Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

A mostly undeveloped preserve of nearly 6,000 acres, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve 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.

For visitors who wish to view the scenic park from the water, kayaks and canoes are available for rental at Hudson River Expeditions.

One area of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Bannerman Island, can only be accessed by water and explored via guided tour. Known originally as Pollepel Island, this island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This majestic Hudson River landmark is home to Bannerman Castle, built by American entrepreneur Frank Bannerman VI between 1901 and 1918. For more information on visiting this unique site, please call (845) 831-6346.

Starting June 28, 2015 and continuing through Summer 2017, view the Constellation art project over Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River! Each night for two hours after sunset, starry lights will appear one by one with the stars of the night sky creating a new constellation connecting past and present. Constellation can be viewed from the park at a viewing area near the Breakneck Ridge Metro-North stop, along Rt. 9D between Beacon and Cold Spring. Go to http://melissamcgillconstellation.com/visit/ to find more ways to experience Constellation!