Ward Pound Ridge Park offers different landscapes and scenic views throughout its 4,315 acres. You'll find open terrain, woods, meadows of open fields sprinkled with wild flowers, fallen trees, old barns, and open space.

Click to enlarge picture of the main road in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

The park offers different landscapes during the seasons. Whether you visit the park in spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will experience the natural landscape and beauty of Ward Pound Ridge with its wetlands, wooded areas, places to cross-country ski, and fabulous fishing spots. Park attractions also include camping sites, playgrounds for younger kids, the Trailside Nature Museum and more.

Click to enlarge picture of "Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area".

Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area is the perfect spot to go bird watching, fishing, hiking, or relax with a picnic as you enjoy the serenity of the brook.

Ward Pound Ridge is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, that hosts weekend nature interpretive programs, and the Art in Parks program, where exhibitions of work by accomplished regional artists are held throughout the year.

Ward Pound Ridge offers hiking trails, fishing spots (catch & release), birding, nature trails, and vistas for the photographer, painter, and nature lover. Depending on where you are in the park, given the large size of Ward Pound Ridge, you can experience the park in many different ways.

With its varied terrain, landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, and two playgrounds for younger children. The park is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.

Hiking Trails
Ward Pound Ridge offers approximately 35 miles of hiking trails among meadows, woods, wetlands, and cross-country ski areas. Hiking trails are available for beginners, intermediate, or advanced hikers.

"You could easily while away a couple of days on the trails here and still not see the entire park. Its sublime scenery is a marvelous medley of hardwood forests, glacial ridges, lowland bogs, granite outcroppings and high-rising bluffs, with a couple of ravines, a river, and a far-reaching viewpoint as added attractions. The main trails are wide and very popular with family groups, while many narrower routes provide a more rugged experience. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest preserve in the Westchester County Parks system . . . It is also the most beautiful of the county's parks, where litter on the ground is as rare as candy in a dentist's office, and the camping shelters (stone lean-tos constructed by the CCC more than 60 years ago) are raked clean by park personnel. Scenery: Swamps, hemlock, laurel, and hardwood forests, impressive rock outcroppings, scenic overlook of Cross River Reservoir, and historic cave." Visit www.trails.com for more about the Ward Pound Ridge Main Loop.

Audubon Society of Westchester
"Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a mixture of streams, woodland and open fields. Bluebirds can be common here and the park offers good birding even in the middle of summer due to large list of breeding birds. They include: Cooper's and Goshawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-throated , Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 14 species of warblers including Black-throated Green, Worm-eating and Pine Warblers." Ward Pound Ridge is also the best park to watch butterflies in New York. Visit Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester for more about bird watching at Ward Pound Ridge.

Please remember: "Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a Biodiversity Reserve Area. Help to take care of this unique and beautiful space by following our simple stewardship rules."

Press blue button for location of Ward Pound Ridge, map (or pick-up a map at the tool booth park office) and reservation trails and facilities, parking, restrooms, and more about Westchester County's largest park.

Things To Do at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Art Gallery (Located in historic Benedict Homestead)
Biking on roads only (no biking on trails)
Bird Watching
Butterfly Watching
Camping (Lean-to and Tent sites)
Equestrian Trails & Horseback Riding
Fishing (Catch & Release - Artificial lures only)
Family oriented nature programs at Trailside Museum
Hiking Trails (35 miles of walking & hiking)
Map Available
Picnicking (
Playgrounds in two areas of the park
Restrooms and Porta-toilets
Trailside Nature Museum
Wildflower Garden

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Skiing on open fields
Sledding on Pell Hill
Snow-Shoeing

A Bit of History
During the 1830s New York City was in dire need of a fresh water supply to combat the steady rise of disease and to fight numerous fires that often engulfed large tracts of businesses and homes. After numerous proposals and an abandoned plan two years into its production, construction of an unprecedented magnitude began in 1837 under the expertise of John Bloomfield Jervis. The proposed plan called for a 41 mile aqueduct and dam to be built in order to run water from the Croton River to New York City. Three to four thousand workers, mostly Irish immigrants earning up to $1.00 per day, completed the masonry marvel in just five years. In 1842 water flowed into above ground reservoirs located at the present sites of the New York Public Library and the Great Lawn of Central Park. Throngs of people attended the formal celebration held on October 14th and celebrated with "Croton cocktails" - a mix of Croton water and lemonade.

