Fahnestock State Park [Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park]
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Park Overview:
Largest park in the area with diverse recreational opportunities on 50 miles of marked trails [including the Appalachian Trail], a variety of terrain, and numerous lakes, ponds and streams.
Park Description:
Fahnestock State Park
The 14,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is in an historic iron-mining region, and several remnants of that industry remain in mine excavations, stone foundations and the old railbeds used by some trails. The park has hiking trails and multiple-use trails open to bikes and horses. There is a beach on Canopus Lake open in summer and groomed cross-country ski trails open in winter [both have seasonal fees]. A campground is located just east of the park office. Reservations for camping are often required; see Contact Information on this site. The terrain is varied, including hemlock gorges, bald ridge tops with 360° views, second-growth hardwood forest, mountain laurel thickets, and numerous lakes, ponds and streams.
Trails Overview:
Many trails listed can be combined to create circuit hikes. Most trails have rocky sections and are moderately strenuous, with especially difficult and easy exceptions noted below.
- The Appalachian Trail [blazed white] runs through the park. It is usually accessed from NY 301. North of NY 301 the trail roughly parallels the shore of Canopus Lake, with a beautiful view of the lake at 2.3 miles. South of NY 301 the trail follows an old mine railbed.
- The Cabot Trail [white blaze; 1 mile] has gentle terrain and a short unmarked side trail to a pleasant viewpoint over Jordan Pond. It connects with the Charcoal Burners Trail and the Perkins Trail to make a 1.9-mile loop.
- The Candlewood Hill Trail [red blaze; 2.1 miles one way or 3.5-mile loop] ascends Candlewood Hill, sometimes steeply, to long views in all directions.
- The Catfish Loop [red blaze; 4.7 mile] is accessible where the Appalachian Trail crosses Dennytown Road and is a full loop west of the road. It passes through a wide variety of terrain typical of the area.
- The Cedar Ridge Trail [yellow; 0.8 mile] follows an easement on a private farm through meadows to a view of the Hudson River. Please leave all farm gates through the fields as you find them (open or closed)
- The Charcoal Burners Trail [red; 3.3 miles], along with the Appalachian Trail, connects the north and south sections of the park. It follows a gently rolling ridge and provides access to the Perkins Trail and the Cabot Trail, also connecting with the Fahnestock Trail and the Wiccopee Trail.
- The East Mountain Loop [red; 1.5 miles] crosses over the top of East Mountain.
- The Fahnestock Trail [blue blazes; 7.3 miles] is the main east-west trail north of NY 301. This trail covers a wide variety of terrain, including a very steep climb to the top of Round Hill providing long views of the Hudson.
- The Old Mine Railroad Trail [yellow; 1.6 miles], true to its name, in part follows the railbed of a Civil War era mule-drawn railroad used to haul iron ore. Consequently, it is quite level, with only one short rocky hill after it leaves the railbed.
- The Pelton Pond Nature Trail [yellow; 1.5 miles] is the most-used trail in the park. Located across NY 301 from the park office, it is a level and scenic stroll circling the pond. There is a pavilion built by the CCC, a restroom, and a picnic area. A side trail leads to the Nature Center, which is open in summer. No dogs are allowed on this trail.
- The Perkins Trail [yellow; 4.0 miles] encompasses rolling ridges, hilltop farm fields, views, and a long descent to a scenic stream. Please leave all farm gates through the fields as you find them (open or closed).
- School Mountain Road [white; 4.1 miles] is a multi-use woods road that connects with several other trails. These side trails are foot traffic only.
- The Three Lakes Trail [blue; 3.7 miles] is named for the three lakes it encounters on its meandering path. It begins at NY 301, crosses Sunk Mine Road, and ends at Dennytown Road.
- The Wiccopee Trail [blue; 1.9 miles] is a scenic and lightly used connector between the Charcoal Burners Trail and School Mountain Road in the northernmost section of the park.
- There are two multi-use trails that are open to horses and mountain bikes. One is blazed yellow and starts at Indian Brook Road, and the other is unblazed but starts at the Pelton Pond parking area. See also the trails in Clear Lake Scout Reservation, which connect with Fahnestock trails.
To find detailed descriptions of specific hikes, click here and scroll down the "Parks" column to the name of this park.
Maps: A detailed trail map can be purchased from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (click on East Hudson Trails Map at top).
Park Acreage:
14086.00 acresMunicipality:
Philipstown, Putnam ValleyLargest park in the area with diverse recreational opportunities on 50 miles of marked trails [including the Appalachian Trail], a variety of terrain, and numerous lakes, ponds and streams.
Fahnestock State Park
The 14,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is in an historic iron-mining region, and several remnants of that industry remain in mine excavations, stone foundations and the old railbeds used by some trails. The park has hiking trails and multiple-use trails open to bikes and horses. There is a beach on Canopus Lake open in summer and groomed cross-...
Park Acreage:
14086.00 acresMunicipality:
Philipstown, Putnam ValleyContact Information
Web Link:
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical PreservationPhone:
(845) 225-7207Fees:
Some times and places; check with parkDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Fahnestock State Park is located along NY 301 between US 9 and the Taconic State Parkway. The park office is on NY 301 less than a mile west of the Taconic State Parkway. Parking for many trails is available in several locations along NY 301. See trail overviews for other trailhead parking. The park is not easily accessible by public transportation; the nearest Metro North station is 8 miles away in Cold Spring.
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