It’s hard for me to qualify this as a “park”. All the trails are completely unmarked, with no trail map in the parking lot (which is barely even a parking lot). It seemed more like ATV trails, and a lake best for fishing. There was trash strewn along a lot of the trails. You can tell it’s not maintained at all. We constantly had to refer to google maps satellite view to find our way to the lake.

Lovely wild park for a November hike. I missed the fall leaves by a week or two, but the meadows were breathtakingly gorgeous. Trails are primarily maintained by hikers, bikers, and deer, so they got a little thin among the grasses - recommend long pants and sturdy shoes, but you *could* safely go without, I think. The forest trails on the north side of the park were particularly nice. It’s definitely backcountry; note that there’re no accessible trails or restroom facilities.

Trails not really marked. Hunters in the woods. Only close up views

Today is 5/17/2020.. I just walked the trail to the lake. Not to bad for adults but I wouldn’t bring my 8 and 6 year olds. Fishing maybe good but cliffs and rocks make it hard. Trails aren’t marked so keep your directions in your head.

Easy walking trails around the lakes. Great at this time of year with the trees changing colors

This is a nice place! But it looks like a lot of pigs been going in there you slobs know who you are. Just dont let me see you! Bunch of pigs.

Its a nice place for hiking if you are looking for a lot for kids to do this Park is more for grown ups.

Its okay, not great. Some trails further in are nicer to walk on than the overgrown invasive mess near the parking area. Definitely some harmful algal blooms in the smaller water bodies, so dont let your dogs swim here this year. Certainly some spots where people hang out, have fires, and leave a load of garbage. Its not a nice feeling park, but its a park.

Love it here. Its quiet and peaceful

We just walked a corner as a place to stretch on a trip, looks to be nice

I grew up exploring this park as a child. There is nothing scary about it unless you are scared of nature. A lot of it used to be farmland owned by my grandfather and others. A few ruins exist from the former farm houses. It was also used for motocross racing by my dad, uncle, and many other local legends. Thats why many of the trails are there. The state took the land from the farmers in the 80s to add to the Stewart buffer zone and its remained untouched since then, except for a few modifications at the entrances. Thats why there are no signs, development, or maintenance. Now, only non-motorized recreation is permitted, like hiking, biking, horseback riding, etc. Despite the description above, no fishing (or hunting) is permitted. Seeing trash? Pick it up! No one from the state is going to do it. Its up to the people who enjoy the park to maintain its beauty.

Georgeous!! Everyone needs to Visit.

The park it not well maintained. The grass and vegetation was overgrown when we went there in the fall. The lake/ pond can be seen through the line of tree and shrubs but not a place you can sit for a picnic with friends.

My daughter lives out there and its beautiful as far as being in nature but theres not much else out there

Awsome place, huge easy to get lost

Highland lakes state park is the place to go for a great walk along 4H paths made for horses. Do not bring dirt bikes or other motor related bikes as they do not allow it and the DEC patrols the paths... You will get caught and face a hefty fine!!!

Wonderful forest, no trash, easy to follow trails.

Great place to visit doing the summer days.

Wonderful park. More trails than I expected for an undeveloped park, but you do have to share them with hikers, bikers and horses. Easy trails for hiking, interesting ruins and beautiful lakes and trees. Its in need of some TLC and cleanup. My family hauled out 30lbs of cans and bottles, Id encourage anyone visiting to bring a trash bag and help clean it up.

Dont do it!! I was there for a short 10 min. walk on unmarked trails that were somewhat overgrown (with ruts from vehicles driving on it). Flies were nasty. When i got back to my hotel this eve I found a tick on me (first time I ever had a tick on me!). The parking area is a big drop off from the road. My tire was spinning trying to get back onto the road when I left. There is nothing nice about this place, other than it being secluded. Dont risk getting lost and covered in ticks!!

Great place for hiking, fishing and sightseeing!

They beautiful place to hike or mountain bike

Large, fairly quiet undeveloped park

Just need trash cans and maybe than people will stop leaving trash

Its okay area. That pic with a waterfall... I dont thats even there. Trails where nice but would be nice if more info around the trails. Lake is nice

A gem. Miraculous. I am new to the area and so glad to find a wonderful not too small state park with great biking trails, so close to Middletown, Newburgh, Wurtsboro

Local history hidden in the park,many beautiful places to see in this area,very diverse ,two lakes are easy to hike around but only a true Explorer will find the hidden third mystical lake

Bring gps and a topo map - the trails are not well marked making it too easy to feel lost.

It was a great place to go But now NO WAY! It is neglected and scary. Its very neglected trash everywhere too secluded. Hangout for undesirables. I wont go there

This is a hidden treasure. Decent fishing and not known to many. Too bad some visitors leave broken bottles and fishing line all over. No facilities, services. Just walk around

Nice neighborhood

Rugged terrain.

Beautiful park, very well kept

Nice park

Tics everywhere. We could barely walk 500 yards and my dog, husband, and myself were covered with tics. Dirty and desolate.

Cant say anything since the lake is accessible only by hiking or on horseback.

Overcrowded

Good mountain biking

Its peaceful

Some nice trails

Nice park. Clean, and rural

Wonderful

Go for a hike, bike ride or trail ride your horse!