Hiking at Lake Taghkanic

Lake Taghkanic State Park has 12 trails on its 2025 State Parks map, about 13.3 miles in all, through oak, hickory and hemlock woods in the hills round the lake. The longest hike is the white-blazed Lakeview Trail South at 4.96 miles. The trails are open 8 a.m. to sunset, leashed dogs are welcome on marked trails, and the park brochure calls them suitable for light to moderate mountain biking.

Lakeview Trail South

At 4.96 miles, the Lakeview Trail South is the park's long walk. It is blazed white on the State Parks map, with a 0.49-mile Lakeview Trail Extension, also white. Carry water; there are no facilities along the trail.

Reesa's Farm Trail

The green-blazed Reesa's Farm Trail runs 1.81 miles. The map does not explain the name, and this site will not guess. With the Wetland Spur (red, 0.15 miles) it makes a quieter walk away from the beach crowds.

Campground Loop and Cloud Trail

The green Campground Loop (2.09 miles) circles the camping area at the east end of the park, handy for campers who want a walk without driving. The purple Cloud Trail (0.45 miles) is a short connector. Two short white trails, the Lookout Trail (0.05 miles) and Lookout Trail North (0.04 miles), round out the map.

Fitness Trail

The blue Fitness Trail runs 1.89 miles. It is the one to pick for a run.

Winter Trails

The Winter Trail (orange, 0.40 miles), Snowmobile Trail (green, 0.67 miles) and Snowmobile Connector (orange, 0.34 miles) come into their own when snow falls. See winter at Lake Taghkanic.

Mountain Biking

The park brochure describes the trails as suitable for hiking and light to moderate mountain biking, and State Parks lists biking among the park's amenities. Yield to walkers and keep speeds down near the campground.

Hiking With Dogs

Dogs may walk the marked trails on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They are not allowed on the beach, in playgrounds or in picnic areas. Bring bags; this is a carry-in, carry-out park.

Hunting Season

Hunting is allowed in designated parts of the park in season, with a park permit: deer and turkey by bow and shotgun, waterfowl by shotgun. In fall, wear blaze orange and check the hunting map on the State Parks website before you go. See rules and regulations.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: a half-day walk round the woods and water; families who want a short loop near the beach; leashed dogs; autumn walks in the hardwoods. Maybe skip if: you want a big summit view or a waterfall. For that, drive to Taconic State Park and Bash Bish Falls, about 45 minutes away.

What to Bring

Water, a downloaded map (see the trail map), bug spray in summer, and a bag for your trash. There are restrooms at the beach and campground, not on the trails.