Rockland’s extensive county park system is designated as a Preserve America Community made up of over 3,200 acres within 30 parks. Rockland County also features more than 42,000 acres of parkland and is home to seven New York State Parks including: Bear Mountain State Park, Harriman State Park, and Rockland Lake State Park.
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, hiking, biking, a zoo, cross-country ski trails and an outdoor ice skating rink open from late October through mid-March. Handicapped Accessible: Yes. Rest Rooms: Yes.
Blauvelt State Park encompasses 590 acres of forested green space (mostly undeveloped) in the Town of Orangeburg in Rockland County. The park’s land occupies the site of the former Camp Bluefields, a rifle range used to train members of the New York National Guard prior to World War I. Ruins of Camp Bluefield’s long-abandoned rifle range, including tunnels that connected down-range targets to the firing line, are also visible within the park. Hiking trails provide the only access and afford spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: No.
Buttermilk Falls is situated among 75 acres of primarily steep woodland with the Falls cascading down the mountainside in a westerly direction-part of the Palisades Ridge. For decades, Buttermilk Falls have been a natural attraction for its deep gorge and ravine effects. From a flat rock at the numerous scenic overlooks, one can look south towards New Jersey, west towards the Ramapo Mountains, and north to South Mountain. With good visibility, one can see approximately 16000 acres. At the turn of the century, President Teddy Roosevelt during his visits to Blauvelt, frequently rode horseback stopping at this point for a view. At the base of the Falls is an attractive area that lends itself to picnicking, nature interpretation, geological study, and a picturesque setting for photographers and painters. Handicapped Accessible: Limited.
The 350-acre park is adjacent to Harriman State Park’s southwestern border, and features a number of mountaintops and valleys, crossed by several small streams with numerous lowlands. Voted Top Hiking Spot in the U.S. according to Google’s 2024 Year in Search. Accessible through Kakiat Trails. Open dawn to dusk. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: No.
Built in 1934, Dutch Garden stands as a memorial to the early Dutch settlers in Rockland County and serves as a reminder of the importance that brick making had on the county’s economy. Located in New City next to the Rockland County Courthouse, Dutch Garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a one-story brick teahouse with a fireplace, a gazebo, picnic benches, an arbor and a bandstand. Dutch Garden also features the Thurgood Marshall Human Rights Monument that honors the Supreme Court Justice who founded the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in 1940 and argued the well-known Brown v. Board of Education case.
Located in Sloatsburg, New York, the park is named in honor of the late Eleanor Burlingham an active environmentalist in Rockland County. Offers fishing, canoeing, bird watching and hiking. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: No.
Waterfront access, paved walks, benches, picnic tables, track for walking or jogging, fenced-in play area with dome climber, slide, space module, spring animals, and sprinkler during the summer. Open dawn to dusk. Handicapped Accessible: Yes. Rest Rooms: Yes.
H. Pierson Mapes Flat Rock Park is a one-mile acre area that encompasses a river bank outcrop of the billion-year-old bedrock of the Ramapo Mountains (Granitic Gneiss). This expanse of bedrock smoothed by glacial outwash water action has long provided a popular spot for fishing, canoeing and nature observation. The park provides the best public access along the 37-mile length of the Ramapo River. The picturesque vista from the park includes a view of the Torne Mountain in nearby Harriman State Park. Handicapped Accessible: Limited. Rest Rooms: No.
At 47,527 acres, Harriman State Park is the second largest park in New York State. Located in Rockland and Orange counties 30 miles north of New York City, it is a haven for hikers with over 200 miles of hiking trails. The park boasts 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, camping areas, and a network of scenic views and sites. Harriman State Park’s major facilities include Lakes Welch, Sebago, Tiorati and Silvermine, the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, Sebago Cabins and Beaver Pond Campgrounds.
Located across the street from the site of the former African Methodist Episcopal Bethel Church founded by slaves and free blacks in 1846, Haverstraw African American Memorial Park features a kiosk with displays about local history and the African diaspora. The park also features the newly erected Harriet Tubman statue entitled, “Beacon of Hope” which was dedicated in 2024. The park’s waterfront location creates a tranquil atmosphere and allows visitors to feel at peace with nature as they enjoy the garden and water fountain. A historical marker recognizes the site as the first African-American church in Rockland County. Handicapped Accessible: Yes. Rest Rooms: No.
