The Westchester County Parks system has an amazing array of hiking
opportunities and trails with gorgeous views that are easy enough for
tikes to keeps up while still offering plenty of fun for older kids.
Hiking is a great activity that can be enjoyed in all kinds of weather.
So fill your water bottle, lace up the hiking shoes and head out to the
trails. Read more to find some easy hikes along lakes, fields and
waterfalls and enjoy some great hiking with your family.
Read Wildlife Sanctuary - Rye
Playland Parkway
One of my personal favorites is the Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye. The
179 acres offers 3 miles of trails winding through forests, fields and
along the shore. Explore wildlife in their natural habitat and visit the
Nature Center to learn more. You might want to bring along the
binoculars as the sanctuary has been recognized by the National Audubon
Society and you are sure to see a variety of birds along your travels.
The sanctuary is open daily from dawn to dusk. The Nature Center is open
Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4pm, though their website says 9am-5pm.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to get through to someone to confirm the
Center's hours. The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary is part of Rye
Playland and their parking fees apply. Click here for schedule of parking fees. A county park pass is not required. Sorry, no pets allowed.
Cranberry Lake Preserve - North White Plains
1609 Old Orchard Street
Another great place to hike is Cranberry Lake Preserve in White Plains.
Loaded with places to explore, the 190 acres takes you along a lake,
past swampland and through forest. If you are up for a two hour easy
walk, try the Cranberry Lake Preserve Loop and enjoy the variety of sights. The kids will love exploring the walkways, rock walls and water views. A trail map shows
all the choices of hiking paths to try. The park is open dawn to dusk
with the Nature Lodge and front gate open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
County park pass is not required. Free parking. No pets allowed.
Kitchawan Preserve - Ossining
712 Kitchawan Road (Route 134)
Next up is the Kitchawan Preserve in Yorktown offering 208 scenic acres and 4.9 miles of trails. Here
you can explore open fields and small pools. Tall grasses and
wildflowers also bring butterflies and the kids love trying to get one
to rest on their finger. You may want to also try the Teatown-Kitchawan trail
that is an easy walk with kids and connects many Westchester parks,
including the preserve. The preserve is open 7 days from 8am-dusk. There
is no admission fee and a county park pass is not required. Pets are
welcome but must be kept on leashes.
Croton Gorge Park - Cortlandt
Route 129
The Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt is another option offering easy
hiking and incredible views of the dam and water rushing over the
spillway. Bring a lunch and picnic on the tables either before or after
your hike. The park is open 7 days from 8am-dusk with parking fees ($5
with park pass; $10 without park pass) on weekends only, May through
September. A county park pass is not required. Leashed pets are
welcome.
Lost Pond at Manitoga Preserve - Peekskill
584 Route 9D
This easy day hike is perfect for children and is a 1.8 mile loop
offering wonderful worlds to explore. There is a $5 suggested donation
for nonmembers that you pay at the guide house before you begin. There
you can pick up some wonderful materials geared to the kids to help turn
them into nature wanderers and track their journey! The preserve is
open daily during daylight hours. Pets on leashes are welcome.
If you are looking to head north, here are two locations worth the trip.
Minnewaska State Park - New Paltz
5281 Route 44-55
About an hour and a half north of central Westchester, this beautiful
preserve offers a variety of trails, a stunning waterfall and a pristine
lake with a swimming beach. Many trails are easy for the kids and there
are wide open spaces for picnicking and playing ball. There are
seasonal parking fees and
the park is open from 9am to posted closing time. $8 vehicle entry fee.
Leashed dogs are welcome but not allowed in picnic or camping
areas--check the fine print on their site.
Bash Bish Falls in Taconic State Park - Copake Falls
Route 344
Having just done this hike myself I can tell you that it is a great
adventure for the entire family. Starting at the bottom, hike along the
water and through the woods on a fairly easy and wide trail. Along the
way there are spots where you can explore right at the water's edge. The
spectacular waterfalls at the end are worth the walk. Listen to the
crashing water and take the steps down to get a closer look. Halfway
through your walk you pass into the state of Massachusetts as the park
borders NY, MA and CT. It's about two hours north of central Westchester
but, in my opinion, definitely worth the trip. Open daily from sunrise
to sunset. $7 vehicle entry fee into Taconic State Park. Leased dogs are
permitted on certain trails and with restrictions so check their website for details.
There are few things better than taking time to enjoy the great
outdoors with your kids and we're lucky enough to have access to an
amazing array of hiking opportunities through the Westchester County Parks system and other amazing parks throughout Hudson Valley. To help you prepare for hiking, here are some fantastic tips to get you ready. Now go ahead and get out there. Hope to see you on a trail soon!
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