I actually discovered this park - on a whim. I didn't know much about parks in Port Ewen until I…read morepassed by this park on my way to a Shipt customer this evening. When I later stopped off, the signs out front of the park were confusing - but I trudged on and into the park. However, once I found a parking spot (no spots are really marked per se), I couldn't believe just how lovely it felt to stop by. I like relaxing spots and having it be a warm day and being so close to the Hudson River, I felt that "cooling" refreshing breeze sweep over me. From the signs of the river breezes rushing in towards the banks of the parks, I could tell it was going to storm. Lots of places were saying to stay tuned for storms for tonight. However, I stopped by (for about ten minutes) and it was a surprise. The park may not be very much of a park at all. There are a couple of kid playland pieces and an enclosed table area (which has been closed by the park's management in light of coronavirus as is seen by tables being stacked on top of one another). However, that doesn't stop people from taking their stuff over onto the grass under or near the trees as I spotted today by this one couple having a picnic on the grass with their kids. In spots, I spotted some kids going into the water at the shore's edge - still in the safety of eyes of the caretakers (don't know if they were parents or not). Except for a few spots, there are few to no signs of no swimming - although beware, the beachfront isn't large enough to be considered a beach, and there are no lifeguards here! I don't know the accuracy of the statement of what I think I saw, but there's an outlet area near the parking lot that looks like it's been used as a boat launch area before. However, that too has signage, but nothing about no launching boats here. I mean, I could see this place as a great picnic spot for when you are out of ideas and need a cool refreshing breeze to pick you up, and having some of the Riverview Apartments nearby, makes things a bit refreshing to see relaxation places show up in these times of closure (where walls begin to cave in) - up close, and I'm glad to have been a part of them today. I probably won't be back because I don't live close enough by, but I guess if I'm in the area, I could stop by - probably on another whim.

Small, local beach, inexpensive. Gave it a 4 stars review…read morebecause it can use an extra hand in the clean up. Yes, people are responsible for their actions but nature (wind, animals) sometimes takes control of things which cause the garbage to be removed from the bin.

This places is an Amazing place , beautiful clean, family enjoyed, I totally recomendread more

One of the tallest waterfall in NY, similar height to Taughannock Falls. Physical requirement is…read moredifferent tho, Kaaterskill Falls has about 500foot of elevation change and a lot of slippery stone steps at the end, if you come here when the weather is still cold. Parking: most people park at the Laurel-House Road parking area, because it is the closest. Or you can park at Mountain Top Historical Society, the old train station, which an extra mile. Starting from the old railroad station is nice, you can still see some old tracks on the ground. Walk to the overlook is fairly easy, once you get to the start point of Lower falls junction, it is where you need to be prepared. I recommend hiking shoe, especially in colder months where the ground is wet and iced. When you reach to the stone steps, they can get slippery. I am surprised no one fell in late March. Half of the steps were cover in ice and people were wearing regular sneakers. Once you reach the base of the two tier falls, the view is tremendous. If water levels are high, you can feel the energy of the water. There is a lot of spray from the falls when you get close. There is short trail to the middle tier pool. It was iced up during winter, spikes will definitely be useful. The end was amazing too. So close to the lead of the waterfall. You can keep going and follow Escarpment trail and follow the edge of the valley. There is monument for fireman Frank Layman who died during firefighting in 1900, at his monument, you can see route 23A bend around mountain. And if you keep going, there are a couple viewpoint to overlook the valley. Nice break points to enjoy the view and rest your legs.

We did the ~1 mile hike to the upper falls from the Scutt Road parking lot. The hike is fairly…read moreeasy, though sections of the trail have a lot of rocks and roots. A few small hills, but not much elevation change. The viewing point gets quite crowded, so it's probably best to go during off peak times. We started out at 5:45pm and there were still lots of people there. Because it's been quite dry, the falls were not gushing, but still offered a satisfying steady stream. From the upper viewing point, you can see the hikers on the lower levels below. The lower hike winds around to the bottom pool of the falls, so it's kind of cool to see from above, almost like a mini Grand Canyon. It's worth the journey and the lower falls hike is probably quite nice too, but we didn't have time for it on this trip.

