Harriman State Park - Southfields, NY
Harriman State Park: A Pet-Friendly Gem in Southfields, New York
Harriman State Park is a vast and beautiful outdoor destination offering dog-friendly hiking, scenic views, and abundant wildlife just a short trip from New York City. Known for its peaceful forests, numerous lakes, and miles of pet-friendly trails, it’s a top choice for dog owners seeking adventure or relaxation in nature with their pets. The park welcomes day-trippers who enjoy activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking, all surrounded by the natural wonders of the Catskill Mountain foothills.
This dog park in Southfields, NY, stands out for its array of outdoor amenities, including picnic spots, BBQ grills (charcoal only), shaded areas, and access to clean, swimmable lakes. While the park’s beach areas require a small parking fee, much of Harriman State Park features free parking and plentiful space to explore. Dog owners will appreciate the pet-friendly attitude, refreshing shade, and the chance to unwind with their four-legged friends in every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Harriman State Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails through forests, foothills, and around lakes, making it great for dog-friendly hikes.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, many areas of the park are shaded by woods and trees, providing a cool respite for visitors and their pets.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, while primarily for people, the park features several lakes and beach areas where visitors are seen swimming and enjoying the water.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic areas and charcoal BBQ grills are available throughout the park.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Harriman State Park is enjoyed by guests in every season, from summer green to winter snow.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Most parking is free, but there is a $10 car entry fee at certain beach areas.
- Are there trash bins available? Yes, trash bins are present, but visitors are encouraged to keep the park clean by disposing of waste properly.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park’s wooded areas offer plenty of natural shade.
Reviews
Very beautiful state park with unique wildlife and nature! Our first trip was awesome and we loved it there!
I can definitely recommend this place to visit!
However, please don’t forget to clean after yourself! This place is so beautiful and unforgettable, and I don’t know why some people want to make it dirty by leaving plastic bottles, bags or broken glass!
Please, respect this place’s beauty and safety for wild animals!
Very beautiful state park with unique wildlife and nature! Our first trip was awesome and we loved it there!
I can definitely recommend this place to visit!
However, please don’t forget to clean after yourself! This place is so beautiful and unforgettable, and I don’t know why some people want to make it dirty by leaving plastic bottles, bags or broken glass!
Please, respect this place’s beauty and safety for wild animals!
Very beautiful state park with unique wildlife and nature! Our first trip was awesome and we loved it there!
I can definitely recommend this place to visit!
However, please don’t forget to clean after yourself! This place is so beautiful and unforgettable, and I don’t know why some people want to make it dirty by leaving plastic bottles, bags or broken glass!
Please, respect this place’s beauty and safety for wild animals!
Great area for hiking that is close to and accessible from NYC. Some trails are not the most well maintained or marked, but it adds to the natural feel of forest immersion. Just check maps beforehand as trail markers are not always the most clear or visible. Lemon squeeze was cool and fun. Saw some folks kayaking on the pond as well.
Overall, lots of wildlife and natural beauty to enjoy on a day trip.
Great area for hiking that is close to and accessible from NYC. Some trails are not the most well maintained or marked, but it adds to the natural feel of forest immersion. Just check maps beforehand as trail markers are not always the most clear or visible. Lemon squeeze was cool and fun. Saw some folks kayaking on the pond as well.
Overall, lots of wildlife and natural beauty to enjoy on a day trip.
Great area for hiking that is close to and accessible from NYC. Some trails are not the most well maintained or marked, but it adds to the natural feel of forest immersion. Just check maps beforehand as trail markers are not always the most clear or visible. Lemon squeeze was cool and fun. Saw some folks kayaking on the pond as well.
Overall, lots of wildlife and natural beauty to enjoy on a day trip.
Took my big (21 y/o’s) and younger (13) to the beach on. Sunday afternoon and we all had a wonderful time. We found a few shady spots to select from and parked ourselves there for the afternoon. The water was warm and seemed clean.
There are so many things to do at this park—fishing, hiking, camping, bbq’ing (the have many, many grills, but you can only use coal). They also have hidden waterfalls to discover and lots of birds and wildlife.
You should note, most of the park has free parking, but if you go to the beach areas there is a NULL fee for cars.
I wish I’d discovered this place long ago!
Took my big (21 y/o’s) and younger (13) to the beach on. Sunday afternoon and we all had a wonderful time. We found a few shady spots to select from and parked ourselves there for the afternoon. The water was warm and seemed clean.
There are so many things to do at this park—fishing, hiking, camping, bbq’ing (the have many, many grills, but you can only use coal). They also have hidden waterfalls to discover and lots of birds and wildlife.
You should note, most of the park has free parking, but if you go to the beach areas there is a NULL fee for cars.
I wish I’d discovered this place long ago!
Took my big (21 y/o’s) and younger (13) to the beach on. Sunday afternoon and we all had a wonderful time. We found a few shady spots to select from and parked ourselves there for the afternoon. The water was warm and seemed clean.
There are so many things to do at this park—fishing, hiking, camping, bbq’ing (the have many, many grills, but you can only use coal). They also have hidden waterfalls to discover and lots of birds and wildlife.
You should note, most of the park has free parking, but if you go to the beach areas there is a NULL fee for cars.
I wish I’d discovered this place long ago!
Close to home, and a peaceful respite from hustle bustle. A quiet place on weekdays when crowds are absent. It’s cooler here in the woods with all the lakes and streams. These foothills of the Catskill Mountains are great for hiking, boating , fishing and picnicking. When we had no a/c in our first apartment we would load a picnic basket and head for the hills after work to chill. We still do that…