CLARENCE FAHNESTOCK MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086 acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park which includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding. Please visit the websites for the Taconic Outdoor Education Center and Fahnestock Winter Park for more detailed information.
The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Visitors with their own boats must obtain a Regional Boating permit at the Park Office. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout. Please note that all freshwater fishing requires a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This permit can be obtained from town halls and many sporting good stores.
The scenic campground, formed along the park?s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. Although there are no hookups available, restroom and shower facilities are centrally located to all RV and tent sites. Individuals, as well as larger camping groups, are welcome. The campground?s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
BBs / Inns
Beacon NY premier Bed and Breakfast, the Swann Inn of Beacon was originally built in 1866. Located at the base of Mt. Beacon, NY, just a short walk to Scenic Hudson's
Mt. Beacon Park, the Swann Inn is a perfect location for travelers and hikers visiting the Beacon, NY and the Mid-Hudson Valley. It is also 30 minutes to Clarence Longstock.
Our Bed and Breakfast has a 5-Star ratings on bedandbreakfast.com.
7.7 miles from park*
1. Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park offers a beach for swimming in Canopus Lake during summer months.
2. Lifeguards are on duty at the designated swim area, ensuring safety of visitors.
3. The park provides changing rooms and restrooms near the lake's beachfront for swimmers' convenience.
4. Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are present; usually from 10am to 6pm daily in season.
5. Outside these hours or off-season, no swimming is permitted due to lack of supervision and potential hazards.
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoeing and rowboating are popular activities, with rentals available at the large lake within the park known as Canopus Lake during summer months. There is also opportunity to fish from boats on this lake but only electric motors are allowed in order not to disturb local wildlife or other patrons enjoying quieter pursuits such as swimming or picnicking by water's edge.
You can enjoy freshwater fishing in two large lakes, teeming with largemouth bass and chain pickerel. Trout are stocked annually for springtime angling while sunfish provide summer fun. Ice fishing is popular during winter months when conditions allow it.