Located 40 miles north of the city, FDR State Park spans approximately 2 square miles. Despite its medium size, this park is large enough for a full day of activities. Whether it’s a game of disc golf or hiking / biking / trail running, there seems to be something for everyone in the family. (Note: some of the quietest spots in the park are deep on the walking trails away from the picnic areas.)
Summer activities
During the warmer months, the park is packed with travelers from Lower New York, particularly New York City. Sometimes the park can feel crowded, but there always seems to be enough space for everyone. Visiting during the off months and on weekdays may be your best option to fully appreciate the tranquility of the park.
Fall activities
The park is also very popular in the fall due to the various activities that take place there. Every year in early October, the Support Connection Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk is held, attended by people of all ages, sometimes including actress Glen Close. Usually within a week of the Support Connection Walk, the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Walk is also held at FDR to raise money to train guide dogs. Another great event that takes place in the fall is the Native American Festival (PowWow), which includes various activities to spread awareness of Native American culture.
Winter activities
While the park may not be the most exciting place to go in winter, there are still some things to do. If the lake is icy enough, it is the perfect place to skate and ice fish. (Note: skate and fish at your own risk.) In addition, the trails are ideal for cross-country skiing and the hills are ideal for sledding.
Pool
The Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park swimming facilities are huge, to say the least. The pool is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 6:30 pm on weekends and the cost is $ 2 per person. The swimming section of the pool is divided into 8 sections, each one guarded by a lifeguard who guarantees the safety of the clients. (Note: most of the time, only 4 sections are open unless the number of users requires more to be opened.)
The depth of the pool ranges from 1 foot to 5 1/2 feet (excluding the diving section). There is also a turn lane open until noon. In addition, there are 2 diving sections, each with a large and a small diving board. There are many rules related to trampoline to avoid injury (no flips, back dives, double jumps, etc.) so the only things you can really do are jump and dive. During the weekends, the pool can reach its maximum capacity (3500 clients), but during the first days of the week, the usual number ranges between 100 and 1000. This may seem like a lot, but the size of the pool and terrace of the combined pool is more than enough to occupy everyone.
The pool has a food stand that is usually quite expensive, so I would recommend bringing your own food. There are benches and lots of grass for clients to settle in and enjoy the day.
Lake, boating and fishing
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park also offers rowboat and pedal boat rentals for its Lake Mohansic. (Note: swimming is not allowed). If you prefer to bring your own kayak, canoe, or rowboat, there is a boat launch, but a regional boating permit is required. Fishing is also allowed, but a New York State freshwater fishing license is required.
There is a small waterway that is large enough for a rowing boat to go through Mohansic Lake leading to Crom Pond. Only trees and wildlife can be seen from Crom Pond, so if you’re up for the pretty rough ride across the canal, it’s a good place to get away from it all.
Hiking trails
Whether you’re looking to walk the dog, go for a run, or just enjoy the day, FDR’s many walking trails allow for hours of exploration and relaxation. The hiking trails are relatively flat, although some are more challenging side trails for the experienced hiker. Trails range from easy paved trails to medium dirt trails. Whichever path you end up on, you will never be too far from a familiar landmark or pavilion.
Meal
After swimming in the pool or walking the trails, many people settle into one of the eight picnic areas. While food is cooking on the provided charcoal grills, many picnic areas have play areas, volleyball courts, soccer / baseball / softball fields, and the occasional basketball court. The grills are old to say the least, so I would recommend bringing your own charcoal grill or an extra roll of aluminum foil.
There are two concession stands that are open during the summer months, although they tend to be quite expensive compared to bringing your own food. Each picnic area has a courtesy bathroom that is pretty clean for a park. All in all, FDR State Park is a fun and inexpensive way to spend a day with the family.
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