Winter at Lake Taghkanic

Lake Taghkanic State Park stays open all winter, 8 a.m. to sunset. State Parks permits ice fishing and ice skating on the lake only when conditions are appropriate, and asks visitors to call the park office at (518) 851-3631 to check the ice thickness before going out. The park also lists cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and snowmobile trails among its winter uses. The summer vehicle fee is not collected in winter.

Is the Ice Safe?

Only the park can tell you. State Parks' wording is that ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate, and NYSDEC says ice fishing is allowed when the park deems it safe. Call (518) 851-3631 the day you go. If the park has not said the ice is open, stay off it, however solid it looks from shore.

Ice Fishing

NYSDEC lists Lake Taghkanic among its Region 4 ice-fishing waters, with chain pickerel, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, brown bullhead and both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Anglers 16 and older need a New York State freshwater fishing licence, and DEC's Region 4 special regulations apply. More on the fishing page.

Ice Skating

Skating is allowed on the lake when the park says conditions are right. There is no rink or skate rental listed by State Parks, so bring your own skates and check with the office first.

Snowmobiling

The 2025 State Parks trail map shows a green Snowmobile Trail (0.67 miles) and an orange Snowmobile Connector (0.34 miles). The park brochure lists snowmobiling among its winter activities.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

State Parks lists cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as park amenities. The orange Winter Trail (0.40 miles) is marked on the map, and the park's other trails, such as the 4.96-mile Lakeview Trail South, are open on foot, skis or snowshoes. State Parks does not say the trails are groomed. See the trail map.

Sledding

Sledding is on State Parks' amenity list for the park. Ask at the office where it is best that day.

Winter Hunting Seasons

Hunting is permitted in designated parts of the park in season with a park permit. Wear blaze orange on the trails during hunting seasons and check the hunting map. See rules and regulations.

Facilities in Winter

Camping, cabins, cottages, the beach, the boat house and the snack bar are summer operations; the 2026 camping season ends October 25. Plan to bring food, water and warm layers. The park office is the place to ask about winter restrooms.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: ice anglers who will call ahead; quiet snowshoe walks in the hardwoods; a free winter outing, since the vehicle fee is collected only in summer. Maybe skip if: you want groomed ski trails or a staffed winter lodge. State Parks does not list either here.