Palisades Interstate Park Commission Calendar of Events - March-December 2001

As of 04/10/2001 but subject to change at any time. See below for contacts and other information.

PDF version of Calendar

Supplemental Information

Call the listed phone numbers for details and/or special access needs, to confirm the event, or to inquire about unlisted events. TDD users can call 1-800-662-1220. For future calendars, send stamped, self-addressed, legal-sized envelopes to Special Events, c/o PIPC, Bear Mountain, NY 10911 OR pick up one at the Park Visitor Center, the Bear Mountain Administration Building, State Line Lookout, or NJ Headquarters (off PIParkway Exit 2). To learn about the NEW JERSEY SECTION including seasonal jobs, volunteer opportunities, a newsletter, and more, call 201-768-0379 or visit their website at www.njpalisades.org. For information about NEW YORK’s state parks and historic sites, visit their website at www.nysparks.com. To subscribe to MINNEWASKA’s list of programs and events, send your e-mail address to minne@netstep.net.

PLEASE NOTE: 

1. Alcohol is not permitted in any park under jurisdiction of the PIPC.
2. For all hikes, wear hiking boots or sturdy, low-heeled shoes, and dress for the weather. Bring food and water. Other items suggested to bring include a pack with a trail map, rain gear, first aid kit, bug spray, flashlight, pencil, matches, an extra pair of socks, and an extra layer of clothing.
3. Poison ivy, ticks, and poisonous snakes are common in our parks. Follow recommended procedures for avoiding contact with them. Do not feed or touch any wildlife. Do not remove or introduce any plants, animals, birds, fish, etc.
4. For outdoor concerts, bring lawnchairs or blankets, bug spray, and flashlights.

Going our way? Located between Exits 16 and 17 on the center island of the Palisades Interstate Parkway, the Park Visitor Center sells trail and road maps, hiking and travel guides, history and nature books, puppets, posters, film, coffee, snacks, NY fishing licenses, Empire Passports, and all things Hudson Valley. Open daily 8 AM to 6 PM (DST) and 8 AM to 5 PM (EST). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days. Our number is 845-786-5003. 

Burgers, fries, snacks, drinks, and the finest selection of recreation, travel, nature, and regional interest books south of the Park Visitor Center are served at State Line Lookout on the Palisades Interstate Parkway northbound between Exits 3 and 4. Weekend hours are 9 AM to 6 PM and weekday hours are 10 AM to 5 PM. NOTE: The snack bar has no power and no water (temporarily) so it’s open weekends and holidays only for packaged goods and books. Hiking / cross-country ski trails remain open daily during daylight hours. Call 201-750-0465. 

The Museum Store in Fort Lee Historic Park has 18th C. repro items, books, and more. Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesdays through Sundays, March 1 to December 31. Phone us at 201-461-1776. 

BEAR MOUNTAIN’S OUTDOOR ICE RINK will operate (weather permitting) through Sunday, March 11. Public sessions of 1½ hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10 AM and 12 Noon; Thursdays at 6 PM; Fridays from 8 PM to 10 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 10 AM, 12 Noon, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM 

Rink fees are $3.00 per adult/spectator and $2.00 per child/spectator aged 5 through 12. Children aged 4 or under are free. Skate rentals are $5.00 per pair (includes a $2.00 refundable deposit). Lockers can be rented. Hot and cold refreshments are available. Parking on weekends and holidays is $5.00 per car. Private sessions (call for dates and times) may be reserved in advance at $125.00 per hour by calling the Bear Mt. Office at 845-786-2701. Bus groups must call the Bear Mt. Office in advance for permits. The rink is uncovered so dress appropriately.

MINNEWASKA DIRECTIONS

• Main Gate - on Route 44/55, 5 miles west of the Rtes. 44/55 and 299 intersection in New Paltz (NY Thruway/I-87, Exit 18)
• Upper Parking - through Main Gate, up main road about one mile
• Awosting - 300 yards west of Main Gate
• Jenny Lane - one mile west of Main Gate Peter’s Kill - one mile east of Main Gate
• Nature Center - near Diver’s Cove on the Minnewaska Carriageway (red loop) by the lake

DON’T BE AN APRIL FOOL! 

Don’t wait until the day before Opening Day when you’ll have to stand in line for your fishing license. Don’t spend any more on parking fees than necessary. NY fishing licenses for the October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2001 season and Empire Passports for the April 1, 2001 to March 31, 2002 season are available RIGHT NOW at the Park Visitor Center. Save yourself time and money—come see us when you’re in our neck of the woods.

FISHING/BOATING REMINDER: Island Pond keys will be on sale Thursday, March 15 through Sunday, April 1. Boat permits for the Palisades Region, boat permits for Sterling Forest, and gate keys for Tiorati/Welch/Stahahe will be available Sunday, April 1 through Friday, November 30. Please remember to bring your boat, life jackets, and current NY fishing license for the Island Pond key and your boat and life jackets for all else. For more information, call 845-351-2568.

Provided as a service by New York - New Jersey Trail Conference