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Fahnestock Memorial State Park Offers Winter Activities
And Sports
During the fall, visitors and residents alike enjoy and marvel at the incredible variety of colors in the Hudson Highlands.
One of the best kept secrets in the Hudson Highlands is the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, in Fahnestock Memorial State Park, operating year round, with forested landscape, appealing interpretive exhibits, cabins, lodge, trails and lake offers a comfortable learning atmosphere. Now in its
10th year, new trails have been added and expanded services will be offered. Visitors benefit from a helpful and knowledgeable staff, inviting facility and excellent meal service. Fahnestock Winter Park is located in a 10,000 acre State Park, located near Cold Spring in Putnam County. The Winter Park is only an hour drive from Manhattan or Poughkeepsie. It is accessible by car on the Taconic State Parkway or Metro-North trains to Cold Spring, with a short taxi ride to the park (Reservations are suggested for taxi service).
You can choose your own pace with 15km of machine groomed, tracked and mapped trails for a safe
snowshoeing, classic or skate skiing experience. Skiing is for all ability levels, through meadows and rolling forested terrain. The beauty of the trails is hard to miss as you glide through hemlock and hardwood groves dotted with rock outcroppings and stone walls. Wilderness trails are accessible from the park. Since they are not groomed or maintained, skiers or snowshoers interested in exploring the woods on their own use them.
Learning to cross country ski on groomed trails is easier and more enjoyable for the beginner. It is a safe way to develop skills that will help one become a confident skier in all types of settings. Winter Park has a selection of top quality ski and snowshoe equipment. They stock a variety of skis, boots, and poles to fit most people. There are trail and equipment rental fees all of which are reasonable. You can also book cross-country ski lessons. Private or group rates are available. There are midweek and group specials. You can also reserve the Winter Park for your very own Moonlight cross-country ski event.
Group Lessons are geared for 1st-time cross-country skiers. Lessons cover basic motions of skiing on level terrain, up and down hills, stopping, falling and getting up. For those comfortable on skis, but who want to learn more, advanced lessons are available. There is a day lodge, which has a comfortable warming area to enjoy a meal and beverage. Food is served and there is a changing room and restrooms.
Ski clinics, guided nature tours, a winter fun race and a Ski Fest Celebration are scheduled throughout the season when conditions permit, a groomed sledding hill is available. One can rent a specially designed inner tube sled. There are a variety of motels, hotels and bed and breakfasts within a 1/2hour drive. Clubs looking for a more rustic experience can find cabin accommodations with hearty winter meals located in the park. Hours of operation - Weekends - 9:00am to 4:30pm, weekdays from 10 to 4:30.
For more information, conditions and rates call 845-225-3998 or 845-265-3773.
Winterfest is on February 3, 2008 from 11am to 4:00pm at Fahenstock Park. It is a daylong program that offers participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Activities include interpretive walks, exhibits, nature and winter sports program (weather permitting).
Begins with a pancake breakfast. Held at Taconic Outdoor Education
Center. The Center is located just off Rt. 301, 4 miles west of Fahnestock Park and 2 miles east of Rt. 9. Watch for signs.
Adults $6
Sap to Syrup is on March 16, 2008 from 9:00am to Noon. This is a Maple Sugar celebration at the Hudson Valley Maple Farm at the Taconic Outdoor Education
Center, Rt. 301. Planned activities are a pancake breakfast, hay ride, music and hands-on demonstrations of syrup making from sap collecting to boiling to tasting. The Sugaring season runs from February through March and unplanned activities are always going on. For more information, call the Education Center at 845-265-3773. The Center is located just off Rt. 301, 4 miles west of Fahnestock Park and 2 miles east of Rt. 9. Watch for signs.
Free.
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