Tag Archives: Hiking

Park History, Park Projects, Park Volunteers, Stewardship

Restoring the Cornell Mine Trail at Bear Mountain State Park

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With nearly 450 miles of blazed trails crisscrossing almost 130,000 acres of publicly accessible open space, the Palisades region’s hiking system is among the most expansive in New York State. The region hosts the oldest section of the Appalachian Trail running through Bear Mountain State Park and Trailside Museums and Zoo, an extensive section of the Long Path, approximately 50 miles of carriage roads in Minnewaska, and dozens of other well-loved trails that bring the region’s 7 million annual visitors to waterfalls, wetlands, streams, lakes and forests.

A historical black and white photograph of a man standing on a frozen lake, wearing a suit and a hat, with trees in the background.
A vintage black and white photograph of a man in formal attire standing confidently on a large rock, looking into the distance while shielding his eyes from the sun. The surrounding landscape is rocky and barren, with patches of snow visible.
The original parkfluencer? William T. Howell was an avid hiker and photojournalist whose images were crucial in persuading the public to conserve the lands that are today known as Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. And he did it all while wearing a suit and tie. From the collections of the Palisades Interstate Parks Commission.

All of these trails require ongoing maintenance and protection, and we take pride in keeping them safe and traversable for all visitors.

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Family Fun, Fun & Games, Historic Sites, Visitor Gratitude, Wellness

Be Kind, Rewind: Looking Back at State Parks and Historic Sites in 2025

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The Centennial celebration of 2024 was a tough act to follow! We launched the second century of Parks and Historic Sites by meeting the moment and building towards the future, and even welcoming the entire golfing world to Bethpage State Park for the Ryder Cup. Let’s take a look back at the year that was!

New Yorkers took on the Wellness Challenge by completing missions at their favorite parks and historic sites, engaging their minds and bodies and building community. Some of them even shared pictures!
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history, Park History, Recreation, State History, Transportation

Infrastructure’s Second Act: Transforming Rails to Trails

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Across New York, outdated infrastructure is getting a second chance to serve communities. Former factories, railroads, and hospitals are now spaces for New Yorkers to get outside, get some exercise, and disconnect from their electronic devices. In this new series, we explore how your favorite state parks once served a very different but equally important purpose to our state.

In this first installment of Infrastructure’s Second Act, fasten your seatbelts and learn about the state parks built from former transportation infrastructure, including railroads and canals. These sites served as critical community connectors in the past, and now connect communities in a much different way: as places to recreate, relax, and enjoy the natural world.

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Family Fun, Hiking, State History

Sojourner Truth Day: Community Food Drive Celebrates Trailblazing Park Namesake

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Named in honor of the life and legacy of the 19th-century African American abolitionist and suffragist, Sojourner Truth State Park in the Hudson Valley is one of the newest acquisitions to the New York state park and historic site system. First announced in 2022, the park reclaims more than 500 acres of Hudson River shoreline land shared by the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster. It opened to the public the following year.

Sojourner Truth was born Isabella Baumfree (also known as Bomefree) in 1797, enslaved among Dutch people in Ulster County. A dynamic human rights advocate, she “walked away by day-light,” freeing herself from slavery one year before legal enslavement ended in New York. Her accomplishments and vital contributions to American history are recognized not only with the park’s naming, but also with the installation of a bronze statue at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, created by sculptor Vinnie Bagwell.

Governor Hochul designated November 26 as Sojourner Truth Day in New York State last year, and we can’t wait to share our plans to celebrate this trailblazing New Yorker with you.  

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree in 1797, was an Ulster County native and a leader in the abolition and suffrage movements. This bronze statue of her can be found at Walkway Over the Hudson State Park. In 2022, a new park named in her honor was announced. The park is celebrating its first Sojourner Truth Day on Nov. 22.
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Family Fun, Hiking, Historic Sites, Recreation, Wellness

Autumn in New York (State Parks and Historic Sites)

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Short and sunny days, crunchy leaves, honking geese, the strong desire for pumpkin spice: it must be fall! Temperatures are just right for hiking, biking and outdoor adventure. It’s a time of year that sparks inspiration, curiosity and wonder. Our parks and historic sites are here to help you make the most of it! Read on for ideas on how to have the best fall ever.

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