Highland Lakes State Park

Photo

Winter scene along the Long Path (Photo Jakob Franke)

Map


View Highland Lakes State Park in a larger map

Park Overview:

A very large, pristine preserve near Middletown, NY, with the Long Path passing through it
Trail Uses:Hiking
Dogs:Dogs on leash
Trail Miles:
Park Acreage:3115 acres
City/County/
State:		Middletown/Orange/NY
Park Description:

Highland Lakes State Park is the largest of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission’s undeveloped parks. 

The Long Path (aqua blaze) passes through the park.  Geologically, the park consists of a series of low parallel ridges with lakes and wetlands in between. In the park, the Long Path follows old woods roads that are unpaved and frequently muddy because they are also used by horses (permit required) and mountain bikes (not sanctioned). A part of the park near the lakes was known as Camp Orange and was a summer recreation area with many homes. The ruins of the old dwellings have long ago been removed but the foundations are still visible.

In a rare find for state parks in the NY NJ region, hunting is not allowed in the park.  Still, be aware of illegal hunting. 

The Palisades Park Conservancy is a “friend” of the park.

Click for photographs taken along the Long Path in December, 2011.
Trails Overview:

Except for the Long Path there are no blazed trails, but there is an expansive network of unmarked woods roads allowing loop hikes.  Currently no trail map is published, but one is in preparation.  

A section of the Long Path (LP) that passes through the park is described here, scroll down to “Trail Description.”  Notice!  From the parking area identified under Directions you will be hiking in the opposite direction, traveling southeast away from the Shawangunk Ridge towards NY Route 211.  If you choose to use the hike description, begin reading it at mile 4.45 where you will enter (not exit) the park, and follow the directions in reverse down to mile 0.30.  These are not markers along the trail but clocked miles from the start of LP Section 10.  
Directions:

From the NJ NY border near Suffern where I-287, NJ-17 and I-87 merge,  take I-87 north about 15 miles to Exit 16  (use the two far right hand lanes as the roadway broadens)  connecting to NY-17 west.  When approaching the toll booths keep left to avoid traffic heading towards Woodbury Commons.  Travel on NY-17 west for roughly 17 miles, take Exit 120 for NY 211east toward Middletown/Montgomery.  Travel 1 mile (four traffic lights) to Goshen Turnpike, turn left and travel 1 mile to Scotchtown Collabar Rd, turn right, 1.5  miles east to Tamms Rd, turn right, 0.5 mile to sharp bend in road. Parking is on the right. 
Contact Information:Palisades Interstate Park Commission
845-786-2701
Region:Sterling Forest
Fees:None