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Rockland Lake State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,207 Google reviews · Running trail in Valley Cottage, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Rockland Lake State Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Park with a massive swimming pool plus tennis courts, golf courses, trails, lake for fishing & more.
What runners say about Rockland Lake State Park
“We went and we loved it, everything was very organized and clean, my kids had a great time in the pool and you only pay $5 per person and $10 per car for parking.”
“The water is peaceful and surrounded by lots of birds—swans, seagulls, and beautiful white geese wandering around the shore.”
“I used to come here during college to rollerblade 6 miles before class, and I still hold onto that dear memory, as it was so calming and not crowded early in the morning.”
“There’s even a large swimming pool inside the park, which makes it extra family-friendly and fun during the warmer months.”
The park is great. We paid $10 for entry by car. The park has several entrances with separate parking lots, which can accommodate quite a lot of cars. The park is very clean, there are many places for a picnic on the territory, there are grills, tables.
I was absolutely blown away by its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The park offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. The trails are well-maintained and provide stunning views of the landscape, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
Wonderful place to enjoy nature and bird. No dogs/pets allowed (there are a lot of youngsters and birds/ducks) yet people still bring their dogs here, some off-leash so beware. Full loop is about 3 miles. Free parking right now and several bathrooms that are open. Trails are nicely maintained. And lots of birds!
I really love this place during the off season. I used to come here during college to rollerblade 6 miles before class, and I still hold onto that dear memory, as it was so calming and not crowded early in the morning. The walk around the lake is also so beautiful and serene when it's not crowded.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are well-maintained and provide stunning views of the landscape, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.”
“We went and we loved it, everything was very organized and clean, my kids had a great time in the pool and you only pay $5 per person and $10 per car for parking.”
“I used to come here during college to rollerblade 6 miles before class, and I still hold onto that dear memory, as it was so calming and not crowded early in the morning.”
“The bathrooms are usually clean until towards the end of the day when all the pool goers come on in and wet the floor.”
“For hills you can start in Nyack and come up the river and climb up to the park to add miles/hills.”
“No dogs/pets allowed (there are a lot of youngsters and birds/ducks) yet people still bring their dogs here, some off-leash so beware.”
“Attention distance runners: I would work this into your long run routines; this is also a nice flat race course.”
Plan your run at Rockland Lake State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(845) 268-3020
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