scoobsmom
Decided to try this one day while out driving around and found it interesting. They have a reenactment camp set up and a museum. The people working there are very knowledgeable about the history of the battlefield and surrounding areas. They also had some people showing the kids how to make nails from melted metal. It was very interesting for all. I would pack a picnic lunch and take in the view on the Hudson cliffs next time.
dwi189
I visit the Stony Point Battlefield a number of times each year. The Battlefield offers an interesting perspective of the Revolutionary war....and this should be combined with a visit to the Fort Montgomery Battlefield near Bear Mountain, NY for more insight into Revolutionary War history. The Battlefield has walking trails with markers and signs describing various point of interest throughout the site.In addition to the War history, the Battlefield also offers some vantage points of interest for train buffs.The CSX Railroad River Subdivision is located along the West Shore of the Hudson River and the tracks go through the center of the park, This rail line is the former New York Central West Shore line. A parking lot located near the tracks allows train buffs to walk a short distance to trackside where they can watch the parade of freight trains, numbering over 30 trains per 24 hrs roll through the park. Visitor accessibility to the tracks is limited to hours the Park is open. The park is open from 9-5 Mon-Fri and 10-5 Sat and 12-5 Sunday but the hours are reduced during the Winter months....so trainbuffs have to watch the time carefully as the main entrance to the park is gated.A few minute walk to the Kings Ferry overlook located behind the Battlefield museum will offer an Northward elevated perspective of a double track segment of the River Sub.....with morning light best for shooting pics or video of trains from the overlook.....This is what brings me back for repeat visits to the Battlefield as I am a trainbuff..otherwise known as a railfan.Whether you are a history buff, or rail buff....or both.....a visit to the Stony Point Battlefield is highly recommended,
90joyful100
We went here especially to see the lighthouse and museum, but there is also a lot of other history there. It takes a bit of walking up and down hill, with lovely views of the Hudson River. The museum closes at 4; earlier than the park itself, so be sure to get there in time for that.
JerryG360
Stony Point has a great deal to offer to those who love Rev. War history and a fine natural area with great views of the Hudson River from three directions from up high. We went in July, 2014 during the weekend commemorating the 235th anniversary of the American victory over the British here. There were a number of great things to do and see-- various craft demonstrations, music, cannon firings, lectures, battle re-enactments, a fine museum, and the lighthouse. At any other time you will always have the museum, historical markers, lighthouse, and wonderful hilly, rocky area. Walking up and down hills will be required. I don't know if one is ever allowed to go into the small lighthouse, but access to outside is permitted. Make sure the museum will be open before you go.
SteveLandco
Very nice historical state park located on the banks of the Hudson River. Many great views of the River and surrounding area. Interesting museum. Nice place to walk around for a couple of hours.
reenie287
You will love this historical New York State Park. This location is steeped in history with a truly knowledgeable and informative staff. The best time to go is during the battle camp demonstrations. My kids worked with the blacksmith to create hand made nails and were able to keep their nails as a souvenir. They have a small museum that is pretty cool also. The entrance is a little tricky to find, but just keep following the scenic road. The views of the Hudson River are amazing.
hellybert
After the frustration of turning up early afternoon at Bear Mountain and turned away (like countless others) by state police because parking was full, we came back south towards Bergen County via the 202 and stumbled upon this hidden away beauty. After coming off the 202, a serene little drive ends up going over a wooden plank bridge (past what must have been a gate house) to reach the modest car park for this place - one point of note, as the signs say you need to leave by 5pm as the bridge entrance gets closed off!Yes, there is an incline to walk up, but it's all tarmac and there's parking up top for less mobile visitors. Unfortunately we'd just missed a battle reenactment by a day, but the encampment was still set up with 3 people still in costume around the place.I recommend taking in all the views if possible (there are some splendid ones up and down the Hudson) and reading all of the information boards, which give an excellent view into the history of the time when independence was being fought for. At the time of visit my family had only been in the US for 5-6 weeks (starting a 2 year secondment from the UK) so this was an ideal place to learn a little more about the not-so-special relationship at the time!Very much worthwhile, a very nice change from being in a crowded hotspot :-)
reenie287
Great costumed actors! Especially liked Moira. She really makes history come to life. She was very friendly and informative.
DonnaM141
We loved our visit to the lighthouse. There is a nice trail with information about the battle as you walk it. The views were spectacular. There is a small museum with a helpful and knowledgable staff. Enjoyed our visit!
jaysdee31
We stumbled upon this park on our drive up 9W. Visitors drive over a single lane bridge to cross over the train tracks. The parking area is at the bottom of a hill & visitors have to walk up the hill to see the museum, lighthouse, and historical markers around the park. The grounds are very well kept making it a very enjoyable place to walk around and relax. The pleasant surroundings make for a nice place to learn about the Revolutionary War era battles that occurred on the grounds. The lighthouse is very nice to see up close, and from the base of it there are some nice scenic views looking down the Hudson River. We also caught a glimpse of several hawks soaring above the park.
OhioBER
This is nice little state park that preserves an overlooked later battle of the Revolution. There is a small museum that has information about the engagement (and the lighthouse on the property). The exhibits are fairly detailed but not overwhelming. There is a nice mix of information and artifacts, although an orientation film would have been helpful.Outside the visitor center there is a walking trail that takes you to different points in the park. Trailside markers discuss the events at each location with good detail. Walking the grounds, it's easy to see why this was such an important strategic point and so difficult to assault. The pathway is a good climb at some points, but I think the worst was actually the hill they make you walk up from the parking lot to the visitor center.
364MikeA
This state park requires a lot of walking, some of it strenuous. There are markers throughout the part explaining various points and the part they played in the Revolutionary Battle of Stony Point. On certain weekends during the year the park is the site of various re-enactments involving participants who dress and act the part of Revolutionary War soldiers. Very interesting. As an added attraction there is a bald eagle nest out towards the lighthouse. During my last visit the nest was not active but two bald eagles, one mature, one not mature we're observed circling the area and then landed in a tree where they were easily observed.
4girls2boys
Wonderful river vistas on three sides, the lighthouse, a nice small museum....but in July they bring in 100-120 re-enactors who are willing to spend time showing the kids crafts, military equipment, singing with them, etc.....an amazing Colonial Williamsburg type weekend, but right here in Rockland County! Check for details, usually second weekend of July.
TorSteinarE
The historie is living arround you , as you wander in the landscape. If you have a good imagination , you can wander of and just relive history
NewportNewbie
Have lived in Rockland for 33 years, finally went with teenager who is interested in our history. Nice little diversion while driving about and seeing the signs for it.