Canopus Lake

Carmel (Putnam County)

Why we love it

Sad to say, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for lake and river swimming in the Hudson Valley, which is why the parking lot at Canopus Lake fills up quickly. So get there early and enjoy the sun, sand and wooded surroundings. When/if you crave some action, rent a rowboat or go for a hike on one of many trails in the surrounding, 14,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park. Picnic areas provide a shady respite and campsites are available for those interested in roughing it.  

More to explore

Just 10 minutes away, Cold Spring features an enticing array of shops and restaurants and Scenic Hudson’s West Point Foundry Preserve. Located in a dramatic ravine, it features the remains of an ironworks that manufactured cannons during the Civil War and pipes for New York City’s water system.

Highlights

• Sandy beach with lifeguards
• Rowboat rentals available
• Great fishing

Directions, hours, etc.:https://parks.ny.gov/parks/133