Taconic State Park
Taconic State Park
In the summertime, people ask me at the cookie table at the Hudson Farmers’ Market, “Trixie, we’re hot! Where can we go for a swim?” One of the reasons I write this blog, is so that I don’t have to repeat myself, and I can send a quick link.
I took some advice from my good friend, Lisa Durfee of the Five and Diamond – and found the two nearby (about twenty minutes) Taconic/Taghkanic parks – with different spellings!
First, there’s Taconic State Park, near the Massachusetts border and Bash Bish Falls. Swimming is in an old ore mine pit.
There’s lifeguards and a kiddie area with a little sand, picnic tables, and places to camp.
However, call first to make sure that swimming is allowed that day.
Right outside the park entrance is an adorable camp store with ice cream.
Taconic State Park is also adjacent to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.
There’s Taconic State Park and then there’s Lake Taghkanic State Park – very different with different spellings (just to confuse you), and both are about twenty minutes from Hudson.
Lake Taghkanic State Park – upstate’s beach
Lake Taghkanic State Park
You can go camping in both, and there’s plenty of picnic tables and BBQ’s.
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Lake Taghkanic State Park has a huge beach, and a beachy vibe. There’s a concession area (above) lots of sand and a beach crowd. You’ll find families and muscle studs.
The rumor I’ve heard is that the sand is from Long Island. I have not found anything on the interwebs to confirm that.
I do not want to say that Lake Taghkanic is like upstate’s version of Jones Beach, because it’s nothing like Jones Beach. There’s no ocean, waves, seagulls, big crowds, or anything you’d find at Jones Beach. But if you are JONESING for Jones Beach, then Lake Taghkanic is a good substitute – and much closer.
High Falls in Philmont
High Falls in Philmont is even closer to Hudson, about fifteen minutes. Once you’re there, you have to hike to the falls, but it’s well worth it. There’s no swimming and no lifeguards, but it’s a cool place to visit when the weather is warm.
Stuyvesant Falls Park
There’s no swimming allowed at Stuyvesant Falls Park on Kinderhook Creek, but there’s picnic tables, BBQ’s and it is generally quiet. Views are excellent, and there’s a great story of how the town brought back the hydro generator.
Oakdale Lake/Beach
Right in our own little City of Hudson, you’ll find a small beach along Oakdale Lake. Sometimes swimming and lifeguards, but always a great spot to relax. It’s located on 132 North 6th Street, Hudson, NY
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