Sojourner Truth State Park

Looking south from the park, visitors can spot the Town of Esopus, Kingston Point Park and the Rondout Lighthouse in the distance. (Photo: Robert Rodriguez, Jr. / Courtesy of www.scenichudson.org)

The Shultz Mule Barn, a historic brick structure associated with the former Shultz Brickyard, which closed around 1980, may be re-developed in the future. (Photo: Pierce Johnston / Courtesy of www.scenichudson.org)

Beautiful river vistas can be seen throughout the park. (Photo: Robert Rodriguez, Jr. / Courtesy of www.scenichudson.org)

One of the few places that the Empire State Trail (above) connects with the Hudson River is in Sojourner Truth State Park. (Photo: Riley Johndonnell)

View of waterfront pavilion. (Photo: Courtesy of NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation)

500+ acres of history and natural beauty

KINGSTON and the TOWN OF ULSTER, Ulster County (500+ acres) — Scenic Hudson acquired 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. Scenic Hudson continues to manage Sojourner Truth State Park, now owned by PIPC and a part of the New York State Parks Palisades Region. Learn more about this exciting and evolving park, including future events at: sojournertruthstatepark.info.

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. Please stay on marked trails (see park map). Please review general rules before your visit.

The park is open dawn to dusk.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The health and safety of park visitors remains one of our top priorities. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 endemic, all special events and group outings must be pre-approved. To coordinate one, please fill out this form and email Anthony Coneski.

Thanks for doing your part to protect yourself and others so we can continue to make Scenic Hudson parks and preserves available for all.