The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. In the winter, you can enjoy the Fahnestock Winter Park that includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.

The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.

The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Bridle Path
Campsites
Fishing
Food
Group Camping
Hiking Trails / Walking
Hunting
Nature Trail
Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Recreation Programs
Showers
Swimming
Tent & Trailer Sites

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Sledding
Snowshoeing Trails

Rudd Pond has 15 tent sites and 26 tent platform sites, each providing campers with grand views of the ridge, pond, and nearby countryside. Enjoy boating on the scenic 64 acre pond. Visitors who possess regional boating permits are also welcome to launch their own rowboats, canoes, or kayaks. A variety of fish, including bass, sunfish and pickerel, inhabit the pond and fishing is permitted with a New York State Freshwater Fishing License. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate and fish on the pond, conditions permitting.

In season both deer hunting and turkey hunting are permitted in designated areas. A New York State hunting license is required. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Dutchess and Columbia Counties.

Press blue button for more about camping, boating, hunting, and required licenses at Rudd Pond Area in Taconic State Park.

Things To Do at Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area
Beach
Biking
Boating
Boat Launch
Boat rentals (rowboats, canoes, kayaks)
Campsites
Fishing
Grills
Hiking
Hunting
Picnic Tables
Showers
Tent / Trailer sites

Winter Activities
Ice Fishing
Ice Skating