In 1968, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased 26.2 miles of the original 41 mile aqueduct from New York City. Presently, Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park is a linear park which runs from Van Cortlandt Park at the Bronx County/City of Yonkers border to the Croton Dam in Cortlandt. In 1987 a section was reopened to supply the Town of Ossining and in 1992 the Old Croton Aqueduct was awarded National Historic Landmark Status.

The scenic path over the underground aqueduct winds through urban centers and small communities. It passes near numerous historic sites, preserves, a museum highlighting the construction of the Aqueduct, and many homes. The Aqueduct’s grassy ceiling provides abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. While primarily for walking and running, parts of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, biking (except during “mud season”), bird watching, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Press blue button for directions, activities, and more about the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.

Things To Do at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park
Biking
Birding
Bridle Path
Hiking
Interpretive Signs
Nature Trails
Self Guided Tours

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing

- Access to Nature Study Woods is on Webster Road in New Rochelle.
- Access to Twin Lakes Farm is off California Road in Eastchester.

"Twin Lakes Farm is located in Twin Lakes Park, a riding academy and competitive show stable offering English riding lessons by appointment, seven days a week. Both private and group instruction is available for children and adults, beginning at 6 years old. Lessons range from beginner first time lessons to jumping and horse shows. Twin Lakes Farm also offers boarding services."

Things To Do at Twin Lakes and Nature Study Woods
Birding
Equestrian Trails
Fishing
Hiking / Walking
Nature Study
Stables

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing
Ice Skating

Press blue button for a schedule of Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.

Features
67 stalls
Seven-day turnout
Stalls mucked daily
30 Turnout paddocks
3 large indoor arenas
Fly mist system
4 hot/cold wash bays
5 outdoor arenas
1 Grand Prix field
Boarders' Lounge and Gym
Heated viewing area

Blue Mountain offers challenging hikes to the top of two large peaks: Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. The park contains a bathhouse and Trail Lodge, as well as two historically significant comfort stations. These comfort stations were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and are reminiscent of early 20th century National Park structures.

Things To Do at Blue Mountain Reservation
Biking (Mountain biking)
Birding | Bird Watching
Camping
Equestrian Trails
Fishing
Hiking / Walking
Nature Study
Playground
Picnicking
Sportsman Center Target Shooting Range

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Ice Skating

Things To Do
Baseball Fields (2)
Basketball Court
Biking Trails
Bocce Ball Court
Fishing
Hiking / Walking
Horseback Riding
Horseshoes
Picnicking (view of Lake Mitchell)
Playgrounds
Swimming (Olympic-sized Pool and a Baby Pool)
Tennis Courts
Tracks (2)

Winter Activities
Ice Skating

In season, licensed anglers enjoy fishing for bass in the 22-acre Swan Lake and for brown trout in the Pocantico River. In addition the beauty of the Preserve inspires many artists and photographers to memorialize its scenic vistas. While in the park, stop in the Preserve's Gallery across from the Visitor Center. Its rotating exhibits feature the art of local artists.

The most notable feature of the Preserve is the system of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Sr. and John D. Rockefeller Jr. Designed to complement the landscape, the carriage roads, many of which are handicapped accessible, allow visitors to experience and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. These scenic paths wind through wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and fields and past streams, rivers, and lakes. They traverse wood and stone bridges, including the first triple arch bridge in America.

Strictly Prohibited
Hunting, swimming, biking, snowmobiling, camping, and open fires are strictly prohibited.

Things To Do at Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Birding - designated an IBA (Important Bird Area)
Bridle Path
Fishing
Hiking
Nature Trail
Picnic Tables
Scenic Views

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing
Sledding
Snowshoeing

Trail maps (with distance and grade descriptions) of all the carriage roads and equestrian permits are available at the Preserve Office.

After a day of wonderful activities at Rockefeller State Park, have dinner out at one of the excellent Restaurants in Westchester, NY.

Ward Pound Ridge Park offers different landscapes and scenic views throughout its 4,315 acres. You'll find open terrain, woods, meadows of open fields sprinkled with wild flowers, fallen trees, old barns, and open space.

Click to enlarge picture of the main road in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.

The park offers different landscapes during the seasons. Whether you visit the park in spring, summer, fall, or winter, you will experience the natural landscape and beauty of Ward Pound Ridge with its wetlands, wooded areas, places to cross-country ski, and fabulous fishing spots. Park attractions also include camping sites, playgrounds for younger kids, the Trailside Nature Museum and more.

