Higley Flow State Park

At 641 acres, Higley Flow State Park provides a pristine set of views while offering an enticing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding cityscapes. A gorgeous one mile stretch of sandy beach offers public swimming throughout the summer months on Beaver Pond. A small roped off swimming area exists here for guests to enjoy. Lifeguards aren't staffed here, so guests swim at their own risk. 

If you're looking to bring your canine along, make sure you keep them on a leash no longer than six feet in length. Hiking is quite popular in Higley Flow State Park, due to the 4 1/2 mile Beaver Pond Nature Trail. Refurbished in 2007, this trail is stocked with many interpretive signs describing all the different animal and plant species that fill the area. 

Guests enjoying the Beaver Pond Nature Trail are treated to six different habitats including forested regions and swamplands. These paths are generally listed as intermediate in difficulty, but make sure you stop by the park's main offices and check the trail maps before starting your hike so that you know what you're getting into.

Canines are welcome on these trails, as long as guests clean up any messes their pets might make. Leashes are required and must be no more than six feet in length. During the wintertime, these trails are converted into cross-country skiing runs. Rental services exist during the cold seasons in case you don't own the prerequisite gear. During this period, all foot traffic is banned from the trail network. 

Fishing is prohibited on the pond but is offered on the Raquette River that runs throughout Higley Flow State Park. New York State fishing licenses are mandatory even for these small rivers and streams, so guests should make sure to come prepared with whatever fishing equipment and paperwork they may need. If your canine would like to attend, make sure they stay restrained throughout your stay.