8 Best Things To Do In Carmel, New York

1. Fahnestock State Park

One of the best ways to spend the weekend is experiencing nature, in which case, you should stop by Fahnestock State Park when you get the chance. In addition to providing hiking trails through the mountains so that you can get some good shots of the woods at the top, the park also has trails along the beach. Picnic areas are also available to anyone who wants to have lunch in the outdoors, and campsites are included so you can spend the night looking at the stars.

Anyone looking to get some fishing and hunting done should also see what this park has to offer, as well as those looking to go birding or take their boats out on the water. There’s also the winter park in case you’re looking for a new place to go skiing or snowboarding this winter.

Fahnestock State Park

Address: Canopus Beach Complex - Fahnestock State Park, 1570 NY-301, Carmel, NY 10512

Website: Fahnestock State Park

2. Centennial Golf Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Anyone looking for a new spot to hit some golf balls should give Centennial Golf Club a shot. If your average 9 or 18-hole course isn’t enough of a challenge for you, then this is a great chance to try out the club’s 27-hole championship course, which was designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Larry Nelson.

The layout of the courses provide great views of nature while you’re playing games, and there’s a short-game area for those who don’t have all day to play a regular game or are just trying to improve their skills. Visitors can also try out Centennial’s Dave Pelz Golf Schools between May and September if they really want to step their game up.

Centennial Golf Club

Address: 185 John Simpson Rd, Carmel, NY 10512

Website: Centennial Golf Club

3. Mt. Ninham State Forest

If you’re trying to find a new hiking spot, or if you’re from the big city trying to find the best spot for great views of nature, then you should stop by Mt. Ninham State Forest. In addition to the regular hiking and biking trails, the area also comes with a fire tower for getting the best views. Visitors have the option of a trail that goes straight to the fire tower if they want the best views right away. The trails are available for trips through the woods at night as well, if you’re feeling like getting some unique photos at the top of the mountains and great views of the stars.

Mt. Ninham State Forest

Address: Gypsy Trail Rd., Carmel, NY 10512

Website: Mt. Ninham State Forest

4. Chuang Yen Monastery

One way to make your vacations or weekends unique is to visit establishments with foreign themes, in which case, make it a must to stop by Chuang Yen Monastery. Visitors to the Buddhist temple will get to see the largest indoor Buddha statue in the Western Hemisphere, and they can take part in a variety of garden parties as well as poetry and meditation retreats along the way.

Kung Fu classes are also provided at the Temple of Enlightenment for those looking to learn self-defense techniques, or you can take part in their meditation classes for a more relaxing experience.

Chuang Yen Monastery

Address: 2020 NY-301, Carmel, NY 10512

Website: Chuang Yen Monastery

5. Veterans Memorial Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Anyone looking for a nice spot for a walk on a sunny day, as well as the chance to learn more about those who served in the armed forces, should see what Veterans Memorial Park has to offer. Activities range from hiking through trails and taking your kids to go fishing, to going for a swim in the pool or going ice skating and skiing during the winter.

The park also provides the chance to play different games, such as volleyball and basketball, as well as get a good workout in. The Veterans Museum gives visitors a chance to look at memorabilia that dates back to before the American Civil War.

Veterans Memorial Park

Address: 201 Gypsy Trail Road, Carmel, NY 10512

Website: Veterans Memorial Park

6. Walkway Over the Hudson

There are other ways to get great views than just hiking up mountains or going to the top of buildings, and one of them is to visit the Walkway Over the Hudson. The walkway is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, and it’s open until sunset so that you can save the best photo opportunities for last. You’ll need to be hosting a special event in order to stay there afterwards.

You can take your pets for a walk on the bridge as long as you have a leash that’s 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, and there are also trails available to go hiking, biking, jogging or rollerblading.

Walkway Over the Hudson

Address: Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Website: Walkway Over the Hudson

7. Vanderbilt Mansion

Museums are another source of adventure for those looking for a more educational experience, so locals and tourists should see what the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site has to offer. Visitors will get the chance to check out architecture and mechanical systems that show the industrialization of America after the Civil War.

The mansion’s Historic Resource Study educates visitors on the tools and methods that people used to develop interiors, buildings and technological systems at the time. Volunteer opportunities are available for locals looking to preserve pieces of history from World War II. Events are also provided for adults and children looking to learn more about the site.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Address: 119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538

Website: Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

8. Crown Point State Historic Site

Those who enjoy visiting historical sites, specifically ones involving wars, should make a stop by Crown Point State Historic Site. Visitors will get to see a former military stronghold that was used during the colonial wars between the British and French, while they tried to lay claim to the Champlain Valley before the American Revolution. You will also get to look at artifacts and large scale models from that time period.

The site also provides tours of spots including the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse and Crown Point Pier, and visitors can walk on paths on both sides of the Lake Champlain Bridge. Visitors will also get to use the site’s hiking and biking trails, getting some great views of Lake Champlain along the way.

Crown Point State Historic Site

Address: 21 Grandview Dr, Crown Point, NY 12928

Website: Crown Point State Historic Site

Fun in the outdoors

Anyone living in New York City who is looking for a nice place to visit, that provides an excellent experience in the outdoors, should see what Carmel has to offer. In addition to parks that provide fun hiking and biking trails, there are towers and bridges that provide great views that you wouldn’t have been able to obtain otherwise. Several historic sites are open to those looking to learn more about certain periods in America’s past and honor those who served in the Armed forces. Whatever you plan on experiencing outside the big city, Carmel does not have a short list of options.