Canopus Lake

Canopus Lake is a 105‑acre finger lake located within Clarence Fahnestock State Park in northern Putnam County, NY— just off Route 301 and west of the Taconic Parkway, near Hopewell Junction/Carmel.  Canopus Lake is man-made and was created in the early 20th century by damming a stream known as Canopus Creek. It was constructed as part of New York State’s broader conservation and recreation efforts, during an era when state parks and natural areas were being actively developed to provide outdoor leisure opportunities for New York’s growing population.  The lake is within the boundaries of Clarence Fahnestock State Park, established in 1929 through a land donation by Dr. Ernest Fahnestock. He gifted the land in memory of his brother, Clarence Fahnestock, a young physician who died during the 1918 influenza pandemic after serving in World War I. This gesture was part of a growing trend of conservation philanthropy in the early 20th century.

The Appalachian Trail winds for nearly forty-five miles in this final northbound section of New York. It passes near Clarence Fahnestock State Park and climbs a ridge for some nice views of Canopus Lake. The RPH Cabin is located just north of here at Hortontown Road. It is a former residence that was converted into hiker hostel and the cabin usually has a caretaker on duty in the summer.  On this hike, I started at NY 301 and hiked to a viewpoint 2.3 miles from the trailhead on the northern end of the lake.  It has views of the finger lake back to the south from the Appalachian Trail and a second view point 275 yards north from here at a separate view point to the west.  From here, backtrack to NY 301 to the trailhead and parking area across the highway.