With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. 

Access to both the river and creek gives anglers the opportunity to hook many varieties of fish and canoeists the chance to float year-round. Several miles of hiking, backpacking, bicycling and equestrian trails provide glimpses of the area as the earlier settlers found it. Exhibits in the park’s nature center interpret the natural and cultural history of the park.

Visitors can spend the night in either a rustic cabin or one of two large campgrounds. For horse lovers, there is a separate equestrian camp. Shaded picnic areas are available for small and large groups.

At Sam A. Baker State Park, the possibilities are endless and the choice is all yours.

Sam A. Baker State Park

Converted from a 1920's summer home in the town of Patterson, Wonder Lake is a hiker's delight of 8.6 miles of marked trails. Walk on what were historically bridle trails around scenic Wonder Lake in this 1133 acre area. Get in touch with nature around the 3-acre Laurel Pond.

Take the Highlands Trail, a trail established in NJ and in NY west of the Hudson River that is expanding to eventually traverse 4 states - Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Experience the first segment in Putnam County. When completed, the Highlands Trail in NY and NJ will extend over 200 miles from the Connecticut border to the Delaware River. The route will connect major scenic attractions in both states.

Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, birding or hunting, Wonder Lake has it all.

State Parks Tagged With: Patterson