Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

Putnam County’s largest Conservation Area with over 800 acres, and leashed dogs are welcome. There are miles of hiking trails, one for every level of fitness.  One of the most popular spots is the Great Gorge Waterfall, which is stunning.  Bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic on one of the many flat boulders overlooking the falls.  Remember to take your garbage with you.  Please clean up after yourself.  Be careful….the rocks can be slippery with moisture and moss.

You can reach the Waterfall by following the Red/White (easy) trail or the Red (slightly harder and more elevated) trail.  It should take you about 15 minutes from the South Parking lot.  The Blue/White trail, which is near the Waterfall is the next level up from the Red Trail.  All the trails are clearly marked.

Location & Parking:

Lower parking lot off Haviland Hollow Road (Patterson, NY)

Upper parking lot off Stagecoach Road (Patterson, NY)

Park Hours:

Dawn to Dusk everyday

Park Office: 

Putnam County Park Office at 845-225-3650

Directions:

Take Route 22 North toward Patterson. Pass the intersection Route 164 (blinking yellow light).

At next traffic light take a right onto Haviland Hollow Road (you will pass Texas Taco and Putnam Diner on your right).  Go about 2.5 miles.

The entrance to the parking lot is on the left side. If you go over the small bridge you have gone too far – turn around.  The entrance will now be on your right.

Conservation Area Rules:

• Respect nature and others.
• Dogs permitted as long as they are under your control at all times (leashed).
• Please clean up after your dog and dispose of all trash in the appropriate waste containers,
• All regulations have to be followed when fishing and hunting.
• Trapping is prohibited on all County Conservation areas.
• No littering!
• Horseback riding is permitted on trails only.
• Mountain-biking is permitted on trails only, with the exception of the blue trail.
• Please do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
• If the log book is available please sign in and out.

Various hunting seasons in New York State run from September through March & May 1st to May 31st.  For your safety during Hunting seasons, visitors on these lands should wear orange. Hunters Wear Orange – So Should You

 Most importantly…. Have a great time!

Tags: Conservation Area, Great Gorge Waterfall, hiking trails, Michael Ciaiola, Patterson, Putnam County

Category: Featured, Parks & Recreation, Patterson, Places of Interest