Embrace Nature's Serenity
If you’re on the lookout for the best hiking trails in Westchester, you’re in the right place. Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and discover some of the most scenic views that Westchester County has to offer!
Anthony's Nose
Anthony’s Nose is a short but steep hike with stunning views of the Hudson River Valley. The trail begins at the Appalachian Trail trailhead on Route 9D near the Bear Mountain Bridge. The first 0.6 miles of the trail are the steepest, with a number of rock scrambles. After that, the trail flattens out a bit and winds its way through a forest of hardwoods and evergreens.
At the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Bear Mountain Bridge, and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even see the Manhattan skyline in the distance.
Anthony’s Nose is a popular hike, but it’s important to be aware that the trail is challenging and can be slippery in wet weather. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Getting There:
The intersection of Route 9D and Route 202 in Cortlandt Manor, NY is just a couple hundred yards south of the pull-off for the trailhead, which is on the right-hand side of Route 9D if you’re heading south.
GPS coordinates of parking area: 41.32033, -73.97879 | Route 9D
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 41.301419, -73.951288 | 28 Bear Mountain Bridge Rd, Cortlandt, NY 10567 NY
Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary
Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary is a 1,214-acre nature preserve located in Mount Kisco, New York. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The preserve also features a lake, a forest, and several hiking trails.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary include:
- Butler Lake Trail: This 1.5-mile trail loops around Butler Lake. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Forest Trail: This 2.5-mile trail winds through a forest of oak and hemlock trees. The trail is more challenging than the Butler Lake Trail, but it offers several scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Meadow Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is a boardwalk that takes you through a meadow ecosystem. The trail is a great place to see a variety of wildflowers and butterflies.
Getting There:
From I-684, take exit 4 (Route 172) west toward Mt. Kisco. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Chestnut Ridge Road and go 1.2 miles. Turn right over bridge into parking area.
GPS Coordinates: 41.182538, -73.686676
Blue Mountain Reservation
Blue Mountain Reservation is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. The reservation offers over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and wetlands. There are also several scenic overlooks where you can stop and admire the views, including the Blue Mountain Lookout, which offers stunning panoramas of the Hudson River Valley.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Blue Mountain Reservation include:
- Blue Mountain Trail: This 3.5-mile trail climbs to the top of Blue Mountain, the highest point in the reservation. From the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River, the surrounding mountains, and the New York City skyline on a clear day.
- Popolopen Creek Trail: This 2.5-mile trail follows a scenic creek through the forest. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Ned’s Lung Trail: This 1.5-mile trail is a great option for a short and easy hike. The trail winds through a forest of oak and hemlock trees, and offers several scenic overlooks of the Hudson River.
In addition to hiking, Blue Mountain Reservation also offers a variety of other amenities, including a picnic area and a playground.
Getting There:
435 Welcher Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10566
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 41.270202, -73.921348
Cranberry Lake Preserve
Cranberry Lake Preserve is a beautiful nature preserve located in the Hudson Highlands. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The preserve also features a lake, a forest, and several hiking trails.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Cranberry Lake Preserve include:
- Cranberry Lake Trail: This 1.5-mile trail loops around Cranberry Lake. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Forest Trail: This 2.5-mile trail winds through a forest of oak and hemlock trees. The trail is more challenging than the Cranberry Lake Trail, but it offers several scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Bog Walk: This 0.5-mile trail is a boardwalk that takes you through a bog ecosystem. The trail is a great place to see a variety of plants and animals, including turtles, frogs, and wildflowers.
Getting There:
1609 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, NY 10604
Trail Parking GPS Coordinates: 41.078253, -73.756424
Kitchawan Preserve
Kitchawan Preserve is a 222-acre nature preserve located in Ossining, New York. The preserve offers a variety of hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and along streams. There are also several historic ruins to explore, including the remains of an old mill and a dam.
Kitchawan Preserve is a great place to hike if you’re looking for a peaceful and secluded experience. The trails are not heavily trafficked, and you’re likely to see more wildlife than people.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Kitchawan Preserve include:
- The Mill Trail: This easy trail follows the path of an old mill stream. It’s a great choice for families with young children.
- The Reservoir Trail: This moderate trail circles the preserve’s reservoir, offering scenic views of the water and the surrounding forest.
- The Ruins Trail: This challenging trail leads to the remains of an old mill and a dam. The trail is steep and rocky in some places, but the views from the top are worth the effort.
Kitchawan Preserve is a great place to visit for a day hike, a picnic, or a nature walk. With its variety of trails and historic ruins, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Getting There:
712 Kitchawan Rd. (Route 134), Ossining, NY 10562
Trail Parking GPS Coordinates: 41.220301, -73.787224
Merestead
Merestead is a 343-acre nature preserve located in Bedford, New York. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The preserve also features a lake, a forest, and several hiking trails.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Merestead include:
- Merestead Lake Trail: This 1.5-mile trail loops around Merestead Lake. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Forest Trail: This 2.5-mile trail winds through a forest of oak and hemlock trees. The trail is more challenging than the Merestead Lake Trail, but it offers several scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Meadow Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is a boardwalk that takes you through a meadow ecosystem. The trail is a great place to see a variety of wildflowers and butterflies.
