NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Taconic Region

Beautiful vistas, woodland trails, beaches, campgrounds, and wonderful historic sites await you on the east side of the Hudson River. The Taconic Region is home to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the world's longest, elevated pedestrian bridge. Once a railroad bridge, now a 1.28-mile long walkway offering fantastic views of the Hudson River, and at 212-feet above the river's surface, an unparalleled "bird's eye view."

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a wide range of opportunities for recreation from bird watching to swimming. Golfers can play at a championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones at James Baird State Park, or at Dinsmore Golf Course within Mills-Norrie State Park one of the oldest public courses in the nation. Camping, picnicking, swimming, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, boating, fishing and hunting are just a few of the activities available. Hikers can choose from mountaintop trails with breathtaking views in Hudson Highlands State Park or Taconic State Park, a walk along the Appalachian Trail in Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park or a stroll on the groomed carriage trails through quiet woodlands at Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Waterfront cabins are available at Lake Taghkanic State Park and cozy cabin rentals are available year round at Taconic State Park.

Historic sites within the region include: Olana, a Moorish-style mansion high atop a hill with panoramic views of the Hudson constructed by artist Frederick Church; Staatsburgh, which preserves the splendor of Gilded Age living within a 1895 Beaux Arts classical mansion; and Philipse Manor Hall, a beautiful Georgian structure which offers exhibits on history, arts and architecture. - See more at: http://nysparks.com/regions/taconic/default.aspx#sthash.BRdrh2ps.dpuf