12 Outdoors- Other to Explore in Columbia County

Clermont State Historic Site is located in Columbia County, New York. It comprises of a large estate of buildings, gardens, and grounds that are a reminder of the past 300 years of the Livingston family's legacy. The estate has been open to the public since 1975 and is a National Historic Landmark.Visitors to the Clermont State Historic Site will find the main house, the oldest house in the Hudson Valley. It was built in 1710 and is a fine example of colonial architecture.

The Columbia Land Conservancy Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Columbia County that is dedicated to protecting and preserving natural resources and open spaces in the area. Founded in 1990, the Conservancy works with a variety of organizations and individuals to protect land and water, protect wildlife and habitat, manage and restore natural resources, and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community.

Copake Iron Works Historic Site is located in Columbia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1845, this former iron ore smelting plant is one of the oldest surviving industrial sites in the United States.The Copake Iron Works Historic Site is a reminder of the importance of the iron industry in the development of Columbia County. Operated by the Columbia Iron Works Company, the site was part of the Columbia-Catskill region's industrial growth in the 19th century.

High Falls Conservation Area, located in Columbia County, NY, is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature. Spanning over 300 acres, the area is composed of three distinct areas: a lake, a marsh, and a wooded section. The lake is home to a variety of bird species, and the surrounding marsh and woodlands provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Hudson River Islands State Park, Columbia is a stunning nature preserve located on the west bank of the Hudson River. The park is known for its unique combination of scenic views, cultural history, and recreational opportunities. Visitors to the park can explore the diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and meadows. The park offers more than two miles of trails meandering through its 845 acres, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and bird-watching.

Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County, New York, is a stunningly beautiful park that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Spanning 1,872 acres of lush forest, Lake Taghkanic is the largest park in Columbia County. It is home to a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, and waterfowl. The park features a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, biking, and hiking.

Olana House in Columbia, South Carolina is a two-story antebellum home built in 1836. It is one of Columbia's oldest and most iconic historic homes, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house was built by John Olana, who was a successful planter and businessman in the early 19th century. The house is an excellent example of the Greek Revival style of architecture, featuring a classical portico with four Ionic columns.

Olana State Historic Site is the former home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church. Located in Columbia County, New York, the 250-acre estate features the painter’s ornate Persian-style home and extensive landscape views. The main house is a National Historic Landmark and features intricate Moorish-style architecture across two stories, and interiors filled with the artist’s original furnishings.

Roeliff Jansen Kill, also known as the Roeliff Jansen Kill, is a 25-mile-long tributary of the Hudson River in New York's Columbia County. Named for Dutch settler Roeliff Jansen, the Kill is an important source of food and shelter for wildlife, as well as a popular destination for fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. The Roeliff Jansen Kill is not navigable by boat, but it is a popular spot for canoers and kayakers. The Kill is also home to many species of fish.

Schodack Island State Park is a 295-acre park situated on a peninsula at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. It features an array of recreational activities including camping, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and hiking. The park offers 11 tent and trailer sites, all with electric hookup, as well as a picnic pavilion and a playground. For anglers, the park has a boat launch and offers access to both the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, which are home to a variety of fish species.

Steepletop is an historic estate, once the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, who purchased the property in 1925. The estate is comprised of an expansive main house, numerous outbuildings, and over 200 acres of land. The main house is a two-and-a-half story Colonial Revival structure, with wide porches, a two-story portico, and two imposing brick chimneys. The interior features a mix of hand-crafted Arts and Crafts furniture, original artwork, and antique furnishings.

Taconic State Park is known for its scenic woodlands, rugged hills, and open meadows. The park is made up of two sections - the Taconic State Park and the Copake Taconic Region. The Taconic State Park is home to the Bash Bish Falls, a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. The Copake Taconic Region is a wilder area of the park, with a network of trails for hikers to explore. Visitors can also enjoy camping, boating, fishing, and swimming in the park's numerous lakes and streams.