Enjoy the Snow at These County Parks & More

Date Published: February 3, 2021

Are you ready to enjoy winter? After a recent snow storm, the hills and trails are prepped for optimal snowy fun!

Head to Dutchess County’s Bowdoin Park where sledding reigns on the main big hill. Grab some friends and bring the kids to enjoy this much loved seasonal activity. Sledding is most manageable on the main hill where the band shell is located, with gorgeous Hudson River views as a backdrop! 

Even more winter fun transpires at Bowdoin Park thanks to the portable skating rink next to Pavilion 5. The 76 x 80 foot rink is open, as extra-cold temperatures have allowed for a solid freeze to create a smooth skating surface. You’ll need to provide your own skates. The rink is open as weather conditions permit during park hours, 9am to 5pm daily. Make sure to dress warmly, including a hat and gloves.

Rules for sledding:

• Sled at your own risk
• Sled ONLY on designated hill area within orange fencing.
• Metal-edge or metal runner sleds, wooden toboggans, snowboards, skis and oversized tubes are prohibited.
• Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of the Parks staff
• Use return lane to return to the hilltop – Do Not Walk Up Main Sledding Hill

Rules for skating:

• Bring your own skates!
• Skate at your own risk
• Ice skating can be hazardous; accidents happen.
• Children younger than 7 must to be accompanied by an adult.
• No hockey sticks, food, beverages or roughhousing allowed.

Thinking of ice skating outdoors? Safety tip: at least of 3 to 4 inches of solid ice is the rule for safety. Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water.

Snow provides the chance for other winter activities at Dutchess County Parks, such as snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the Dutchess and the Harlem Valley Rail Trails.  Don’t let the cold get you down!  

Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie; call them at 845-298-4600. For information about Dutchess Parks, visit Dutchess County Government’s website  

Dutchess County Sledding, Skating and Cross Country Skiing

Here are some other great places throughout the county to use your flexible fliers, snow tubes and toboggans! Take your sled and get outdoors to enjoy healthy winter fun and exercise! Add some excitement to your day and make memories with the kids.

Dayton Grant Park at Burger Hill, Rhinebeck

Open year round, daily at 9am-8:30pm. Enjoy cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing at one of the highest points in Northern Dutchess. Atop Burger Hill, visitors experience breathtaking views of the Taconic Mountains to the East and the iconic Catskills to the West. The speedy descent on a sled makes the half-mile walk back to the top well worth it. Rte. 9G, Rhinebeck, 12572. 845-876-4213.

College Hill Park, Poughkeepsie

This hidden-gem park also happens to be the highest point in the City of Poughkeepsie. Sled down this site after a fresh coat of snow, and soak in panoramic views in Central Dutchess. N. Clinton St., Poughkeepsie, 12601

James Baird State Park, Pleasant Valley 

Open year round, James Baird State Park is notable for an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones. However, visit during the winter season for incredible cross-country skiing and snowshoeing across 7 miles of trails. 14 Maintenance Ln., off Rte. 44 & Taconic State Parkway, Pleasant Valley, 845-452-1489.

Fishkill Farms, Fishkill

When you aren't picking your own produce during the height of strawberry, peach and apple season, go sledding on the farm! Check their website and social media for updates after a snowstorm on hours, which tend to be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Jct, 845-897-4377

Memorial Park, Beacon

This local-favorite spot is a great way to enjoy sledding in the great outdoors. Robert Cahill Dr., Beacon

Mount Beacon Park, Beacon

Along with scenic cross-country skiing, don a pair of snowshoes to experience beautiful views at Mount Beacon Park in Beacon. Plus, there is a disc golf course down the road that is perfect for a special snow round! Wolcott Ave./Rte. 9D, Beacon, 845-765-3262

Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park, Staatsburg

Head to historic Staatsburg for cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing trails. Old Post Rd., Staatsburg, 12580, 845-889-4646.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg

When a fresh coat of snow covers Dutchess County hills, go sledding right behind the Mills’ family Gilded Age mansion. Staatsburgh State Historic Site stands on a hill aiming down toward the Hudson River, making for a unique experience. 75 Mills Mansion Rd., off Old Post Rd., Staatsburg.

Thomas J. Boyce Park, Rte. 55, Wingdale

Wethersfield, Amenia 

Hit the trails for cross-country skiing from dawn to dusk (weather permitting). There is no fee to cross-country ski, but ALL participants must sign the online waiver and read the trail regulations here. 257 Pugsley Hill Road, Amenia.

Also:

Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Carmel (we share it with Putnam County!). 

Enjoy sledding and snowshoeing trails. 1498 Rt. 301, Carmel, 845-225-7207.

Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown (we share it with Columbia County!)

1 Clermont Rd., Germantown