click here.

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And there are also other ways to reduce stress while sheltering in place at home. New York has partnered with Headspace to offer some helpful techniques that can be done at home. Learn more here about this collection of meditation, sleep and movement exercises .

To help keep parks open and safe, consider taking this online pledge from Parks & Trails New York:

I pledge to:

☑ Avoid crowded areas: if a park or trail is crowded, be ready to change plans. Also, steer clear of places people tend to congregate: parking lots, playgrounds, picnic areas, overlooks.

☑ Practice social distancing: stay 6 feet away from individuals outside of immediate household members

☑ Stay local: recreate close to home and keep visits short

And, of course, if you’re not feeling well or have any COVID-19 symptoms, please STAY HOME.

If you must go out, heed this advice from State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation :

·       Stay local and keep visits short. Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members;

·       Maintain distance from others while in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks;

·       Avoid games and activities that require close contact, such as basketball, football, or soccer;

·       Avoid playground equipment like slides and swings and other frequently touched surfaces;

·       Do not share equipment, such as bicycles, helmets, balls, or Frisbees;

·       If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park, a different trail, or return another time/day to visit; and

·       If parking lots are full, please do not park along roadsides or other undesignated areas. To protect your safety and that of others, please choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available.

As with all hikes, there are few things to remember beyond carrying a mobile phone. Wear sturdy yet comfortable shoes or boots, bring water and snacks, and perhaps carry a camera, to capture what you see. Be mindful of hikes on steep terrain or that go near cliff tops. Having a small first-aid kit available in case of emergency is never a bad idea.

Hiking poles are useful, and can transfer some of the stress of hiking from your knees and legs to your arms and back. And use a trail map, which is available park website at https://parks.ny.gov/ Check the park’s individual website to see if its maps can be downloaded to your iOS Apple or Android device.

For some facilities, data is available as a Google Earth KML file or a map is available to download to your iOS Apple and Android mobile devices in the free PDF-Maps app. Learn more…

It is important to know how long a trail is and how long it ought to take to finish. Since daylight is not an unlimited resource, tossing a flashlight or headlamp into your backpack is a good form of insurance, should you unexpectedly find yourself on the trail as dusk approaches. Parks staffers are stretched thin during the pandemic and this is not an ideal time to be in need of a nighttime rescue.

COVID-19 UPDATE

State Parks encourages New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bike, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with your immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety while practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State Park facilities may be closed to prevent community spread of COVID-19, parks, grounds, forests and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.

For the safety of all visitors, all State Park playgrounds, athletic courts and sport fields are closed. Visitors are asked to #recreatelocal, choose parks that are close to their home and follow CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu and COVID-19. We appreciate your support and patience as we navigate this public health crisis together. Learn more about COVID-19 and its impact on NY State Parks. Visit: COVID-19 UPDATE

Parking Limitations in Effect:To encourage physical social distancing at popular parks, trailheads and scenic areas, State Parks may reduce the number of available parking spaces on high visitation days. Have a plan ready to visit a different park or another park area. 

Early Season Camping and Pavilion/Shelters: Due to the global health crisis, all campgrounds, cabins, cottages, and pavilions/shelters are CLOSED to visitation through April 30. All visitors with reservations will be issued a full refund. We ask for your patience as refunds are processed. 

Camping Reservations & Pavilion/Shelter Reservations: New York State has suspended all new camping, cabin and cottage and pavilion/shelter reservations for the 2020 season until further notice. We are assessing campground and pavilion status on a daily basis. If you’ve made a reservation for the season beginning May 1, and we determine your facility is safe to open, your reservation will be honored. However, visitors who wish to cancel an existing reservation may do so and receive a full refund. Thank you for your patience as we work to protect the safety of our visitors and staff.

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Cover shot: Otsego Lake at Glimmerglass State Park.

By Brian Nearing, Deputy Public Information Officer, NYS Parks