General Guidelines

The Preserve is open dawn to dusk
Interacting with wildlife or farm animals is not permitted
Smoking, alcohol, fires of any sort and camping are not permitted
Visitors should remain on the trails at all times
No ball playing, picnicking, or sledding (except in Rockwood Hall area)
No bicycling, scooters, rollerblades or skateboards
Schools must register before visiting

Rockwood Hall - The following activities are permitted:

Ball playing
Kite flying
Picnicking
Frisbees
Sledding and snowboarding in designated area only

Destinations and areas of interest, download the guide and map.

Bird Watching

The Preserve is classified as an Audubon New York Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society, demonstrating that the environment supports a wide variety of birds as well as their occurrence in sufficient numbers. Birdwatchers and naturalists will be pleased to know that the Worm Eating Warbler and the Wood Thrush’s estimated number of breeding pairs is at, or above, the breeding number. This is significant because these species have been in decline.

Walking and Jogging

The Preserve trails are considered ideal by runners for their sure footing, gentle grades, and beautiful scenery. For everyone’s safety, it is important to be aware of the Park Regulations, particularly yielding to and keeping a safe distance from equestrians and carriages. Swan Lake tends to get crowded on weekends with families, equestrians, and the elderly so alternate, less crowded trails are advised. Inquire at the Preserve Office about trails that are less populated and about those that are restricted to groups of runners larger than 4. Running group permits, for organized clubs, teams and groups of 7 or more, are available at the Preserve visitor center, or can be downloaded here.

Request permission to walk, single file, past equestrians and carriages
Go around stopped horses; do not run through
Alert hikers and walkers prior to passing (pass on the right, if possible)
Be aware of and courteous to the elderly and families with small children (pass on the right, if possible)
Groups should run 2 abreast

Dog Walking

The preserve is a beautiful place for visitors to walk their dogs. For the safety and consideration of all Preserve visitors, please observe the following:

State law requires that dogs must be leashed at all times. This is for the safety of your dog, Preserve visitors and the horses that frequent the trails.
Dog refuse in the courtyard and parking lot must be removed
Dog refuse on trails must be pushed to the side of trail
Dog refuse center is on Swan Lake Access trail; bagged refuse may be left there
Do not leave bagged refuse on trails or in the bathrooms

Horseback Riding and Carriage Driving

Bring your horse and carriage and experience over 55 miles of carriage roads that traverse acres of woodlands, fields, wetlands, bridges, and waterways, with beautiful views of the Hudson River. The carriage roads were designed by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., whose vision was to preserve the natural beauty of the area while providing an open welcoming and healing environment to be enjoyed by everyone.

The Preserve offers a unique and unparalleled experience for equestrians on the historic carriage roads. Daily and annual equestrian passes are required, permit available for download here. If driving to the Preserve, a daily parking ticket or an annual Empire Parking Passport is also needed. Trailer parking is available at the Preserve main entrance. 2020-2021 Equestrian Permit

Annual permits must be displayed at all times
Helmets are required for all riders
Horses must be fully bridled/no ponying
Galloping is not permitted
Walk only on Brothers Path/Swan Lake
Pass others in single file at a walk
Yield to working vehicles
Courtyard area is off-limits

Fishing

Visitors can fish in the Pocantico River and Swan Lake in season.

A current NYS Fishing License and orange Rockefeller State Park Preserve permit tag are required and must be displayed. RSPP permit tags can be obtained at the visitor center.
All NYS fishing and Rockefeller State Park Preserve rules apply
Trout season begins April 1st on the Pocantico River
Bass fishing begins the 3rd Saturday in June on Swan Lake
Anglers are required to clean up before leaving

Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing

Cross country skiing and snow shoeing are a popular winter sports at the Preserve. Although trails are un-groomed, visitors find it a fun and exhilarating way to enjoy the surroundings.

Photography & Film

The Preserve is a wonderful environment for photography and filming. The Art Gallery’s annual exhibition SNAP! is an opportunity to exhibit your Preserve photographs. Permits are required for professional photographers (including those photographing families/children), film makers, and college student film projects. Please call 914-631-1470 for more information.