Palisades Parks Conservancy

08/12/2026

Lake Sophia is officially open 💙

This former quarry in Sojourner Truth State Park has been transformed into a stunning swim spot, with clear turquoise water, an accessible swim crib, and views of the surrounding cliffs and forest.

Swimming at Lake Sophia is open daily from 10 AM to 5:45 PM through Labor Day weekend.

08/06/2026

On July 30th, young campers from across Harriman's group camps came together at Lake Sebago in Harriman State Park for the Youth Canoe Regatta. This event would not be possible without the hard work of the organizers at Camp K-20 and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.

With the support of our generous donors, the Conservancy funds transportation and awards so more kids get to be part of this special day.

Help us keep this tradition going by donating through the link below:
https://www.palisadesparks.org/donate

08/05/2026

The Palisades MTB Get "Stuff" Done Crew has officially begun trail restoration work on the Hutchison Trail in Sterling Forest State Park.

The Conservancy is proud to support this important project, which will restore ongoing erosion while enhancing the overall trail experience.

We can't wait to see the finished trail! 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️🚶‍♂️

08/03/2026

The Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run returns Sunday, September 27 in Fort Lee, NJ.

We are looking for volunteers to help make the 2026 race day a success.
If you’re interested, please complete the Volunteer Sign-Up Form through the link below:
https://forms.gle/VJHvkbvgV32Q9Noc8

07/23/2026

Happy National Zookeeper Week! 🦊🦉

This week we're celebrating the incredible team at Museums and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park , the zookeepers, veterinarians, and volunteers who care for our animals every single day. Thank you for everything you do! 🐾

07/14/2026

This year's Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run will start and finish at Fort Lee Historic Park in New Jersey!

The course continues into Palisades Interstate Park, keep an eye out for the full course reveal in the coming weeks.
And if you haven't signed up yet lock in July prices through the link in our bio.

07/10/2026

🚴‍♀️🌲 Did you already read Parks & Trails New York's new report on the Empire State Trail's economic impact?

This report shows how the Empire State Trail isn't just a place to bike, walk, and explore. It's super beneficial to New York's economy, public health, and environment.
Read the full report from the link below:
https://www.ptny.org/reports/the-economic-impact-of-the-empire-state-trail/

07/02/2026

Accessing our public parks every day is a joy, but it should not have to be a privilege.

There is a critical need for ADA and adaptive outdoor resources within our beautiful Hudson Valley state parks.

Thank you to Brian Mahoney at Chronogram for bringing more visibility to that need, and for featuring the Palisades Parks Conservancy’s contributions to ADA infrastructure and adaptive programming across the Palisades Region.

As we kick off Disability Pride month this July, we celebrate these improvements, while knowing there is a long way to go before our public parks are truly accessible and inclusive to people of all ability and background.

If you too care about supporting this work, in whatever way available to you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

New accessibility initiatives across Hudson Valley state parks aim to make trails, overlooks, beaches, and outdoor recreation welcoming to more visitors.

07/01/2026

This July 4th, history comes alive at our parks 🎆

From watching tall ships sail up the Hudson to hearing the Declaration of Independence read aloud by a costumed interpreter, there's so much to explore at our State Parks & Historic Sites.
Swipe to see what's happening at our parks and historic sites 🎆



*updated from a previously posted version of this post