Are you looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some nature and relaxation? If so, you might want to consider visiting Lake Taghkanic State Park, a 1,569-acre state park located in the southern part of Columbia County, New York.

Lake Taghkanic State Park, named after the lake it surrounds, offers a wonderful variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to swim, hike, boat, camp, or just relax, you will find something to suit your mood and preference at this beautiful park.

What the park has to offer

One of the main attractions of the park is the lake itself, which has two sandy beaches, one on the east side and one on the west side. Both beaches have lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and snack bars. You can swim in the clear and refreshing water, sunbathe on the sand, or play volleyball or frisbee on the grass.

If you want to explore the lake further, you can rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the park office and paddle around the lake. The lake is home to various fish and wildlife, such as bass, trout, perch, ducks, geese, and turtles. You can also fish from the shore or from the fishing pier, but you will need a valid New York State fishing license.

How to rent a boat at the park

If you want to have some fun on the water, you can rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the boat shop, located near the east beach. The boat shop is open during swim season and follows the same operating schedule as swimming (weather permitting). You can choose from a variety of boats, such as rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. At the time of this writing – All boats are the same price: $40 – cash deposit; $10 per hour deducted from the deposit or $40 per day. You will also need to wear a life jacket, which is provided by the boat shop. You can enjoy paddling around the lake, admiring the scenery, and spotting some wildlife. The boat shop is a great place to rent a boat and have some fun at the park.

Another way to enjoy the park is to hike one of the trails that surround the lake. The Lakeview Trail is a 3.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The trail is easy to moderate, with some hills and rocky sections. You will pass by a historic stone bridge, a waterfall, and a dam along the way. The trail is also great for biking, jogging, or cross-country skiing in the winter.

If you want to stay overnight or longer, you have several options to choose from. You can camp at one of the 54 tent and trailer sites, or at one of the 16 cottages or 8 cabins that the park offers. The campsites have electric hookups, water, and fire pits. The cottages and cabins have heating, air conditioning, bathrooms, and kitchens. You can also rent a group campsite that can accommodate up to 40 people. The park has a camp store, a laundry facility, and a dump station for your convenience.

What to buy at the campground store

If you need to stock up on some camping supplies or souvenirs, you can visit the campground store, located just off the campground parking lot. The store is open seasonally and sells items such as firewood, ice, worms for fishing, charcoal and lighter fluid, candy, snacks, drinks, ice cream, toiletries, clothing, beach toys, and more. The store also has a friendly and helpful staff that can assist you with any questions or requests. The prices are reasonable and the selection is varied. You should be able to find everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay at the park at the campground store.

The park also has other facilities and amenities, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, sports playing fields, a rentable pavilion, as well as a recreation hall and showers. You can also enjoy ice skating and ice fishing on the lake when conditions are appropriate. You can call the park office at (518) 851-3631 to check ice thickness.

How to reserve a pavilion at the park

If you are planning to host a party, event, or gathering at the park, you might want to reserve a pavilion for your convenience and comfort. The park has one pavilion, located in parking lot E, close to the lake. The pavilion can accommodate up to 75 people and has picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a handicap accessible restroom. The pavilion also has electricity available for an extra fee.

To reserve the pavilion, you will need to fill out an application form and pay a fee. The fee at the time of this writing is $75 for the day or $85 for the day if electricity is needed. You can download the application form from the park’s website or get one from the park office. Also check the availability of the pavilion online at ReserveAmerica.com and submit your application and fee at least two weeks in advance of your desired date. You will receive a confirmation letter once your reservation is approved.

The pavilion is a great place to enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or celebration with your friends and family at the park. You can also use the nearby facilities and amenities, such as the swimming beach, the boat shop, the snack bar, and the playgrounds. You will surely have a fun and memorable time at the pavilion.

Playgrounds

If you are visiting the park with children, you will be happy to know that there are two playgrounds for them to enjoy. One playground is located next to the east beach, and the other one is near the campground. Both playgrounds have a variety of equipment and structures for children of all ages, such as swings, slides, bridges, poles, see-saws, and spinning things. There is also a giant rope-climbing web that is fun and challenging for older kids. The playgrounds are well-maintained and safe, and they have benches and picnic tables for parents to watch and relax. The playgrounds are a great place to let your kids have some fun and burn off some energy at the park.

How to get there and when to visit

Lake Taghkanic State Park is located in Ancram, New York, about two hours north of New York City and three hours west of Boston. You can reach the park by car, bus, or train. The park has two entrances, one on Route 82 and one on the Taconic State Parkway. Large trucks, RVs, and campers can enter from the Route 82 entrance.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the facilities are open. Lake Taghkanic is also beautiful in the fall, when the leaves change color, and in the winter, when the lake freezes and you can ice skate or snowshoe on it.

The park is popular and busy on weekends and holidays, so you might want to arrive early or make a reservation online to secure your spot. You can also visit on weekdays or off-season, when the park is less crowded and quieter.

Why you should visit Lake Taghkanic State Park

Lake Taghkanic State Park is a great place to visit for nature lovers, families, or anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. The park has something for everyone, whether you want to have fun, learn, or unwind. You will surely have a memorable and enjoyable experience at Lake Taghkanic State Park.