Mianus River Gorge
Mianus River Gorge is a 200-acre nature preserve located in Bedford, New York. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The preserve also features a river, a forest, and several hiking trails.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Mianus River Gorge include:
- Red Trail: This 1.5-mile trail follows the Mianus River through a forest of oak and hemlock trees. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Blue Trail: This 2.5-mile trail climbs to the top of a ridge overlooking the Mianus River. The trail is more challenging than the Red Trail, but it offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
- Yellow Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is a boardwalk that takes you through a wetland ecosystem. The trail is a great place to see a variety of birds and other wildlife.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a 2,800-acre park located in Westchester County, New York. The park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, from leisurely walks along the Hudson River to challenging climbs to the top of Rockefeller Mountain.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Rockefeller State Park Preserve include:
- The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail: This paved trail follows the route of the Old Croton Aqueduct, which supplied water to New York City from 1842 to 1955. The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk, making it a great choice for families with young children.
- The Rockefeller Mountain Trail: This challenging trail climbs to the top of Rockefeller Mountain, the highest peak in the park. The trail offers stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and the surrounding mountains.
- The Lake Trail: This moderate trail circles the park’s lake, offering scenic views of the water and the surrounding forest.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve also features a number of other attractions, including:
- Kykuit: The Rockefeller family estate, Kykuit is open for tours during the summer months.
- The Pocantico Hills Nature Center: This nature center offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.
- The Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture: This educational center offers programs and workshops on sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a great place to visit for a day hike, a picnic, or a weekend getaway. With its variety of trails and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Getting There:
125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570
Visitor Center Parking GPS Coordinates: 41.111925, -73.836259
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. The reservation offers over 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and wetlands. There are also several scenic overlooks where you can stop and admire the views, including the High Tor Overlook, which offers stunning panoramas of the Hudson River Valley.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation include:
- Red Trail: This 3.5-mile trail climbs to the top of High Tor, the highest point in the reservation. From the summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson River, the surrounding mountains, and the New York City skyline on a clear day.
- Blue Trail: This 2.5-mile trail follows a scenic creek through the forest. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Yellow Trail: This 1.5-mile trail is a great option for a short and easy hike. The trail winds through a forest of oak and hemlock trees, and offers several scenic overlooks of the Hudson River.
In addition to hiking, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation also offers a variety of other amenities, including a picnic area, a playground, and a campground.
Getting There:
Route 35 and 121 South, Cross River, NY 10576
Parking Lot GPS Coordinates: 41.258121, -73.588439
Westmoreland Sanctuary
Westmoreland Sanctuary is a 900-acre nature preserve located in Westchester County, New York. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The preserve also features a lake, a forest, and several hiking trails.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Westmoreland Sanctuary include:
- Westmoreland Lake Trail: This 1.5-mile trail loops around Westmoreland Lake. The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike, making it a good option for families with young children.
- Forest Trail: This 2.5-mile trail winds through a forest of oak and hemlock trees. The trail is more challenging than the Westmoreland Lake Trail, but it offers several scenic overlooks of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Meadow Trail: This 0.5-mile trail is a boardwalk that takes you through a meadow ecosystem. The trail is a great place to see a variety of wildflowers and butterflies.
In addition to hiking, Westmoreland Sanctuary also offers a variety of other amenities, including a picnic area and a nature center where you can learn more about the plants and animals of the preserve.
Getting There:
Tips and Safety Precautions
Hiking in Westchester County offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty and outdoor tranquility. To make the most of your hiking experience in this scenic part of New York, consider these tips:
- Be prepared for the weather: The climate in Westchester County is humid continental, with hot summers and freezing winters. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and bring plenty of water.
- Wear slopes shoes: Many of the hiking trails in Westchester County are steep and rocky, so it’s critical to wear sturdy shoes with good traction.
- Bring a map and compass: It’s always a good idea to bring a map and compass when hiking, even if you’re familiar with the trail.
- Choose the Right Trail: Hiking paths in Westchester County range from casual strolls to strenuous treks. Research the trail’s difficulty level and length to match your fitness and experience.
- Respect Wildlife: Never feed animals and always observe them from a safe distance. Keep a safe distance and avoid approaching wild creatures.
- Leave No Trace: Respect other hikers, pack out all rubbish and leave no trace of your presence by adhering to the Leave No Trace standards.
- Know the Regulations: Some trails have specific rules and regulations, such as no pets or seasonal closures. Familiarize yourself with these rules before you start.
- Hike Safely: Be cautious around cliffs, steep terrain, and water crossings. Follow safety signs and markers, and take your time on tricky sections.
- Hiking Groups: Joining a local hiking group or club can be a great way to meet fellow hikers, gain local knowledge, and enhance safety.
Hiking Trails in Westchester Makes for Unforgettable Adventures
As you prepare to embark on your next adventure, remember that Westchester County is a treasure trove of the best hiking opportunities that are waiting to be explored. Whether you seek a heart-pounding journey through rugged landscapes or a peaceful stroll along serene paths, the scenic views in this picturesque region never disappoint. So hit the trails, for there’s a world of natural wonder and outdoor delight just waiting for you!
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