Location: Copake Falls
Distance: 1 mile, option to add Bash Bish
Skill Level: easy, good for little walkers
Elevation Gain: 100′
Type of Hike: out-and-back
Trail Condition: road, trail
Wow Factor: preserved iron works
Note: paid parking seasonally

How to get there: From 22, head east on 344.  Enter Taconic State Park.  Just over half a mile into the park you will see a large parking area on the right.  Here’s a street view.

Address to get you close: 214 New York 344, Copake Falls, NY 12517

 

Summary: From the parking area, head down the road and over the bridge making a large S shape.  Head west on the green Iron Works trail.  There are several informational posts along the way.  We liked learning how they made charcoal.

About half a mile from the parking lot, you’ll come to a little historic town and the giant forge.  The museum is open certain times for a fee but the markers are spread around so you can learn on your own.  My one year olds were not interested…

Once back at the parking lot, you can extend your hike 1.5 miles to Bash Bish Falls.  There is a small deli with fried mac and cheese right at the entrance of the park and a wide grassy area to picnic next to the rail trail.

 

Facilities: port-a-potty
Hunting:
Dogs: on a leash not more than 10 feet

Map