1. Hook Mountain State Park offers scenic picnic areas with views of the Hudson River.
2. Picnic tables and grills are available for use.
3. You can enjoy a meal while observing local wildlife or hiking nearby trails.
4. The park's open spaces provide ample room for picnicking activities like frisbee or soccer games.
5. Visitors may also bring their own food to prepare at designated barbecue spots in the park.

The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 100 species to spot. The diverse habitats attract birds like the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. Birdwatchers can explore trails or use designated viewing platforms for optimal sightings.

The Hudson Highlands is the perfect state park for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and birding.

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 ? 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 Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center in Cortlandt Manor. Rentals, as well as instruction, tours, and educational programs, are provided by Atlantic Kayak Tours. Visitors may also launch their own kayaks and canoes from the Annsville dock. Fishing from the dock is also permitted.

One area of Hudson Highlands State Park, 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.