Rockefeller State Park Preserve: Visit One of the Best Historic Parks in New York

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Rockefeller State Park Address and Directions

Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Photo by Fazia_ from Flickr

The park is located on NY Route 117 approximately 3/4 mile east of Route 9 in North Tarrytown. The address is 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570, United States. 

Follow the directions to Rockefeller State Park to get there. From the south, first take Saw Mill River Parkway North to exit 26, Taconic State Parkway. Once on the Taconic Parkway, immediately get off first exit, for Route 117. Make left onto Route 117 and go 1.6 miles to entrance on the left.

Rockefeller State Park Hours and Admission

Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Photo by simplethrill from Flickr

The Preserve is open year-round, from dawn to dusk. The Rockefeller State Park hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, closed Christmas Day. There is a parking fee of $6/vehicle that is collected between April - October (daily) and November - March (weekends and holidays).

Swan Lake Rockefeller State Park

Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Photo by S.A. Cem from Flickr

The park's 55 miles of carriage roads offer views of various habitats, including open meadows, dense forest, wetlands, the Pocantico River with its wood and stone bridges, gurgling streams, colonial stone walls, and rock outcroppings, as well as the 24-acre Swan Lake.

You can fish in the Pocantico River and Swan Lake in season. A current NYS Fishing License and orange Rockefeller State Park Preserve permit tag are required and must be displayed; obtain the RSPP permit tags at the visitor center and you’re good to go. Trout season begins April 1st on the Pocantico River, while bass fishing begins the 3rd Saturday in June on Swan Lake.

Rockefeller State Park Trails

Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Photo by simplethrill from Flickr

Make sure to experience Rockefeller State Park Preserve hiking and enjoy the wonder of nature that surrounds the park. Aside from the beautiful scenery, the Preserve trails are considered ideal by runners for their sure footing and gentle grades.

We have some recommended trails you can try during your visit:

• Swan Lake Loop is a 2.3 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Hawthorne that boasts the pristine Swan Lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

• Rockwood Loop is a 3.5 mile moderately trafficked trail located at the west end of the Rockefeller Preserve. Scenic highlights include grand views of the Hudson River, Palisades Cliffs, gorgeous sunsets, the "Great White" tree, and a babbling brook with quaint wooden foot bridges and blooming rhododendrons in the spring. The trail offers easy parking, access, and year-round usage.  Rockwood Loop is popular for strolls, running, family outings, and nature photography.

• Rockefeller Park Preserve Loop is a 10.6 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Tarrytown that features the beautiful Swan Lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve Art Gallery inside The Visitor Center

Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Photo by S.A. Cem from Flickr

The Visitor Center in the Preserve has a small art gallery that frequently displays paintings and photographic art works of local artists. You can visit the gallery from 9:00am to 4:30pm, daily. The exhibits of the park’s gallery are curated by Audrey Leeds.

The Preserve is a wonderful environment for photography and filming. The Art Gallery’s annual exhibition SNAP! is an opportunity to exhibit your Preserve photographs. Permits are required for professional photographers (including those photographing families/children), film makers, and college student film projects.

Past Art Gallery exhibits include Glorious Hudson Valley Visions, Mapping Symmetries, Mammals and Migratory Art, Wildlife, and Theatre of Nature.

Rockefeller State Park Restaurant

Rockefeller State Park Preserve - Photo by Lou Stejskal from Google Maps

Looking for a good meal around the park after venturing the nature all day long? Visit Blue Hill At Stone Barns. Bringing the concept of farm-to-table, the farm at Blue Hill At Stone Bars is truly magnificent with historical buildings. Outdoor dining is available and the decor is elegant and classic. 

The staff is super polite and friendly, and the food is served in a special picnic style, bread, appetizers, salad and dessert. All the ingredients are fresh with the best quality, especially the veggies. The food is overall delicious; you’d be especially surprised by the scrumptious miso spray for the bread and the jelly milk! Visit the web for a complete list of their amazing menus.