Cascade Lake Park

Cascade Lake Park is located in Warwick, NY and while it is a small, compact park at 47.9 acres it has a plethora of trails to explore including a trail that feeds to the Appalachian Trail. At a remote location on Cascade Lake Road, this secluded park is dog and kid friendly with ambling trails around lakes and waterfalls, up hills and down dales. All trails are wide and hard packed (until you get to the Pink trail which leads to the AT, which is single track), though in the spring there can be deep and wide wet and muddy sections. Fishing is permitted here, but swimming, hunting, alcohol and overnight camping are not. I want to add, however, that like many remote parks, this a place where people come to party on specific loop trails. Evidenced in their discards (litter by way of beer cans and other… assorted =ahem= remains), activities are taking place here that violate park regulations and the Leave No Trace rule. If you’re looking for a place to bring children, little or big, I recommend that you keep your walk centralized to the main areas around Cascade Lake itself. The southwest Yellow Trail, and northwest Orange Trail seem to be the main offenders of such behavior. Each time I’ve been to this park, there have been young people sitting in parked cars in the parking lot. They wait in their cars and then leave, not having stepped one foot on the ground. I’m not saying they’re up to no good, but considering what I’ve found wandering around the party spots…. I’m going to play it like they’re up to no good and keep my distance. I do wish there were more police patrolling of this park, it is a lovely place to wander, but I suppose since it is managed by the Town of Warwick, it is difficult for them to use their resources to keep the park clear of riff-raff who damage the delicate ecosystem with motorbikes and ATV’s, and make certain trails less family friendly. Lastly, be aware that many unmarked trails can lead you astray here. It’s a small park and tough to get lost, however. Keep an eye on your map or favorite hiking GPS app if you manage to wander off.