NYS Parks, Recreation, Historic Preservation Staatsburg, N.Y. (March 30, 2020) – To reduce density and encourage social distancing at Hudson Highlands State Park/Breakneck Ridge, the following park restrictions are in place indefinitely due to COVID-19:

• The Scenic Hudson parking lot and trailhead at Mount Beacon is closed • The Metro-North parking area near Breakneck is closed; parallel parking along its edge is available

• Parking spaces along Route 9D in Fishkill (north of the tunnel to Breakneck lot) will be reduced and all parking will be converted to parallel parking in order to reduce density

• The Chalet parking lot is closed • Parking spaces along Route 9D South of Breakneck will be reduced

• The Washburn Lot will remain open

• Philipstown's Fair Street and Fishkill Road will be closed to parking

• Parking spaces along Route 9D in the area of Anthony's Nose in the vicinity of the Appalachian Trail as well as the Goat Trail will be reduced

• Additional parking restrictions may be implemented to reduce density if conditions warrant

COVID-19 UPDATE: State parks encourages New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice social distancing and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bike, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with your immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety while practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State Park facilities may be closed to prevent community spread of COVID-19, parks, grounds forests and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. For the safety of all visitors, all State park playgrounds, athletic courts and sport fields are closed. Visitors are asked to #recreatelocal, choose parks that are close to your home and follow CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu and COVID-19. We appreciate your support and patience as we navigate this public health crisis together.

Learn more about COVID-19 and its impact on NY State Parks Visit: COVID-19 UPDATE.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 77 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

###

Contact: Evan Thompson, Park Manager // Evan.Thompson@parks.ny.gov  Dan Keefe, Public Information Officer // Dan.Keefe@parks.ny.gov