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Hyde Park in New York is not only known for its rich cultural and historical heritage; it is also a popular travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many state parks and forests near Hyde Park that offer excellent opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities. If you are interested in hiking, BBOnline recommends that you visit these parks and forests during your Hyde Park vacation.
Gilbert Lake State Park
18 CCC Road
Laurens, New York 13796
(607) 432-2114
The Gilbert Lake State Park is one of the most popular natural attractions near Hyde Park. It is situated at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, and it consists of Gilbert Lake, 3 ponds, and more than 1,500 acres of wooded area. The park provides a great environment for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, camping, snow-shoeing and skiing. There are more than 12 miles of trails in the park, and the most popular trail is the Ice Pond-Lake of the Twin Fawns Trail. This loop trail covers a distance of approximately 2 ½ miles, and it leads you through quiet wooded areas as well as open fields. It is a gently rolling trail, and it is suitable for both adults and children. Before you start hiking, you should visit the park office to get a full map of the park.
The Gilbert Lake State Park is located about 15 miles southwest of Hyde Park. If you are driving there from your Hyde Park Bed and Breakfast, you have to travel west on County Road 11. Keep going on this road until you come to Braun Road. Go into Braun Road and then turn right into Gardner Town Road. Gardner Town Road will take you straight into the park.
Glimmerglass State Park
1527 County Road 31
Cooperstown, New York 13326
(607) 547-8662
The Glimmerglass State Park is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Otsego, which is the largest lake near Hyde Park. The name of the state park was derived from the Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper. This park has a beach area that is frequently visited by locals from the surrounding towns, and it is also a favorite destination for hiking and wildlife viewing. A number of trails in the park lead to various recreational spots and overlooks, and these include the Beaver Pond Trail, Woodland Trail and the Sleeping Lion Trail. The Sleeping Lion Trial is a 2 ½-mile trail that runs from Glimmerglass State Park to Mount Wellington. It is said that the mountain looks like a sleeping lion when it is observed from the south. Along this trial, you will see lots of hemlocks, white pines and hardwoods, as well as some interesting wildlife.
From your Hyde Park Inn, you can get to the Glimmerglass State Park by going north on Route 28. If you travel straight on this road, you will end up on Chestnut Street, which goes into downtown Cooperstown. When you see Main Street, take a right, and the street will join to County Road 31. This road will run along the eastern shoreline of Lake Otsego, and it will take you to the state park.