20 Attractions to Explore Near Highland Lakes State Park

Orange County Arboretum is a beautiful botanical garden located in Orange County, New York, USA. Situated within the Thomas Bull Memorial Park, the arboretum spans over 35 acres and offers a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and plants from various regions around the world.Visitors to the Orange County Arboretum can enjoy a peaceful and educational experience as they wander through themed gardens, including collections of conifers, roses, herbs, and native plants.

Winding Hills County Park is a picturesque and popular outdoor recreation area located in Orange County. The park offers a variety of activities and amenities amidst a beautiful natural setting, making it a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike.Covering over 600 acres, Winding Hills County Park features diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, woodlands, and open fields. This natural beauty provides a tranquil and serene environment for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

Maybrook Yard, also known as Maybrook Rail Yard, was a significant railroad yard located in Orange County, New York. It played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and passengers during the 20th century. Here is a summary of Maybrook Yard.

The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and heritage of harness racing in the United States. Located in Goshen, New York, the museum showcases the sport's significant contributions to American culture and its impact on the horse racing industry.The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and exhibits that offer a comprehensive overview of the sport's evolution over the years.

LEGOLAND New York Resort is a family-friendly theme park and resort located in Goshen, Orange County. It is part of the global chain of LEGOLAND theme parks and is specifically designed to cater to the enjoyment of children and LEGO enthusiasts.The resort covers over 500 acres, making it the largest LEGOLAND theme park in North America. It offers a wide range of attractions, rides, and interactive experiences centered around LEGO bricks and the iconic LEGO toy sets.

Stewart State Forest is a large state forest covering approximately 6,700 acres, it offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities and serves as an important natural resource for the region.The forest features an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and open fields. Visitors can explore the serene beauty of nature, enjoy birdwatching, and experience the changing seasons through the forest's scenic vistas.

Blue Cliff Monastery is a serene and contemplative Buddhist monastery located in Pine Bush, Sullivan County, New York, USA. It was founded by the renowned Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a prominent spiritual leader, and peace activist. The monastery serves as a spiritual retreat center and a place of practice for followers of Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village tradition of Buddhism.

Brotherhood Winery is recognized as America's oldest continuously operating winery, located in Washingtonville, New York. Established in 1839, it holds a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of winemaking in the United States.The winery's roots can be traced back to the efforts of Jean Jacques, a French Huguenot immigrant who settled in the Hudson Valley region in the early 19th century.

The Basha Kill Wildlife Refuge is a picturesque and ecologically significant conservation area located in Sullivan County, New York, USA. Situated in the Shawangunk Ridge region, this vast wetland preserve covers approximately 3,000 acres and is home to diverse and unique plant and animal species.The refuge is centered around the Basha Kill, a large and shallow wetland that provides essential habitat for various migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

The Delaware and Hudson Canal was a historic transportation system that played a crucial role in the economic development of the northeastern United States during the 19th century. Operating between the years 1828 and 1898, it served as a significant transportation route for carrying anthracite coal from the Pennsylvania coal mines to the Hudson River and, eventually, to the markets of New York City.

Glenmere Lake is a picturesque reservoir located in Orange County, New York, USA. Situated near the town of Chester, the lake offers a serene and natural setting, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful escape.The lake covers approximately 320 acres and is surrounded by rolling hills and wooded areas, providing a tranquil environment for various recreational activities.

Verkeerder Kill Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Ulster County, New York. It is a hidden gem in the region, known for its natural beauty and secluded setting.The waterfall is formed by Verkeerder Kill, a stream that flows through a rocky gorge, creating a stunning cascade as it descends. The falls are situated within a tranquil and forested area, offering a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

Goosepond Mountain State Park is a scenic state park covering approximately 1,558 acres, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.The park is characterized by its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque ponds, providing a serene and tranquil environment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly known for its hiking trails, which offer opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes.

Moodna Creek is a significant waterway located in Orange County, New York, USA. It is an approximately 15-mile long stream that flows through the region, providing important ecological and recreational opportunities for the local communities.The creek originates from a series of small tributaries in the northern part of the county and then flows southwards, eventually emptying into the Hudson River near the town of Cornwall.

Moodna Viaduct is an impressive railroad trestle. It is one of the most significant and iconic engineering structures in the region and holds historical and architectural significance.The Moodna Viaduct spans the valley of the Moodna Creek, and it is an integral part of the Port Jervis Line, which is a commuter rail service operated by New Jersey Transit. The viaduct was completed in 1909 and designed by the American bridge engineer and designer, Ralph Modjeski.

Schunemunk Mountain, located in Orange County, New York, is a prominent and scenic mountain range that offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of activities and stunning natural beauty to explore.Spanning over 3,300 acres, Schunemunk Mountain is part of the larger Schunemunk State Park, known for its rugged terrain, rocky ridges, lush forests, and picturesque views of the Hudson Valley and the surrounding landscape.

Schunnemunk State Park is a scenic and expansive state park,covering approximately 3,300 acres, the park offers a diverse array of outdoor recreational opportunities and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy.Schunnemunk State Park is characterized by its rugged terrain, including rocky ridges, lush forests, and expansive meadows. The park's most prominent feature is Schunnemunk Mountain, which rises to an elevation of over 1,600 feet.

Lake Awosting is a stunning and pristine glacial lake situated within the Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County. It is one of the most picturesque and tranquil spots in the region, attracting nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of nature.The lake is surrounded by a diverse landscape, including rocky cliffs, dense forests, and rolling hills, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities and scenic exploration.

Chadwick Lake Park is a popular recreational area located in Newburgh, Orange County, New York, USA. The park is well-known for its serene lake, scenic trails, and various amenities, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families.The centerpiece of Chadwick Lake Park is Chadwick Lake, a picturesque reservoir surrounded by natural beauty. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, and visitors can catch species like bass, sunfish, and catfish.

Chadwick Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the town of Newburgh, Orange County, New York, USA. It is a popular recreational spot known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.Chadwick Lake is a man-made lake that was created by damming Chadwick Brook. The lake covers approximately 60 acres and is surrounded by wooded areas, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors.