Find Your Adventure: New Public Outdoor Spaces and Updates Inside

Public Access Improved at Adirondack Upper Works

Open Space Institute (OSI) announced the completion of a series of projects that improved public access at the Upper Works property in the Town of Newcomb, Essex County. The Upper Works property provides easy access to Henderson Lake, which is a popular kayak and canoe location, features three trailheads leading to scenic forested hiking trails, as well as interpretive panels that provide historical insight to visitors. This property also provides access to the High Peaks Wilderness Area to help disperse hikers and protect trails and resources. Check out a map of the Upper Works Area and learn more about the historic Tahawus.

Photo credit: Carl Heilman III courtesy of Open Space Institute 

Newly Designated Hudson Eagles Recreation Area Announced

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new project to create the Hudson Eagles Recreation Area, a new State recreation area focused on water-based access and other outdoor experiences. Under the new initiative, five state boat launches - Coxsackie State Boat Launch, Schodack Island State Park, Crailo State Historic Site, Athens State Boat Launch, Hudson State Boat Launch - will receive upgrades, expanding access for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

As part of the initiative, the DEC Ferry Landing Fishing Access Site was upgraded to provide visitors with safe, accessible fishing opportunities. Improvements include construction of a new 61-foot long by 10-foot-wide accessible fixed fishing pier, reinforcement of the existing timber bulkhead, and a 315-foot sustainable shoreline treatment to prevent further erosion.

Construction Begins at Carpenter Falls Unique Area

Construction has started on a $1.25 million project to improve access at Carpenter Falls Unique Area in the town of Niles, Cayuga County. The site will remain closed for the duration of construction, which is expected to be completed in 2022. Phase one improvements include:

• New on-site paved parking lot for 20 single vehicles;
• Bicycle rack;
• Accessible bathroom with screened enclosure near the parking area;
• New elevated boardwalk accessible to visitors of all abilities leading from the parking lot to an accessible platform;
• Accessible observation platform where visitors can enjoy a view of the 90-foot-tall Upper Carpenter Falls; and
• A new trail with stone steps to safely guide hikers down a steep ravine to view Upper Carpenter Falls from a unique vantage point.

Tivoli Bay Boat Launch Improvements

The newly improved Tivoli Bay Boat launch offers an updated tidal freshwater wetland experience. Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area & Research Reserve extends for two miles along the east shore of the Hudson River between the villages of Tivoli and Barrytown, in the Dutchess County town of Red Hook. Recent improvements include:

• New & improved dock;
• A boat slide that aids in getting boats to the water with ease;
• A new viewing bench & platform.

Tivoli Bays offers multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation including birding and other wildlife watching, hiking a section of the Hudson River Greenway Land Trail, and paddling. For free guided paddling opportunities with the Hudson River Estuary Program, check out our website. Registration is required.

Grand Reopening at the Catskills Visitor Center

The Catskills Visitor Center has been renovated with all new exhibits highlighting the ecological and cultural offerings of the Catskills region. A centerpiece of the new design is a moving mural about the history of the Catskills painted by artist Lauren Sansariq. Masks are required in the building regardless of vaccination status. Starting November 1, the Catskills Visitor Center will be open everyday except Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

NYS Birding Trail Launched

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the launch of the new NYS Birding Trail to highlight world-class birding opportunities across the state. Birding or birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing recreation and tourism activities and requires little to no experience or equipment to get started.

The New York State Birding Trail provides information on places anyone can go to find birds amid beautiful natural settings across the state. The trail is not a physically connected or built trail but a network of promoted birding locations that can be accessed by car or public transportation and provides an inclusive experience for all.

New York City is the first region to be announced, with future announcements expected over the next year. Thank you to our partners NYC Parks, NYS Parks, and National Park Service (Gateway Recreation Area).

Save the Date: First Day Hikes 2022!

First Day Hikes 2022 will be held on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at locations across the state. Kick off 2022 by participating in one of many hikes being held at public spaces across the state. Stay tuned to DEC's website, Facebook, or email for more information coming soon.