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Highland Lakes State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Running trail in Middletown, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Highland Lakes 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.
What runners say about Highland Lakes State Park
“There is something magical about being the only person in such a serene, beautiful place.”
Having walked this trail many times in all seasons (my favorite is the fall) This summer with the heavy rains and sun the mosquitoes are prevalent- I would recommend spray/protection against them The trail around the lake is undercover through much of the walk
Secluded wilderness less than 10 minutes from the shopping center. And even better... it's free! Seems fairly popular (I only go Tuesdays, so I don't know what it's like on weekends) yet not crowded. Truly scenic views if you're willing to hike.
Gently rolling hills with well spaced deciduous woods separated by wet lowlands and multiple lakes nestling at different elevations make Highland Lakes one of my favorite places for an afternoon ramble.
Highland Lakes State Park is a true diamond in the rough. It’s beautiful, rough, rugged, and happily for me, underutilized. You can easily spend the day here and cover miles and miles of trails without encountering another person.
Trail conditions & character
“There is something magical about being the only person in such a serene, beautiful place.”
Plan your run at Highland Lakes State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone+1 845-786-2701
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
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