Snow days were meant for sledding. So bundle up, grab some sleds and pack some hot cocoa to go. But first, check out this evolving guide for a great sledding hill. If we missed a spot, please let me know at RachelS@MacaroniKid.com.
Putnam County, NY, offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor winter fun, with its charming small towns, rolling hills, and scenic parks. Here are some great spots to enjoy outdoor winter activities in Putnam County:
1. Fahnestock State Park (Cold Spring)
- Activities: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and sledding.
- Fahnestock State Park is a great place to enjoy winter activities with its miles of trails. The park is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but there are also opportunities for winter hiking, especially if you want to explore the quiet forested areas. When there's enough snow, sledding and tobogganing are also common here.
2. Tilly Foster Farm (Brewster)
- Activities: Sledding, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.
- Tilly Foster Farm is a lovely spot for a variety of outdoor winter activities. You can enjoy sledding down the rolling hills, or explore the park on snowshoes or on foot. The farm has a peaceful, rural atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing winter outing.
3. Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park (Carmel)
- Activities: Sledding, winter hiking.
- This large park offers a variety of outdoor spaces for winter activities. The hills are perfect for sledding when there's enough snow. Additionally, the park has walking trails that can be great for winter hikes, offering views of the surrounding woods and hills.
4. Lake Gleneida (Carmel)
- Activities: Ice skating, sledding, and winter walking.
- Lake Gleneida can be a fun spot for winter activities when conditions allow. If the lake freezes over safely, ice skating is a popular activity. The surrounding areas also offer great opportunities for sledding and winter walking with scenic views of the lake.
5. Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park (Cold Spring)
- Activities: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking.
- This park is known for its large, accessible areas that are great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter months. It has a mix of forested areas and open spaces, making it ideal for those looking to explore winter trails.
7. Cold Spring Village (Cold Spring)
- Activities: Winter walking, snowshoeing, and shopping.
- While Cold Spring is a quaint village known for its charming shops and restaurants, the area also offers opportunities to enjoy winter walking. Take a stroll along the Hudson River or explore the hilly terrain of the village for some great views.
8. The Appalachian Trail (various locations, including Putnam County)
- Activities: Winter hiking, snowshoeing.
- The Appalachian Trail passes through Putnam County, and in winter, it offers great opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and even backcountry skiing. The trail offers stunning views of the Hudson Highlands, and in the winter months, it’s a peaceful escape.
9. Canopus Lake (Fahnestock State Park, Cold Spring)
- Activities: Ice fishing (when conditions allow), winter hiking.
- Canopus Lake in Fahnestock State Park is another excellent spot for outdoor winter activities. When the ice is thick enough, ice fishing is a popular activity here. Otherwise, it's a great place for a winter hike or simply to take in the beautiful snowy scenery.
10. Dutchess & Putnam Rail Trail
- Activities: Winter biking (fat tire bikes), snowshoeing, winter walking.
- This trail stretches from Hopewell Junction through Putnam County and is open year-round for walking, biking, and snowshoeing. The winter months can make for a quiet, scenic walk or snowshoe hike through the woods and fields along the trail.
These spots offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy winter outdoor activities like sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking, so you're sure to find a place that suits your winter fun needs in Putnam County! Just remember to check conditions and accessibility before heading out, as snow and weather can impact these locations.
Here are some fun spots for sledding! |
BREWSTER
Castle Park, 192-198 Pumphouse Rd, Brewster, NY 10509
CARMEL/KENT
Camarda Park, 226 Seminary Hill Road, Carmel, NY 10512
Fahnestock Winter Park, 1498 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512 (Note: Tube Rentals Avail)
George Fisher Middle School, 281 Fair Street, Carmel, NY 10512
Kent Library, 17 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512
Ryan's Field, 43 Park Road, Kent Lakes, NY 10512
GARRISON
Winter Hill- 20 Nazareth Way, Garrison, NY 10524
PUTNAM VALLEY
Putnam Valley Elementary School, 171 Oscawana Lake Rd, Putnam Valley, NY 10579
MAHOPAC
Fulmar Road Elementary School, 55 Fulmar Road, Mahopac, NY 10541
Before heading out, it's always good to check local websites or with residents for the most up-to-date conditions, as some sledding areas may not be cleared of snow or could be subject to restrictions based on weather or maintenance.
Please note: Macaroni Kid has not vetted these locations and is in no way responsible for trespassing or any injuries. If you know of any issue with any of the hills listed here please let us know
