Hudson Highlands State Park unveils accessibility upgrades

Hudson Highlands State Park is more accessible than ever!

Little Stony Point Citizens Association recently unveiled a series of improvement projects aimed at creating easier access and a more welcoming environment for visitors.

Funded by the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program, these upgrades–including trail restoration, lot resurfacing, and increased signage–can be utilized by visitors of varying abilities.

The Gateway Trail

Renovation of the southern gateway to Little Stony Point prioritized safe and easy access for park goers. LCSPA used funding to professionally re-engineer the eroding trail. Hikers can now comfortably maneuver this stretch of trail culminating at the Little Stony Point Volunteer Center.

These improvements separate pedestrians from Route 9D at a busy intersection and improve connectivity for thousands of hikers coming to and from the train station in the Village of Cold Spring. Further connectivity is anticipated with the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, a planned walkable and bikeable linear park between the Village of Cold Spring and the City of Beacon with connections to Metro-North stations at Cold Spring, Breakneck Ridge, and Beacon.

The Volunteer Center

The lot at the Volunteer Center and the ramp leading to the overlook were resurfaced as part of the project. Uneven surfaces were smoothed out to better accommodate visitors with wheelchairs and walking aids. In addition a handicapped parking space adjacent to the Park Office and Volunteer Center was set with pavers and demarcated for handicap access.

These accessibility improvements bring the LSPCA Volunteer Center closer to achieving full compliance and permanent Certificate of Occupancy. LSPCA acted to leverage relationships with partners and volunteers to complete this project in partnership with OPRHP.

Interactive Signage

New interpretive signage will provide visitors with a better sense of place as they arrive at the section of the park along the highly traveled Gateway Trail at Fair Street. Inclusion of the LSPCA logo and QR code for donations increase visibility of the non-profit, highlighting the importance of community involvement and stewardship in caring for this highly popular Hudson Valley destination.