It's a small manmade lake with beautiful views of the Catskills mountains. Perfect for a hot…read moresummer day. They rent canoes, and paddle boats. There's also a small playground. The food is nothing special... standard fast food and ice cream, etc. This place is fun for everyone and an inexpensive way to spend a day especially if you have kids. There were lots of people there but it didn't feel crowded. The beach was clean and the water was clear and refreshing. If you're adventurous and have the time, there is a lengthy hike that is connected to the complex that goes all the way to the top of the Belleayre Mountain.

Not even a Lake...more a pond...pretty sure man made. Beach a small strip of sand that obviously…read moreman made too...scenery stunning Catskill Mountains Pond water dark brown, green and gross I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMEND!

Lake Taghkanic State Park is an expansive area with a pavillion, large beach, water activities,…read moreboat rentals, picnic tables, tent, trailer and RVcampsites; hiking, biking, crosscounty and snowmobile trails; short and long term rental cottages yearround. The park area is about a mile off the Taconic Highway in a relatively secluded area of Columbia County in New York State. Beautiful spot for a day visit or cabin rental for a summer vacation with the family.

Updated Review: For the beach area only…read more Yinz already know I love this campground. This past weekend I returned just for the lake for a Fat Beach Swim with my plus size hiking group and it was soooo fun! I snagged parking right by the lake, it was super clean, and the crowds were lovely. I felt super comfortable as a Black woman and as a fat person. Very diverse beachgoers. Our crew - over 20 of us! - set up tents, beach umbrellas, tables, coolers, etc. and all of our stuff was safe while we swam. Lifeguards and rangers were unobtrusive. The roped off area went back to a good 7 ft deep so it was easy to wade or actually swim. Bathrooms were very clean and I heard good reports about the concession stand. Tips: -$10 to enter -There was a Statie checkpoint set up as soon as I pulled in at 2pm. Seatbelts and sobriety so don't get caught lacking. -the sand and exposure gets hot hot hot so bring flip flops, sunglasses, and a hat. Enjoy yourself!!

I think this may be my favorite state park within a short driving distance from my home. There are…read moreso many hiking trails of different levels, and carriage road trails too! And the views are amazing, plus there are a bunch of waterfalls! While it does get crowded, especially in the parking lots, I find the hiking trails to be a little less crowded than the parks that are a little closer to NYC. Even though I am not a rock climber I do also enjoy seeing the climbers out there doing their thing.

This is my eighth review of MSPP, and each one has been 5 stars. Today was no different. Came by w…read morebest friend, Pots & Pans AKA, The Missing Ink. We had designs on hiking to Lake Awosting and swimming, but today was very hot and humid w the only breeze coming from fluttering butterfly wings. Plus LA is over an 8-mile round-trip. So, discretion being the better part of valor, we looped around Lake Minnewaska (about 2 miles), and rewarded ourselves w a very refreshing dip in that lake. Beautiful scenery as well. Please remember to leave no trace (carry out what you carry in). Also, good idea to bring bug spray as this is black fly season. Sunscreen as well. 5 scenic, refreshing stars

I love this place I beg to go and I love it more than the pool and beach…read more Nice big beautiful Place to go to and quite

This is a hidden gem located about 2 1/2 hours away from NYC. It's a beautiful water fall where you…read morecan swim and spend the day enjoying the nature Note that they recently implemented a system in which you need to get a pass to go in the weekends to prevent overcrowd. Please check the link below for details. The water, however, is very cold even during summer months so be prepared. GPS coordinates to get there: +41 54.902, -74 25.735 You can find further details in: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/109922.html

Have not been on the lake for quite a while and decided to give it a shot. Ok, so it was a really…read morenice Sunday and I know it will be busy, and my expectations were that it would be busy. Launch at Lattin's Cove was solid jammed and the number of rude idiots just simply ASTOUNDING. No courtesy for other boaters/pwc's whatsoever. Couple of morons were camped out on the dock and screwed up everyone else's put in/take out routine. No surprise to see the NJ and NY registrations on their PWCs. While coming back in, 3 idiots on PWC's came screaming past us in the no wake zone to "beat" us to the ramp, then they sat there blocking one side of the launch. One fellow asked nicely if they could move over just a bit so he could launch his pwc and he got snapped at by one of the tattoo queens... "we're leaving in a couple of minutes". Definitely will not go back here on a weekend anytime soon. Very sad because it never used to be like this.

