Where to take your July 4 picnic: These parks have beaches, charcoal grills for public use
Several state and local parks across the Southern Tier are open for community enjoyment on the July 4 holiday.
Featuring cookout spots and outdoor activities suitable for all ages, the parks offer an opportunity to take in the natural beauty of New York's waterfalls, lakes and mountains.
Here are just a few nearby — and a few more that are worth the trip.
Broome County
Nathaniel Cole Park
Where: 164 Colesville Road, Harpursville
Recreation: 53-acre lake with white sand beaches overseen by certified lifeguards, fishing, boating, 1.25-mile trail, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, disc golf course
Amenities: charcoal grills, picnic tables, two picnic areas, four 100-person picnic shelters; boat rentals (cash only), water taps and fountains, restrooms
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day
More information: 607-693-1389, Nathaniel Cole Park
Greenwood Park
Where: 153 Greenwood Road, Lisle
Recreation: lake with white sand beaches overseen by certified lifeguards, fishing, boating, 6.5-mile nature trail, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, playground
Amenities: charcoal grills, picnic tables, four 100-person picnic shelters, boat rentals (cash only), water taps and fountains, restrooms
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily
More information: 607-862-9933, Greenwood Park
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Dorchester Park
Where: 5469 state Route 26, Whitney Point
Recreation: 1,200-acre reservoir, fishing, boating, two-mile paved walking/bike path, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball nets
Amenities: charcoal grills, picnic tables, three 100-person picnic shelters, boat rentals (cash only), water taps and fountains, restrooms
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily
More information: 607-692-4612, Dorchester Park
Chenango Valley State Park
Where: 153 State Park Road, Chenango Forks
Recreation: two lakes, fishing, boating, birdwatching, hiking and biking trails, 18-hole golf course, playgrounds
Amenities: picnic pavilions and shelters, restrooms
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Fees: $7 vehicle entrance fee
More information: 607-648-5251, Chenango Valley State Park
Oquaga Creek State Park
Where: 5995 county Route 20, Bainbridge
Recreation: 55-acre lake, 10 miles of hiking trails, fishing, disc golf, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds
Amenities: restrooms
Hours: dawn to dusk
More information: 607-467-4160, Oquaga Creek State Park
Chemung County
Harris Hill Park
Where: 599 Harris Hill Road, Elmira, NY 14903
Recreation: pool, 3-hole golf course, 18-hole mini golf course, playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits
Amenities: picnic facilities, restrooms
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
More information: 607-873-1307, Harris Hill Park
Tioga County
Waverly Glen State Park
Where: 85 Moore St., Waverly
Recreation: playground, hiking and biking trails, tennis courts
Amenities: pavilions, restrooms
Hours: dawn to dusk
More information: 607-565-8106, Waverly Glen State Park
Steuben County
Champlin Beach
Where: state Route 54, Hammondsport
Recreation: swimming and boating on Keuka Lake
Amenities: picnic tables, charcoal grills, boat rentals
Hours: dawn to dusk daily
More information: Champlin Beach
More: Follow these tips to keep your pets safe, secure during loud July Fourth fireworks
Cattaraugus County
Allegany State Park
Where: 2373 ASP, Route 1, Salamanca
Recreation: two lakes and a reservoir, fishing, boating, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, baseball field; basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; playground, park museum
Amenities: picnic shelters, picnic tables, charcoal grills, restrooms
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
More information: 716-354-2182, Allegany State Park
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: These Southern Tier parks have public beaches, charcoal grills
