Rockland Lake State Park is a year-round outdoor destination on Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River. You can walk or cycle around the lake, explore other trails, picnic, or use the park’s pool complex when it is operating.
- Location: On a ridge of Hook Mountain above the Hudson River’s west bank.
- Park hours: Year-round, from daylight to dusk.
- Lake loop: A 3.2-mile paved trail for non-motorized use.
- Swimming: At the pool complex; swimming in Rockland Lake and the river is prohibited.
What Rockland Lake State Park offers
Rockland Lake State Park brings together lake views, trails and recreation facilities on Hook Mountain. Its position above the west bank of the Hudson River gives the park a setting that includes both the lake and the surrounding landscape.
For a simple outing, start with the paved trail around Rockland Lake, then choose whether to add another trail or spend time at the picnic areas.
The park map also identifies a nature center, public restrooms and parking, which can help you plan your time on site; a one-day Stony Point itinerary for history and the outdoors includes the wider area.
Which walking and lakefront activities can you do?
The park’s 3.2-mile paved trail loops around Rockland Lake and is open to walkers, joggers, roller bladers and bicyclists. It is designated for non-motorized use, so it can suit a visit focused on moving around the lakeshore.
For a different route, the park map lists several trails of varying lengths:
- Long Path: 5.8 miles.
- Haverstraw River Trail: 3.4 miles.
- Nyack River Trail: 1.6 miles.
- Nature Center Trails: 0.7 miles.
- Switchback Trail: 0.24 miles.
Boating and fishing are also available. The park has a car-top boat launch dock, and the map identifies cross-country skiing and ice fishing among its activities. Pets are not permitted on the bike path at any time of year. For another area outing, a Harriman State Park day trip from Stony Point offers a separate park-focused plan.
What facilities and seasonal activities are available?
The park has a pool complex, picnic areas, tennis courts, pickleball and two 18-hole golf courses. Swimming is offered at the pool complex, not in Rockland Lake or the river, where it is prohibited. Another regional option is Bear Mountain State Park, with trails, views and visitor planning.
The water complex includes a 25,000-square-foot zero-entry swimming pool, diving boards, a spray ground and two water slides. If swimming is part of your plan, check the official site before you go for current pool schedules and admission details.
Picnic areas have tables and some grills. A playground for children 12 and under is in the picnic area at Parking Lot 2. The park map also marks a nature center, public restrooms and heated public restrooms. Picnicking and PIPC boat permits are available April through November.
How do you get to Rockland Lake State Park and handle parking?
The park map marks parking areas and a car-top boat launch. It also shows public restrooms and picnic areas, useful landmarks when you are deciding where to begin your visit.
Vehicle fees and access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go for current details. The park is open year-round from daylight to dusk, but pool access and other seasonal activities have their own operating schedules.
Planning a day visit from Stony Point
Rockland Lake State Park is about 5.7 miles from this motel in Stony Point. For a day outdoors, you could begin with the lake loop, add one of the shorter trails, then leave time for a picnic or another activity available during your visit.
Allow for the trail you choose: the mapped routes range from the 0.24-mile Switchback Trail to the 5.8-mile Long Path. If you plan to swim, use the pool complex rather than the lake or river, and confirm pool hours before setting out.
FAQs
Is Rockland Lake State Park open year-round?
Yes. The park is open year-round from daylight to dusk.
Can you swim in Rockland Lake?
No. Swimming in Rockland Lake and the river is prohibited; swimming is offered at the park pool complex.
How long is the trail around Rockland Lake?
The paved, non-motorized-use trail around the lake is 3.2 miles long. It is used by walkers, joggers, roller bladers and bicyclists.
Are pets allowed on the bike path?
No. Pets are not permitted on the bike path at any time of year.