Copake: Lake, Rail Trail, and Local History

Copake offers a variety of discoveries: Activities on the water take center stage at Copake Lake, while trails and historic sites offer other points of interest. In Copake Hamlet, three buildings tell stories from different periods; in Copake Falls, a museum and a designated swimming area are specific places to visit. You can plan your trip around whether you would rather be active outdoors, learn about local history, or spend time by the water.

Local History in Copake Hamlet and Copake Falls

The Copake Clock, erected in 1944, stands in Copake Hamlet. The Copake Grange, built in 1902, is also located there. The United Methodist Church in Copake Hamlet dates from 1853–1854. The different dates give each of the three buildings its own historical context. If you are interested in a place’s history, these names and dates offer a starting point for learning about local history, without assigning the buildings to a single period.

Another focal point is Copake Iron Works. The Copake Iron Works Museum displays iron artifacts from its collection, including plow parts and chisels, as well as other unspecified items. Copake Iron Works was designated a National Heritage Area in 2016. A video documentary about the site’s history is shown at the Copake Iron Works Visitor Center. This offers different ways to explore the site: iron objects and a film about its history.

Trails, Railroads, and Outdoor Exploration

The Harlem Valley Rail Trail runs for 23 continuous miles from Wassaic Train Station to the Copake Falls area. It is used by runners, walkers, and cyclists. Its length and the range of activities provide a useful reference when deciding whether a walking or cycling trip better suits your plans. The Pomeroy Family Railroad offers a different experience: its 950-foot loop recreates the narrow-gauge railroad that transported iron ore to Copake Iron Works in the 19th century.

An extensively interpreted trail also leads from Copake Iron Works to Bash Bish Falls; hiking maps are available. If you are interested in this trail, you can use the maps as part of your planning. The trail description connects Copake Iron Works with the waterfalls, while the Rail Trail is described as a long, continuous route with multiple uses.

Water Activities and Choosing Your Vacation Rental

Copake Lake is a glacial lake. Activities there include kayaking, fishing, and water skiing. In Copake Falls, Ore Pit Pond has a designated swimming area with a dock and an adjacent wading pool. This distinction can help with planning your day: kayaking, fishing, and water skiing are the main activities at Copake Lake, while the features described at Ore Pit Pond are its swimming area, dock, and wading pool.

Copake Falls Day also offers a special reason to explore the area. It takes place on the third Saturday in August. For the occasion, many private gardens open to the public, and local artists display their work. When planning a trip, you can weigh your interests: water activities, cycling or walking, historic sites, and the attractions described in Copake Falls each offer a different focus. So, when choosing your vacation rental, it is helpful to first consider which of these experiences matter most for your stay.

The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society Museum is also located in Copake Falls. Together with the sites mentioned in Copake Hamlet and the attractions around Copake Iron Works, it adds to the range of local history sites in the area.

More area pages: Chatham, New Lebanon, East Chatham, Ghent, Hollowville and Hudson.

For the broader travel overview: Columbia.