HomeNew YorkCarmel Hamlet › Fahnestock State Park

Fahnestock State Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 994 Google reviews · Running trail in Carmel Hamlet, New York · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Fahnestock State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceScenicFlat & fastRestroomsTrailhead parking

Public park with a swimming beach, plus campsites, hiking, cross-country skiing trails & more.

What runners say about Fahnestock State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (994 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Very nice relaxing beach on a still clean lake, with roped-off swimming.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“The views are beautiful and the walking trails aren't too challenging for small children.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Easy trails for beginners or strenuous trails for the advid outdoors person.”

1st time to this lake - it was great!!! I was sceptical about some reviews by others here, but as I figured - they were not accurate. The water was clean and clear and there was no smell😷. On the sides of the beach is where the water moss accumulates. It's a lake and not the ocean 🌊 so there is no seaweed😃.

★★★★★ — Daniel , Aug 2020

This is one of my favorite parks nearby NYC (about 1 hour away). My go to trail is the Three Lakes Trail/Appalachian Trail that you can park off of Dennytown Road. Lots of beautiful wildflowers (Lady Slippers!) Are starting to come up. Gorgeous place to hike. Update: there are a lot of people that fish here.

★★★★★ — Kitty , May 2024

There is something for every experience-level hiker here! Easy trails for beginners or strenuous trails for the advid outdoors person. The beauty of this state park will hit you right in the feels!

★★★★★ — Christopher , Sep 2024

I've been coming to this park for several years now and is still my favorite of the state parks I've camped at. Most of the sites are secluded enough and are spread apart nicely. I chose site 78, one I've stayed at before. The young woman who checked me in was very nice and welcoming.

★★★★★ — Chris , Aug 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 994 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“It has grills, fishing, swimming rest facilities, parking and a comfortable view of the lake.”

More trails like this →

🚻 Restrooms 8 mentions

“Restroom and shower facilities are located in the campground.”

More trails like this →

🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“The park could do a better job telling where parking areas for hiking trails are located, it helps to have local knowledge of the area.”

More trails like this →

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“Most of the park is located along a rocky ridgeline and there are many nice views to be had.”

More trails like this →

Flat & fast 2 mentions

“There is something for every experience-level hiker here!”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Fahnestock State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websiteparks.ny.gov
  • Phone+1 845-225-7207

Hours

Monday 9 am–6 pm
Tuesday 9 am–6 pm
Wednesday 9 am–6 pm
Thursday 9 am–6 pm
Friday 9 am–6 pm
Saturday 9 am–6 pm
Sunday 9 am–6 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Fahnestock State Park

1498 NY-301, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512

Get directions

Running trails near Carmel Hamlet

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Pelton Pond - Fahnestock State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 144 reviews

Hopewell Junction, NY

LoopScenic

Calm pond with short trails and picnic tables; a great spot for barbecues.

under a mile away

Three Lakes Trail Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 52 reviews

Hopewell Junction, NY

LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

under a mile away

Appalachian Trail at Miller Hill Rd & Taconic State Pkwy, NY

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

Hopewell Junction, NY

4.1 miles away

Nimham Mountain Multiple Use Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 195 reviews

Carmel Hamlet, NY

Natural surfaceScenic

Easy and difficult trails for hiking (or trail running) through the woods, leading to a fire tower.

5.7 miles away

Sarah Taylor Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 276 reviews

Fishkill, NY

PavedScenic

Soccer fields, a play area & a popular walking/jogging track make up this tranquil creekside park.

5.8 miles away

All running trails in Carmel Hamlet, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.