County Parks & Dog Runs

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Park Permits

Welcome to the Rockland County Park System. To apply for a General Use or a Pavilion Permit in a County Park, please click below. You will be taken to our new online Park Permitting System.

Apply for a Permit

If you are unable to access the online system, please contact our office via email at RCParks@co.rockland.ny.us for assistance.

Reminder: Reservations are first come, first serve. Payment is due in order to reserve a facility.

General Information

Since 1965, the Rockland County Park System has grown to a network of 30, comprising 3,179 acres. The goal has been to provide county residents ready access to local parks without having to endure traffic congestion or drive long distances to enjoy nature's beauty. Park acquisitions have been attained through County funds matched with federal and state grants along with land donations, tax delinquency and partnerships with Land Trusts and other municipalities.

Our parks, now conservatively worth some $230,000,000, are situated on or near mountainous ridges that preserve our skylines as forever green and uncluttered by high-rise. They provide a variety of both active and passive recreation along with preserving parts of our county's history. Recent acquisitions of the last remaining active farms have preserved part of Rockland's past and continue to produce locally grown farm fresh produce. The parks provide excellent nature trails where one may, if you look carefully, encounter a variety of animals such as a red-tailed hawk, pileated woodpecker, barred owl, white-tailed deer, red fox or a wild turkey. There are scenic vantage points at South Mountain, Buttermilk Falls, Mountainview Nature Park, Gurnee Park and Amphitheater, Kakiat and Clausland Mountain. There you will witness the beautiful vistas stretched out for all to see.

Dogs on leashes are permitted in all County parks except for Haverstraw Bay Park.

Dog Runs

Two of our county parks offer residents an enclosed area for their dogs to run off-leash. These enclosed areas are called "Dog Runs". They provide a community setting in which people can gather and socialize and where they can observe the interaction of groups of dogs at play.

Kakiat Park, empty with trees Kakiat Park

Man with dog at Kennedy Dells Park Kennedy Dells Park

Dog runs not only allow owners and their dogs to spend time together, but also offer dogs a space for play and companionship with other dogs. Dogs must be supervised by their "humans" at all times.

All Parks

Kakiat Park
1. Address:584 Haverstraw Road
  Montebello, NY 10901
Amenities:
1. Dog Run
2. Guided Tours
3. Hiking
4. Horseback Riding
5. Parking Lot
6. Picnic Areas
7. Restrooms
8. Scenic Vistas
9. Winter Activities
Categories:
1. Parks

Kakiat Park Map

Directions

From Suffern follow Route 202 east. Entrance on left side opposite Viola Elementary School. Parking is in lot at park entrance.

Description

376 Acres - Diverse topography, from flat wetlands to rolling hills, to steep mountainside. The Mahwah River flows southwesterly the length of the park approximately 2500 feet. Times of heavy rains flood large areas along the river. The Ramapo fault runs through the park. Trees include Willow, Apple, Poplar, White Pine, Hemlock, Beech, Maple, White Ash, Oaks, and Dogwood.

History

It is part of the Harris patent, one of the original land patents from the King of England. Also known as Kakiat Farm, the home of the Blauvelt family who owned and farmed the land for over two hundred years growing apples, peaches and cherries. Also the site of the Blauvelt mill, the foundation of which still remains. The National Recreation Association in 1961 recommended its purchase to the County Board of Supervisors. As a result a formally appointed Park Commission was installed and the process of acquiring land for park purposes began. The property officially became county parkland in 1972.

Present Use

Hiking (the Kakiat Trail starting from the parking area crosses through the park into Harriman State Park ending up in Dater Mountain County Park), horseback riding, picnicking, and scenic lookouts. An off-leash dog area is located near the parking lot. A log cabin constructed in 1922 stands as a mute reminder of the simple life of 100 years ago. A footbridge crosses the river, which is stocked annually with trout; a pavilion can be found near the river. Numerous winter activities exist along with active wildlife and forestry conservation projects. Guided tours available by the Park Rangers.

Rest Rooms: Yes
Handicapped Accessible: No

Future Plans

Improve the numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and increase the conservation projects.

Wildlife

White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Gray Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Rabbit, Woodchuck, Raccoon, Porcupine, Opossum, Bluebirds, Geese, Ducks, Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Turkey Vulture, Wild Turkeys, Red-tailed Hawk, Marsh Hawk, Great Blue Heron, Hooded Merganser, Black Duck, Wood Duck, Grouse, Woodcock, Black Rat Snake, Copperhead, Rattlesnake, Watersnake, Hog Nosed Snake.

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