Click to enlarge picture of "Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area".

Kimberly Bridge Picnic Area is the perfect spot to go bird watching, fishing, hiking, or relax with a picnic as you enjoy the serenity of the brook.

Ward Pound Ridge is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, that hosts weekend nature interpretive programs, and the Art in Parks program, where exhibitions of work by accomplished regional artists are held throughout the year.

Ward Pound Ridge offers hiking trails, fishing spots (catch & release), birding, nature trails, and vistas for the photographer, painter, and nature lover. Depending on where you are in the park, given the large size of Ward Pound Ridge, you can experience the park in many different ways.

With its varied terrain, landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, and two playgrounds for younger children. The park is also home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs year-round.

Hiking Trails
Ward Pound Ridge offers approximately 35 miles of hiking trails among meadows, woods, wetlands, and cross-country ski areas. Hiking trails are available for beginners, intermediate, or advanced hikers.

"You could easily while away a couple of days on the trails here and still not see the entire park. Its sublime scenery is a marvelous medley of hardwood forests, glacial ridges, lowland bogs, granite outcroppings and high-rising bluffs, with a couple of ravines, a river, and a far-reaching viewpoint as added attractions. The main trails are wide and very popular with family groups, while many narrower routes provide a more rugged experience. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest preserve in the Westchester County Parks system . . . It is also the most beautiful of the county's parks, where litter on the ground is as rare as candy in a dentist's office, and the camping shelters (stone lean-tos constructed by the CCC more than 60 years ago) are raked clean by park personnel. Scenery: Swamps, hemlock, laurel, and hardwood forests, impressive rock outcroppings, scenic overlook of Cross River Reservoir, and historic cave." Visit www.trails.com for more about the Ward Pound Ridge Main Loop.

Audubon Society of Westchester
"Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a mixture of streams, woodland and open fields. Bluebirds can be common here and the park offers good birding even in the middle of summer due to large list of breeding birds. They include: Cooper's and Goshawks, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-throated , Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Brown Creeper, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 14 species of warblers including Black-throated Green, Worm-eating and Pine Warblers." Ward Pound Ridge is also the best park to watch butterflies in New York. Visit Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester for more about bird watching at Ward Pound Ridge.

Please remember: "Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a Biodiversity Reserve Area. Help to take care of this unique and beautiful space by following our simple stewardship rules."

Press blue button for location of Ward Pound Ridge, map (or pick-up a map at the tool booth park office) and reservation trails and facilities, parking, restrooms, and more about Westchester County's largest park.

Things To Do at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Art Gallery (Located in historic Benedict Homestead)
Biking on roads only (no biking on trails)
Bird Watching
Butterfly Watching
Camping (Lean-to and Tent sites)
Equestrian Trails & Horseback Riding
Fishing (Catch & Release - Artificial lures only)
Family oriented nature programs at Trailside Museum
Hiking Trails (35 miles of walking & hiking)
Map Available
Picnicking (
Playgrounds in two areas of the park
Restrooms and Porta-toilets
Trailside Nature Museum
Wildflower Garden

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Skiing on open fields
Sledding on Pell Hill
Snow-Shoeing

A trail system connects the southern section to the upland wooded northern part of the park, characterized by mature hardwood forests. The trails are very popular with hikers, cross country skiers and horseback riders. The entire system extends along the Hutchinson River Parkway to Twin Lakes Park and north to Maple Moor Golf Course. It also links to the Leatherstocking Trail and Colonial Greenway and contains archeologically sensitive areas.

Things To Do
18-hole Mini Golf Course
Birthday Parties at Saxon Woods Pool
Equestrian trails
Fishing
Hiking & walking
Nature study
Picnicking
Playground (Accessible)
Refreshments
Swimming in Westchester's largest swimming pool

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing


Birthday Parties for Kids
Saxon Woods has a large pool with a kiddy pool and aquatic playground with spray features. It is home to the only handicapped-accessible playground in Westchester, fun for kids of all ages. Call Saxon Woods Pool at (914) 995-4480 to arrange a birthday party.

Wheelchair Accessible
Accessible indicates that, to the extent practicable, this facility or activity meets the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It is strongly recommended that you contact the facility in advance for a full description of facilities.