Join New York State Parks to enjoy the crisp cool air, colorful leaves and fun Halloween festivities. Check out all the events happening this October and don’t forget to grab your cozy sweater!
Fall Nature Photography
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 5:30 PM – 7 PM
Allegany State Park – Red House Area
Want to learn how to capture the colors and scenery? Join Park Naturalist, Tom LeBlanc, for an in-depth talk on Nature Photography. We will go for a short hike to find objects to photograph. This free program will last approximately 1.5 hours and registration is not required.
Fall Fest
Saturday, October 19 at 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Selkirk Shores State Park
Full day of events including craft and food vendors, kids costume contest, evening movie featuring “Hocus Pocus” and haunted guided hike.
Hulda’s Night
Thursday, October 24 at 6 PM and 7 PM
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
In his The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving said that Sleepy Hollow was bewitched by a high German doctor. Some believe Irving was referring to “Hulda the witch”, a healer who had emigrated from Bavaria and who lived in what is today the Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Was Hulda a witch or a misunderstood healer? Learn more on a hike over to Witch’s Spring Trail with hot drinks and snacks.
Nature’s Creepy Mystery Trail
Saturday, October 26, 2019 10 AM – 2 PM
Thacher State Park
Take a walk on the Nature Center Trail and discover cool and creepy natural objects and oddities along the way. Use the clues to complete the challenge and win a prize! Wear your Halloween costume if you like. Make Halloween crafts and enjoy warm cider and donuts.
Creepy Creatures Haunted House
Saturday and Sunday, October 26 & 27, 2019 noon to 8 PM
Point Au Roche State Park
For one weekend only, the Nature Center will be taken over by the scariest creatures that call the park home! There will be exhibits and activities for all ages – check out some skulls, see somelive creepy crawlies, visit the “Table of Yuck”, or try some edible insects! Visit during the day formild creepiness or come after dark if you dare.
Great Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Sail
Saturday, October 26, 2019 3 PM
Belmont Lake State Park
The seventh annual Great Jack-O’-Lantern Sail will take place at Belmont Lake State Park. The first 50 carved pumpkins received are placed on flotation devices with candles inserted inside and sailed around the lake behind kayaks. Children’s activities include crafts, games, inflatables, funny photos and trick-or-treat stations. They can also visit the not-so-scary ‘Spooky Den’.