urbanretreatist: June 2012

I discovered Fahnestock when my dog's bathroom emergency forced me to pull off the Taconic Pkwy, one summer afternoon. What a delightful surprise, to find a magnificent 14,000 acre state park right there! We return annually.

PELTON POND

A little more then an hours drive from the city, take the 301W/Cold Spring exit off the Taconic. Turn left onto 301and left into the parking area for Pelton Pond. The Pelton Pond trail is a 1.5 mile long loop around the pond, with lots of spots for the dogs to jump in. They have a picnic area, a pavilion and a "bathroom", should you need it.

CANOPUS LAKE

Canopus Lake, just opposite Pelton Pond on 301, is an excellent spot for swimming and sunbathing. If you find the beach boring or too crowded, rent a rowboat and go nap out in the middle of the lake. No dogs allowed :(

VIEW OF STORM KING MOUNTAIN FROM BREAKNECK

There are several places to launch a kayak in the park, Canopus Lake being one of them. There is also camping, should you chose not to leave. But sites are small and not well spaced out. Breakneck Ridge, on the northern end of the park, is a more challenging hike in that it's predominantly vertical. It offers breath taking views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain/Cornwall, and is minutes from Beacon - home of the Dia.

COLD SPRING

For a post hike reward, follow 301 to the village of Cold Spring (< 10 min). Cupoccino (not a misspell) is a cute little coffee shop with free wifi, homemade biscotti and ice cream. Or if you prefer an adult beverage, try the Cold Spring Depot.

BEAR MOUNTAIN BRIDGE

Rather then return to the Taconic, take 9D south to the Bear Mountain Bridge for stunning views of the Hudson in both directions. Once across, you can take the Palisades south to the GWB.

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