Hubby has been on a boating kick ever since he went fishing with some friends a while back. He…read moredecided to get his license so that we could rent boats anywhere we travel. At our age, we are able to drive a boat without a license but not many places will rent a boat to you without the license. Last year we rented a boat on Long Island, in the ocean water, and it was a fun experience. This year, we were talking about it with friends and they said they'd be down to come along so we decided to put together a group outing on a lake instead, especially since we would have the kids jumping in the water also. I really wanted to get a pontoon because we had an awesome time out on a lake in SC with my sister-in-law and family. Our first boat got canceled on us because needed repairs last minute, and after scrambling for a replacement boat, the boat we ended up renting became available for a date that worked for everyone so we jumped on it. We met up with the boat manager at a public launch site, packed up our stuff on the boat and got quick instruction about driving and different locations on the lake. We dropped off our guide and headed out to have some fun exploring. The lake is huge and there are plenty of places to drop anchor and enjoy the day We settled on a sandbar in the middle of the lake. There were quite a few boats already anchored so we didn't have quite a sandbar as we planned but the kids got in the water and we all got to swim some. Theres a restaurant you can actually sail up to called, Down The Hatch, right there on the lake. There were a few spots where you could anchor, that have calmer water and even a rope swing. The whole day was great, despite a few hiccups. This weekend there was a regatta so we were able to see a lot of sailboats which was pretty cool. There were lots of people on the lake enjoying the weather. The water is cold for the first couple minutes but warms up immediately after getting in. The water feels clean. It's constantly agitated and there were plenty of boats so the water was far from calm. I didn't have that slimy feeling I felt in SC after we got out. I brought my scuba mask to test it out and wish I could have seen the flooded city beneath the water. Very many years ago, the town flooded the former town in order to introduce hydroelectricity and when the water level drops, you can see the town's church bell sticking out of the water. We didn't have time for that but hopefully this is the beginning of an annual event with our friends. We only rented the boat for 4 hours but 6 hours would have been way better. The boat manager was very cool and we hope to do more business with him in the future.

A peaceful, pristine, little bit of paradise on a hot summer's day. The water is so crisp and cool…read more Parking is limited and the walk down can be a bit for some, .20 miles down a rocky incline, but once you get here it's worth it. This is a take in/take out facility-please take your trash with you. No public facilities so plan accordingly. This is NATURE, enjoy

Whether it's a full swim, wet our toes or be near water (even in winter), hubs is forever finding…read moreany body of water to explore. I had read about Big Deep- but we never found it in all the years we've visited Woodstock, NY until the Summer of '22. Big Deep reminded me of the movie, 'The Beach'. Wait up though- this is a much smaller, smaller, smaller, smaller, smaller and rugged version of the movie and a farrrrrrrrrr stretch from that lush and tropical beach setting. So paradise, is not. At its best, Big Deep is only (and I mean only) a patch of some water (a lot of it has receded), lots of trees blocking the Sun and a bunch of rocks. Get some legit water sandals to avoid walking bare feet on rocks, scraping your skin- otherwise, pray you don't break a toe. Don't drive too fast or you'll miss it. Big Deep has designated paved drivable entrance and exit paths. After you're parked, it's a trek on more paved paths to get to 'the beach', lake or whatever you wanna call it. I'm not glorifying Big Deep- but it is secluded in its own bizarre way. Some blogs have mentioned this may be/will be closed off. If you feel like you want to put up with this scene, by all means. It's $0 to get in (from the last time we were here).