Tucked among the rocky shores and island-dotted waterways of the St. Lawrence River, Cedar Island State Park offers a uniquely intimate experience in New York’s Thousand Islands region. At just 10 acres, this park — established in 1898 — is one of the smallest in the state system, and that’s precisely what makes it special. There are no crowds here, no sprawling parking lots, no noise. Just water, granite, and sky.

Cedar Island is accessible only by boat, which immediately sets it apart from most state parks. Visitors arrive by private watercraft or water taxi, pulling up to the dock and stepping into a landscape shaped by centuries of river currents. The park sits on its own island, surrounded by the channels and shoals that define the Thousand Islands — a maze of over 1,800 islands stretching along the US-Canada border.

Outdoor activities center on what the river provides: fishing for bass, pike, and muskie in productive waters, kayaking through sheltered channels between neighboring islands, and swimming off rocky shorelines. Birding is rewarding here too, with osprey, herons, and kingfishers regularly spotted along the water’s edge.

The best time to visit is late June through early September, when water temperatures are comfortable and the river traffic brings the region to life. Spring and fall offer solitude but cooler conditions.

If you’re looking for a Thousand Islands experience that feels more like a personal retreat than a tourist stop, Cedar Island delivers exactly that.

Explore Nearby

• Finger Lakes National Forest — National Forest in New York
• Mohawk Towpath Byway — Scenic Byway in New York
• Lakes to Locks Passage — Scenic Byway in New York
• Salisbury Center Bridge — Covered Bridge in New York
• Jay Bridge — Covered Bridge in New York