Located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, this Capital Region hidden gem is seriously magical. Accessible from both Cohoes and Waterford, Peebles Island State Park is one of the most unique and stunning parks in this particular area of New York that you may not have known about. This island is home to various wildlife that will often walk right out in front of you, making for a magical trip. Speaking of magical, ready to find out why you absolutely must visit this beautiful state park this summer? Here are 12 reasons why this island has won over our hearts:

1. There's over 3 miles worth of easy trails, giving you plenty to explore!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Aside from a few hills that may get your blood flowing, this hike is rated easy on the difficulty scale. Located on one of the informational kiosks you'll find at the island, the Peebles Island map shows you where all of the trails go on the island. The perimeter trail is 2-miles long and generally takes visitors an hour to explore, while the inside trail on the island is only one mile long and can be explored in about a half-hour.

To download the Peebles Island map or to explore it more online, click here.
2. Throughout the island you'll find all of the trails very well maintained and marked!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Generally, we like to avoid getting lost when we're exploring a new place. In case you decide not to bring a map, the trails on the island can be seen with either red or yellow designated trail markers. The state park is open year-round from 7:30AM until sunset, with varying hours during fishing seasons.
3. Many of the trails criss-cross and form their own loops, allowing you to create your own unique day of exploring.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
30 minutes, an hour or several hours, the unique trails of Peebles Island allow you to decide how long you want to make your visit. Some of our visitors come to the island bright and early, making an entire day out of their trip. Others come here for a quick stroll after work, simply to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.
4. Plenty of tables and benches can be found all over the island, making it the perfect place to enjoy a picnic!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Along the trails and down by the water, these picnic tables won't disappoint. Quite a few picnic tables can be found along the outside trails of the island. Stationed at various lookout points, these tables are exactly where you'll want to stop and take a break to enjoy the gorgeous views! During May through October, you can also rent out the one large pavilion on the island, perfect for summer celebrations!
5. The park is filled with beautiful green, grassy fields that are nothing short of breathtaking.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
While exploring all of the trails at this state park, you'll walk through beautiful wooded areas where the tall trees will peacefully loom over you, while other areas provide nothing but breezy, open fields. The state park has a total of 191 acres.
6. Seeing New York wildlife up close and personal is nothing short of a guarantee on this magical island.
Reilly Hamilton/Flickr
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
While there are handfuls of various wildlife you'll have the opportunity of seeing on Peebles Island, the most seen and reported species are our White-tailed deer! Some of our visitors will even make a game out of seeing how many deer they'll spot by the end of their visit! Personally, I've never visited the island without seeing at least one deer. Other amazing species to keep your eye out for? At the Interpretive Kiosk you'll find information about Bald Eagles and Blue Herons, while you can also spot beavers, groundhogs, foxes and many more. The island is also known to be a great place for birdwatching.
7. The majority of the trails will bring you right along the water. Does it get any better than this?
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Giving you the perfect opportunities to feel the breeze, the trails on Peebles Island will completely blow your mind. Throughout your adventure you'll see that the trails you explore will often veer off to the side and make a loop towards the water, giving you better views!
8. Amazing and unforgettable, walking along the cliff tops of Peebles Island will give you fantastic views of the water and surrounding areas!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Just when you think the view couldn't get any better, you continue forward on your path and realize that the view actually has gotten even more amazing!
9. Because exploring off the path down by the water will instantly relax you and put your mind at ease.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Like we said, many of our visitors come to this park after a long work day to unwind and put their stresses towards the back of their minds. Pictured above you can see the view from down at the Peebles Island Horseshoe Falls.
10. The island is filled with beautiful characteristics and fascinating history!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
All throughout the park you'll find unique features that contribute to Peebles Island's charm. What isn't quite as visible to the eye, is all of the amazing history behind the island.
The first Europeans were said to have visited the island back in 1609 and New York State didn't purchase the island until 1973. Another interesting fact? The Dutch originally called the land Haver Island, a name that stuck up until 1862. Wow!
11. The entire place looks like it was visually pulled out of your favorite fairy tale!
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Stop-you-in-your-tracks sort of scenery, beautiful walkways like this can be found hiding on the island.
12. How about the fact that there's a hidden abandoned car on the island?
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
If you're a first time visitor to the park, you can make it a game to find this unique feature! Out of all of the things that may make you drop your jaw on this island, the abandoned car is certainly one of the most fascinating things you'll come across.

I’ll never grow tired of exploring this magical island! Share with us at Only In New York if you plan on adding this unique state park to your summer bucket list!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore New York