Rockland Lake, NY

The commercial history of Rockland Lake dates back to the 18th century when the area was known as Slaughter Landing because of the natural ravine in the Palisades just north of Verdriegete Hoek, the name the Dutch gave for Hook Mountain. The Hook was known as "The Troublesome Point" where a hotel and ferry landing to Tarrytown stood from the time of the Revolution until the 1900s. During the 19th century ice was harvested from the pristine waters of Rockland Lake and rock was quarried from the cliffs overlooking the Hudson River. Later, the lake became a popular resort area and amusement park attracting people from New York City by steamboat and train. In the 20th century, with the invention of refrigeration, the ice industry collapsed and preservation of the Palisade cliffs began. The state acquired most of the property and created Rockland Lake State Park as we know it today.

Rockland Lake Today

In 2004, Friends of Rockland Lake, Inc. was founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the preservation of the local history and the valuable resource of Rockland Lake State Park.

If you enjoy the Lake, the Hudson River, fishing, hawk watching, hiking trails, golf, swimming, bike riding or just relaxing or reading, Rockland Lake has something for you.

Membership in Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain

Your membership support will be designated specifically to projects for Rockland Lake State Park. Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, Inc. is not part of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) but is made up of concerned individuals like you wishing to work in collaboration with the PIPC to preserve this valuable local resource.

Membership Levels

Download Membership Application

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Thank You...

An enormous thanks to Superintendent Alex Gromack and the Town of Clarkstown for their multi-year grants in support of The Friends and projects that support preservation and improvements in our parks.

Special acknowledgement goes to Dennis Coyle and Coyle Insurance for their leadership support, and for believing in our commitment to improve quality of life for our Rockland friends and neighbors.

2009

Quadricentennial
Celebration

Stay tuned for year long events up and down the Hudson River, planned in celebration of the Quadricentennial, which marks 400 years since Henry Hudson led a historical voyage of discovery sailing up the river now named for him, and Samuel de Champlain's expedition to his namesake lake.

http://www.exploreny400.com

October 18, 2008

Fall Walking Tour of The Ice Trail

Walking tour of the ice industry trail of operations from Rockland Lake to the Hudson River.

We met at the Ice House foundation structures on the east side of the Lake’s walking path. Estimated distance was 1.5 - 2 miles, including hills.

October 4, 2008

Historic Marker Installation and Press Conference

See Special Announcement above. Click for more photos.

Sept. 20, 2008

New York State Beach Clean-Up Day

We met at the Stone Bathhouse at Nyack Beach State Park at 9:00 AM. with gloves and sturdy shoes.

This event was in participation with the American Littoral Society, a participant in the International Coastal Cleanup and Nyack Boy Scout Troop #2.

For a glimpse of the unbelievable data collected from past years, please go to www.alsnyc.org and click on “beach clean-up”.

March 2008

Friends Lobby Day in Albany, NY

Governor Spitzer proposed $100 Million for the New York State budget to invest in restoration and improvements to our crumbling State Parks. Rockland Lake and Nyack Beach State Parks could benefit from this funding stream. Parks and Trails New York organized an advocacy day in Albany for the 60 Friends Groups that are partners with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain participated.

January 2008

Ice Sculpture at Rockland Lake

Magnificent ice sculpture marked the return of Robert Patalano, who created the 18 foot, 5 ton replica of Ice House #3 that stood for nearly six weeks before melting March 2007. Mr. Patalano returned on the weekend of January 26-27th to create a 12 foot sculpture he entitled "The Lady of the Lake." A roaring fire and hot chocolate rounded out the wintry theme. This program was presented by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and The Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain provided volunteers.

May 2007

Walking Tour of the Lost Town of Rockland Lake

Participants met at the Knickerbocker Firehouse for an historic tour.

2006

Designated Historic Marker

Application submitted to the Historical Society of Rockland County for approval to install a historical marker describing the once-thriving town and ice industry.

August 2005

History Program at the Knickerbocker Firehouse

Extremely well-attended program with noted Rockland County historian, Robert Knight.

Click to enlarge

April 2004-08

The Annual Keep America Beautiful Clean-Up

Annual Rockland Lake and Hudson River clean-up days were held. Students were provided community service documentation for their assistance.