Highland lakes state park consists of more than 3,000 acres of undeveloped woods and lakes in orange county. visitors use the park for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and flying model planes.

High tor state park, a day-use facility for picnicking, swimming and hiking, affords spectacular views of the hudson river. the long path passes through the park just before the trail heads inland to the catskills.

Higley flow state park is nestled among the adirondack foothills on the picturesque raquette river. spacious campsites, separated from neighbors by pine trees, abound in the park. the terrain is hilly and heavily-wooded and there is a sandy beach on the reservoir of the raquette river. the scenic river is ideal for canoeing and fishing. the beaver pond nature trail has interpretive signs that describe the six distinct habitats through which the trail passes. hiking trails double as cross-country ski trails in winter, when snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ice fishing are also allowed.

Hither hills state park offers visitors scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, sport fishing, a sandy ocean beach, playing fields, a playground and a 168-site campground on the ocean. anglers can fish year-round and obtain permits to fish at night. the unique "walking dunes" of napeague harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has woodlands filled with russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. bridle paths and hiking, nature, biking and cross-country ski trails are available.

Honeoye lake boat launch provides a boat launch site, including power boats, and fishing access. there is ice fishing in the winter.

A mostly undeveloped preserve of nearly 6,000 acres, hudson highlands state park consists of a series of separate parcels of land stretching from annsville creek in peekskill, north to dennings point in beacon. the spacious park is perfect for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and birding. the hudson highlands and hudson river provide spectacular backdrops for the many activities that can be enjoyed here. the park's extensive hiking trail network includes terrain that varies from easy to challenging. trail maps can be obtained at the clarence fahnestock memorial state park office. the park's most well known trail – breakneck ridge was rated by newsweek as one of the top 10 day hikes in america. the 5.5 mile breakneck ridge trail rises 1,250 feet in only a ¾ mile stretch. please note that camping and use of fire are prohibited throughout the park.

Hudson river islands state park facilities are concentrated on the islands of gay's point and stockport middle ground. these islands are fragile communities with many rare and endangered plant and animal species. day-use facilities include picnic areas with grills and nature trail. fishing is popular and transient camping is allowed.

Irondequoit bay marine park is a launch site for small and power boats. it provides fishing access to lake ontario. it has a small toilet facility and a boat clean out station. the park is operated by the monroe county parks department. for more information contact the monroe county parks department at (716) 256-4951.

Jacques cartier state park has a sheltered bay protecting the sandy swimming beach and campers dock. the two biggest draws for the park are unlimited boating opportunities and excellent fishing. the park's large open lawns encourage games and picnics; a playground and another picnic ground, this one forested, are nearby. in winter, cross-country skiing is permitted in the park.

James baird state park is situated on farmland once owned by james baird, a contractor and engineer whose firm constructed the lincoln memorial. in 1939 james baird donated the 590 acres of land to new york state under the stipulation that it be known as james baird state park. work began on the park and golf course in 1940. construction continued intermittently during world war ii and the james baird state park golf course was officially opened in 1948. nationally renowned golf architect, robert trent jones designed a scenic, fairly flat 18-hole golf course on this large tract of farmland in pleasant valley. to golfers' delight, the par 5, 13th hole is one of the most challenging in the hudson valley. in addition to the golf course, the park now also boasts a driving range, pro shop, clubhouse and a snack bar at the 1st and 10th holes. a full service restaurant, mahoney's on the green, overlooks the golf course and is open to both golfers and the general public. the restaurant is consistently rated in the top 10 within dutchess county!

Jones beach state park is a world-class swimming destination. the park offers surf bathing along its 6.5 miles of ocean beach, one-half mile of bay beach for stillwater bathing, and two swimming pools.the west end of the park provides wonderful surf fishing, a boat basin and undeveloped areas that are home to a variety of migratory birds and native plants. the park is also home to the theodore roosevelt nature center, which includes environmental displays about the seashore, educational tours and programming for all ages.

Joseph davis state park has facilities for a wide variety of recreational activities. the terrain is generally flat, with fields, woodlands and ponds. anglers can fish for largemouth bass in the pond near the park entrance or for a variety of freshwater fish from the fishing dock on the lower niagara river. the park also has a nature trail, as well as cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails and an 27-hole frisbee disc golf course.