Kakiat Park encompasses 376 acres of diverse topography, from flat wetlands to rolling hills, to steep mountainsides. Hiking the Kakiat Trail starts from the parking area crosses through the park into Harriman State Park ending up in Dater Mountain Nature Park. The park offers horseback riding, picnicking, and scenic lookouts. An off-leash dog area is located near the parking lot. A log cabin constructed in 1922 stands as a mute reminder of the simple life of 100 years ago. The Mahwah River flows southwesterly the length of the park approximately 2500 feet. A footbridge crosses the river, which is stocked annually with trout; a pavilion can be found near the river. Numerous winter activities exist along with active wildlife and forestry conservation projects. Guided tours available by the Park Rangers. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: Yes.
Kennedy Dells Park encompasses 179 acres of flat, rolling topography. The park features hiking trails, off-leash dog area, horse corral, nature study, soccer, cross country skiing, picnic tables, pavilion and forestry and wildlife conservation practices. Crum Creek bounds the park on the westerly side along which winds a hiking trail that looks down at the stream below. Owned in the early part of the century by the well-known movie producer Adolph Zukor, the remains of the bridge across Crum Creek still exist today. Guided tours and lectures are available by the Park Rangers. Handicapped Accessible: Yes. Rest Rooms: Yes. Handicapped Accessible Picnic Area.
Monsey Glen Park encompasses 25 acres and features hiking trails, scenic natural beauty with sandstone overhangs, a stream and unique plant life. Trees to be seen are Red Oak, Black Oak, Maple, Poplar, Dogwood, Sumac, and Trailing Arbutus. Handicapped Accessible: Limited. Rest Rooms: No.
A mountainous tract, Mountainview Nature Park features 83 acres of heavily wooded terrain with numerous nature trails for hiking. Offers scenic views, one to the west and one to the east of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge framed by the New York State Thruway. A wet area near the top, named Bear Swamp, supports a variety of bird and animal life. Handicapped Accessible: No. Rest Rooms: No.
Nyack Beach State Park consists of 76 acres at the base of Hook Mountain in Upper Nyack. It is the southern terminus of the first section of the Hudson River Greenway and is one of the best hawk and raptor viewing areas in the U.S. The most popular activities are picnicking, hiking, bicycling and fishing, kayaking and windsurfing. The park also connects with the Nyack Haverstraw Trail – a 5-mile route that runs along the Hudson River and passes through three state parks: Nyack Beach State Park, Rockland Lake State Park and Haverstraw Beach State Park, all of which contain additional amenities. The US Department of the Interior has listed Nyack Beach State Park as a Registered National Natural Historical Landmark. Trails are open for cross-country skiing in winter.
Piermont Marsh encompasses 1,017 acres and lies at the southern edge of the village of Piermont. The Piermont Marsh is on the western shore of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The site occupies two miles of shoreline south of the mile-long Piermont Pier and includes the mouth of Sparkill Creek and extensive tidal shallows. Piermont Marsh habitats include brackish tidal marsh, shallows and intertidal flats.
Located in Mount Ivy, the park features 272 Acres. Mount Ivy is composed primarily of swampy marshland, which serves as an aquifer for the Minisceongo Creek. Ecologically it serves as a water purifier and has been named by the DEC as a protected wetland area. A large 40-acre piece east of the Lackawanna railroad bed contains many species of trees indigenous to Rockland County. It has an abundance of Yellow Popular, commonly known as Tulip Tree. Passage through the area is difficult because of the swamps and marshes. The best way to view the park is through the abandoned railroad bed located off Route 202 and also Station Road, adjacent to the American Legion Hall.
The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center is a highly sought-after destination for summer and fall travel. Located only 30 miles from Manhattan and accessible by public transportation, this is an ideal destination for hiking, paddling, and camping adventures in the heart of Harriman State Park. Open May through October.
