Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area |
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View of the Hudson River from Shaupeneak Mountain
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| Type | Recreation area |
| Location | Esopus, New York, United States |
| Area | 790 acres (320 ha) |
| Created | 1994 |
| Operated by | Scenic Hudson/New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Open | All year |
| Parking | Two parking areas |
Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area is a cool outdoor spot in New York. It's a big place, about 790 acres, where you can explore nature and have fun. This special area is in Esopus, a town in Ulster County. It covers parts of Shaupeneak Mountain, which is about 892 feet high. This mountain is part of the Marlboro Mountains, a chain of hills stretching from Newburgh to Kingston, New York.
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Who Manages This Special Place?
Shaupeneak Ridge is owned by the Scenic Hudson Land Trust. This is a group that works to protect important lands in the Hudson Valley. They want to save places that are beautiful, important for nature, or have a lot of history.
However, the park is managed by two groups together. These are Scenic Hudson and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. They work together because of a special agreement. This agreement helps make sure the land is used wisely.
What Can You Do Here?
Shaupeneak Ridge is a "multiple use area." This means you can do many different outdoor activities. It's a great place to enjoy nature.
Some fun things you can do at Shaupeneak Ridge include:
- Hiking on the trails
- Fishing in the waters
- Hunting (with specific rules)
- Cross-country skiing in winter
Exploring the Trails and Nature
The trails at Shaupeneak Ridge are easy to follow. They are marked well so you won't get lost. You can walk through different kinds of natural areas. These include open meadows at the bottom of the mountain. You can also find rocky spots with amazing views along the top.
Important Natural Areas
Some parts of Shaupeneak Ridge are very special for nature. They are called the Shaupeneak Ridge Biologically Important Area. This means the state of New York recognizes it for having many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a place where nature thrives.
The lower parts of the park are close to another beautiful spot. This is the Esopus/Lloyd Scenic Area of Statewide Significance. From the higher parts of Shaupeneak Ridge, you can look across this scenic area. You can see the Hudson River and beyond.
How to Get There
It's easy to visit Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area. There are two places where you can park your car.
- One parking lot is at the bottom of Shaupeneak Mountain. You can find it off Old Post Road (Ulster County Route 16).
- Another parking area is at the top of the mountain. This one is located along Popletown Road.
