Mine Kill State Park

Mine Kill State Park is tucked away in the Schoharie Valley in New York state. The area began its public existence as the New York Power Authority's Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project, and eventually became integrated into the park in the late 1980s. 

For swimming enthusiasts, Mine Kill State Park has an Olympic sized swimming pool, along with separate diving and wading pools. These facilities are free for all guests, so make sure to pack a bathing suit if you're coming during the summer months. 

Unfortunately, canines aren't allowed in any of the swimming pool structures. Hiking is a great past time in Mine Kill State Park, with eight miles of multi-use trails available to guests. These trails are all easy to intermediate in difficulty, so most individuals should have no problem getting through them. 

Two of these trails lead to the locally famous Mine Kill Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that pours through a small gorge. Canines are allowed on these trails as long as they're well behaved, and visitors pick up any messes they might leave behind. If you've got a boat, make sure to bring it along as Mine Kill State Park is friendly to all water vessels. 

Licenses aren't required to enjoy the Blenheim-Gilboa Lower Reservoir so feel free to get out and enjoy the waves. Due to recent algae infestations, all boaters are required to use the hot water station to rinse off their boats both before entering the water and after exiting. 

For more info on these amenities, make sure to get ahold of the Mine Kill State Park's central offices at (518)-827-8690. Dogs are welcome to enjoy the water with guests. Hunters can look forward to the fall and winter months when deer season begins. Hunting permits are required for this sport and can be applied for at the Power Authority Visitor Center. Canines can accompany hunters provided they're on a leash throughout their stay.