500+ acres of history and natural beauty

KINGSTON and the TOWN OF ULSTER, Ulster County (500+ acres) — Scenic Hudson conserved this magnificent landscape in 2019, and collaborated with the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) and New York State Parks (State Parks) over several years to establish the first State Park in the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster. This included the creation of its beautiful riverfront pavilion. The park is now owned and managed by State Parks and PIPC. For inquiries, please email SojournerTruth@parks.ny.gov.

In February 2022, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul dedicated the park in honor of abolitionist Sojourner Truth, who was born and lived much of her life in nearby Esopus.

The site’s industrial history — over the years it was home to brick making, ice harvesting, quarrying, and cement production — provides an opportunity to explore the important role the Hudson Valley played in New York State’s development. Its remarkable diversity of natural features — including 150-foot limestone cliffs — makes this a unique place to discover wildlife and connect with the inspiring power of the Hudson River:

• More than one mile of Hudson River shoreline
• An ADA-compliant riverfront community space featuring a fishing platform and a 2,000-square-foot shade pavilion with picnic tables
• Breathtaking 180 degree vistas of the river
• More than 17 unique habitats (including woods, wetlands, and a dramatic cliff and ridgeline)
• Historic industrial remnants, including a mule barn which was part of a brick manufacturing enterprise
• Quarried canyons with elevated overlooks

The park hosts a key segment of the Kingston Greenline called the Hudson River Brickyard Trail, connecting Kingston Point Beach with East Kingston. It’s also one of the few places where the 750-mile Empire State Trail connects directly with the Hudson River. It offers opportunities for a range of outdoor experiences — from intimate hikes and family gatherings to larger community events.

Please note only a portion of this park is currently open and accessible to the public as future plans are underway.

Features

• Hudson River Brickyard Trail 
• River Trail

Trail Descriptions:

STEEP ROCKS TRAIL (0.86 miles One-Way)

From the parking lot, the trail leads south to Steep Rocks.

Elevation gain 80 ft

Max. slope 29.8%

Average slope 6%

Longest ascent: 0.2 miles at 12%

EMPIRE STATE TRAIL CONNECTOR (0.21 miles One-Way)

This connector trail is a paved trail that starts from the parking lot and connects to the paved Empire State Trail.

biking, cross-country skiing snowshoeing, dog walking, fishing, hiking, picnicking, walking, wildlife, accessible, pavilion, restroom