Attractions and Places To See around New Hempstead - Top 20

New Hempstead and its surroundings offer several beautiful natural spots. You can visit Pine Meadow Lake, a serene 72-acre lake perfect for a relaxing break. Another option is Rockland Lake South, a 256-acre lake with a road-ride loop and a small jetty. Additionally, Lake Skannatati is another beautiful lake in the park, great for swimming, fishing, or enjoying nature.

Yes, New Hempstead is rich in history. You can explore The Brick Church (Reformed Church of West New Hempstead), established in 1774, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another significant site is The English Meeting House (New Hempstead Presbyterian Church), recognized as the first English-speaking church west of the Hudson River in New York State.

The area around New Hempstead is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and road biking. For hiking, consider routes like the Panther Mountain and Pine Meadow Lake Loop or Kennedy Dells Park. Cyclists can explore options such as the Hudson River Greenway loop or the Rockland Lake Road loop. Find more details and routes on the Hiking around New Hempstead and Cycling around New Hempstead guide pages.

Many natural attractions around New Hempstead are suitable for families. Nyack River Trail, part of Nyack Beach State Park, is a flat, multi-use path ideal for walking and biking with children. Lakes like Pine Meadow Lake and Rockland Lake South offer pleasant settings for picnics and gentle strolls. The Dutch Garden in nearby New City also provides a lovely, accessible space with picnic areas.

For stunning views, head to Big Hill, which offers opportunities for camping and impressive views of the Manhattan skyline. The Nyack River Trail also provides scenic views of the Hudson River and the towering Palisades cliffs.

Rockland County has significant Revolutionary War history. You can visit the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, where General Anthony Wayne's American Light Infantry defeated the British in 1779. This site includes a museum, outdoor interpretive signs, and the Stony Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River. Another key site is the DeWint House & Museum in Tappan, which served as George Washington's headquarters multiple times during the war.

Beyond historical landmarks, Rockland County offers cultural sites such as the Camp Shanks Museum in Orangeburg, which commemorates a significant WWII embarkation point. The Holocaust Museum & Center for Tolerance and Education at Rockland Community College provides educational exhibits on intolerance.

The Nyack River Trail is a two-mile multi-use path located within Nyack Beach State Park. It runs along the Hudson River, offering picturesque views of the river on one side and the dramatic Palisades cliffs on the other. It's suitable for biking, walking, fishing, and even cross-country skiing in winter, and connects to a larger network of parks.

Yes, Big Hill offers a first-come, first-served shelter for hikers on the Suffern-Bear Mountain Trail. There are also possibilities to pitch a tent and utilize existing fire rings, making it a good spot for an overnight stay with views of Manhattan.

The Dutch Garden, located in nearby New City, was designed in 1933-34 as a memorial to Rockland County's early Dutch settlers. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a brick teahouse with carvings depicting Dutch-American history, along with a gazebo and picnic areas, offering a peaceful setting.

Visitors particularly enjoy the serene beauty of the lakes, such as Pine Meadow Lake, often described as a perfect spot for a break. The scenic views from spots like Big Hill and the multi-use paths like the Nyack River Trail are also highly appreciated for their natural charm and accessibility.