Keewaydin state park is on the st. lawrence river, offering excellent boating, fishing and, during the winter, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. the sheltered marina provides dock space for seasonal and transient visitors. overlooking the river are 48 campsites. the park's terrain includes steep, rocky outcroppings between the campsites and the shoreline, providing vantage points for watching the ocean-going vessels traversing the river. the park also has a swimming pool and picnic areas.

Keuka lake state park, located in the heart of wine country, has a gentle charm, offering views of vineyard-covered slopes, glimmering water and clear blue sky. the park's camping areas have 150 tent and trailer sites. a swimming beach, picnic shelter, boat launch ramp, docking space and hiking trails open several recreational avenues to visitors.

Knox farm state park is the former country estate of buffalo's renowned knox family. it is located adjacent to the historic village of east aurora, birthplace of the roycroft arts & crafts movement and former home of millard fillmore. the park's 633 acres are comprised of a variety of habitats, including 400 acres of grasslands (pastures and hayfields), and 100 acres of woodlands, ponds and several wetland areas.

Kring point state park is a narrow peninsula whose south shore faces goose bay and north shore faces the st. lawrence river. standing anywhere in the park, visitors see water and many of the 1700 islands for which the region is named. half of the 100 campsites are on the waterfront and virtually every cabin and campsite has a river or bay view. the park has docks on the river and the bay and a sandy beach on the st. lawrence. fishing, boating, swimming and picnicking are major activities. during the winter, visitors cross-country ski.

High bluffs overlooking lake erie provide a breathtaking view for the visitor to lake erie state park. lake erie features a shoreline covering over three quarters of a mile bordering the shallowest of the great lakes. whether camping in one of the 97 campsites or one of the 10 cabins offered at this park, the magnificent scenery will capture your attention. day users can enjoy the picnic areas with shelters, playgrounds and hiking trails that are available to the cross-country skiers during the winter months. lake erie state park is recognized as an excellent place for locating rare migratory birds following the lakes edge.

Lake sebago beach in harriman state park is surrounded by lawns, play fields and picnic areas. in addition to swimming from the sandy beach, anglers can fish for bass, perch and sunfish.

Lakeside beach state park offers an outstanding panoramic view of lake ontario and surrounding farms and fruit orchards. no swimming is allowed, but 274 campsites, four miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing along the lake front, picnic grounds, a disc golf course and playing fields bring thousands to the park. winter activities include hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Lake superior state park has beaches, boat launches and picnic areas. fishing is also popular. the park is managed by sullivan county under license from the palisades interstate park commission.

Lake taghkanic state park, nestled next to lake taghkanic in the rolling hills and lush forests of columbia county, offers a wonderful variety of recreational activities. the park has tent and trailer campsites and cabin and cottage camping facilities. large trucks, rvs and campers can enter from the route 82 entrance. it also features two beaches, picnic areas, boat launch sites, rowboat, paddleboat and kayak rentals, playgrounds, sports playing fields, a rentable pavilion, and newly renovated recreation hall and showers. in addition, the park has hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate. please call the park office at (518) 851-3631 to check ice thickness.

Lake tiorati was formed by clearing swampland in harriman state park and constructing a concrete dam to make two ponds into one large lake. surrounded by meadows and rolling, wooded hills, the park offers excellent swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking. in winter, if conditions allow, the lake is used for ice fishing. the pioneer campsites near the lake may be used by bonafide groups.

Lake welch beach state park's man-made lake welch, with its half-mile-long sandy beach in the wooded hills of the ramapo mountains, is the largest beach in harriman state park. originally a small body of water with farmland around the edges, lake welch became the large lake that it is today when a dam was completed in 1942. the park offers cool breezes, swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping in adjacent beaver pond campground. winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Letchworth state park, renowned as the "grand canyon of the east," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern u.s. the genesee river roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs--as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests. hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. trails are also available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. letchworth offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, a pool for swimming and hot air ballooning. experiencing letchworth by hot air balloon is unforgettable, as seen in this video clip.

Lodi point marine park is a boat launch and picnic site. the park has modest accommodations for boaters, picnickers and anglers.