Hiking in New State Parks
Information courtesy of New York State Parks and Recreation
Montauk Point State Park, a heavily-wooded tundra leading to the eastern tip of Long Island and the historic Montauk Lighthouse, offers some of the best surf fishing in the world. The view is unique, because, when the water is calm, visitors can clearly see the “race” of converging tides from the Atlantic and Block Island Sound. Visitors can also picnic at tables under the pine trees, use the nature trails to hike or cross-country ski, or spend time watching the seals sun on the rocks offshore.
Directions: 132 miles from Manhattan, via Sunrise Hwy (Route 27) east to the Park.
Seasons/Hours: Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset. Big game and small game hunting are permitted in season.
Pets: Dogs only. Access is certain parks only, on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in camping, bathing and picnic areas. Not allowed in buildings or on walkways.
Montauk Point State Park
50 South Fairview Avenue
Montauk, NY 11954
Phone: (631) 668-3781
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Allegany State Park’s 65,000 acres, most of it primitive woodland, make it the largest state park in the system. Two developed areas, Red House and Quaker, have sand beaches and hiking and nature trails that do double duty for horseback riding, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The Red House area has recently added ice fishing and winter campsites to its list of winter activities. Of all the parks in the state system, Allegany is the most attractive to snowmobilers because of its 90 miles of snowmobile trails. Three campgrounds and 27 cabin trails offer over 300 campsites and 300 cabins, more than 150 of them winterized, and three Group Camps available for rental. The newest additions to the park are year-round Full Service Accomodations, which are fully-equipped with the latest conveniences, and are located in both the Red House and Quaker areas. The old Quaker Store has been completely restored and now houses a park museum. One highlight of the exhibits is a three-dimensional topographical map of the park to orient visitors to its main features. Allegany’s mixed hemlock/hardwood forest, mountains, rolling hills and meadows, streams, ponds and lakes attract devoted outdoors people year-round.
Directions: From I-86/Rt.17 (Southern Tier Expressway): Red House Area - exits 19 & 20; Quaker Area - exit 18.
From Rt. 219: Follow 219 to I-86/Rt.17 west; or from Bradford, PA, take interstate Parkway to the Quaker Area entrance.
Seasons/Hours: Open All Year.
Pets: Not Permitted in building, bathing areas, or cross country ski areas.
Allegany State Park
2373 ASP, Route 1, Suite 3
Salamanca, NY 14779
Phone: (716) 354-9121
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Whetstone Gulf State Park is built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. The gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic vistas east of the Rocky Mountains. The park has 56 wooded campsites, a scenic picnic area along Whetstone Creek, a man-made swimming area and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, one of which circles the gorge. Above the gorge is Whetstone Reservoir, stocked with tiger muskie and large-mouth bass for fishermen, and popular for canoeing.
Directions: Located off Route 26, 6 miles south of Lowville, near the Adirondack Park.
Seasons/Hours: The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day for the summer season, and from December 15 through March 15 for winter recreation. Hunting for deer and waterfowl is permitted in season.
Pets: Must have proof of current rabies vaccination - certificate inoculation or dated collar tag. Household pets only, caged or on a leash, not more than 6 feet. Not permitted in picnic or bathing areas.
Whetstone Gulf State Park
RD #2, Box 69
Lowville, NY 13367
Phone: (315) 376-6630
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