Hike, Bike, Explore
With breathtaking vistas, thrilling bike trails, kid-friendly nature centers and nearly 50,000 acres of accessible open space, Westchester County is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
To help map out your adventure, here’s a sampling of Westchester favorites.
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Look for the symbols for birdwatching, camping, cross-country skiing, family fun and much more in the listings below to help plan your adventures. Please be sure to visit each destination's website for hours and operation or head here for more information.
Trails Without Limits
Westchester Parks Foundation recently launched Trails Without Limits, the first adaptive trail program in Westchester County Parks. This program allows individuals living with disabilities the opportunity to immerse themselves in county parks—at no cost to the user—with all-terrain Trackchairs. Individuals with their family, friends or caregivers will experience an approximately one-or two-mile guided hike.Key- Beach
- Biking
- Birdwatching
- Boating
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Dog Friendly
- Fishing
- Hiking Trails
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Swimming
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Anthony's Nose
A moderate, 2.6-mile hike with one of the greatest views of the Hudson Valley—a rock clearing overlooking the Bear Mountain Bridge. - Blue Mountain Reservation
There's lots to explore on 1,583 acres of wooded, hilly terrain, including Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain, three lakes, plenty of waterfowl and the Blue Mountain Sportsman Center. - The Bridge Path—Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
At 3.6 miles, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path is one of the longest shared-use paths in the country. In addition to providing a new connection for non-motorized travel, the path—with its six overlooks and amenities at each landing—offers an exciting and unique recreational experience. - Cranberry Lake Preserve
A 190-acre preserve of unspoiled forest and wetlands includes a four-acre lake, trails and boardwalks. - Croton Gorge Park
On 97 acres at the foot of the 200-foot Croton Dam, this county park lies at the beginning of the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Trail. - Croton Point Park
On a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River, this 508-acre park is rich in Native American history. Vacation cabins and tents are available. Trailers and recreational vehicles welcome. - Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
On Long Island Sound, along a migratory flyway recognized by the Audubon Society, this 179-acre sanctuary is home to a great diversity of marine life, with three miles of trails through forest and field. - George's Island Park
A 208-acre waterfront park offering magnificent views of the historic Hudson River with tidal wetlands, a freshwater pond and wooded trails to explore. - Graham Hills Park
A wooded, 431-acre park featuring five miles of hiking trails varying in difficult and single-track mountain biking trails for experienced riders. - Greenburgh Nature Center
A 33-acre woodland preserve with trails, ponds, two significant wetland sites, gardens, playground, birds of prey aviary and other outdoor animals. The museum has more than 100 animals, plus a greenhouse, exhibits and shops. - John E. Hand Memorial Park at Bald Mountain
A 112-acre park consisting of native woodlands offers excellent hiking opportunities and a spectacular view from the top. One of its trails is part of the "TKT," or Teatown-Kitchawan Trail, a new 6.5-mile hiking trail that links several parks and trails. - Kensico Dam Plaza
This scenic, 98-acre park is at the base of the massive, 300-foot-high and 1,830-foot-long stone dam. Two paved loops are popular for bicycling, in-line skating, walking and jogging. - Kingsland Point Park
This 18-acre park, located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River at the mouth of the Pocantico River in the village of Sleepy Hollow, features spectacular views of the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse. - Kitchawan Preserve
A 208-acre natural preserve bordered by the New York City reservoir property and North County Trailway. Expect butterflies and migrating birds in late spring throughout its native woodland and open fields. - Lenoir Preserve
A 40-acre nature preserve comprising woodlands and field habitats, Lenoir Preserve is adjacent to the Old Croton Aqueduct on slopes overlooking the Hudson River, providing spectacular views. In the fall, expect to see hawks circling overhead from the Lenoir Hawk Watch. - Marshlands Conservancy
Marshlands Conservancy is a 147-acre wildlife sanctuary composed of forest, meadow, salt marsh and shore. Explore three miles of trails and look for more than 230 bird species—including some rare ones. - Playland Amusement Park
America's first planned amusement park has historic amusement rides, a beach, boardwalk, pool, boating, picnic area, fireworks, mini golf and indoor ice skating. - Rockefeller State Park Preserve/Pocantico Hills
Explore miles of trails on this splendid property located near Route 9 and the Taconic State Parkway. This area is comprised of wetlands, woodlands, meadows, fields and Swan Lake—and a total of 180 bird species have been recorded here. - Rye Nature Center
Spend the day birdwatching and picnic near a pond or stream on 47 acres of forests and fields—with 14 stations on a self-guided trail, as well as a paved trail for seniors and disabled folks. - Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park
A 1,082-acre park with scenic trail hiking, fishing, a challenging ropes course, camping, rowboat rentals, picnicking, winter activities and more. - Saxon Woods Park
This 700-acre property contains the county's largest swimming pool, a children's aquatic playground, 18-hole golf course, picnic areas and hiking trails. - Teatown Lake Reservation
There is an educational nature center and 15 miles of hiking trails spread throughout the preserve's 1,000 acres. Explore lakes, streams, waterfalls, hardwood swamps, mixed forests and meadows. - Tibbetts Brook Park
This 161-acre park is a refuge from urban living. It offers woodlands, lakes, playing fields, playgrounds and a swimming complex and includes a major activities lawn that hosts various events. - V.E. Macy Park
This 172-acre park is centrally located in the county and features ballfields, a playground, comfort stations and picnic pavilion, with excellent sections for fishing and ice skating. - Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
This is the county's largest park, with 4,315 acres of varied terrain and landscapes and 35 miles of wooded trails. Watch hawks and swallows fly overhead, see bluebird nests and visit one of the infamous "Leatherman" sites.
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- Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts
For seven weeks each summer, two outdoor theaters resonate with the music of the world’s finest classical, opera and jazz artists at one of the nation’s top five outdoor festivals. Beautiful grounds and gardens. - The Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
Eastern and Western art exhibits, a 3.5-acre Japanese garden and gift shop. Its authentic Japanese tea room was designed in Japan for the 17th generation descendant of the originator of Japanese tea ceremony. - Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center
Dedicated to developing and advancing sustainable agriculture, accessible food systems, community education and more. The farm offers eight acres of vegetables, herbs and flowers, plus three greenhouses, a composting facility, a farm stand, beehives, livestock and trails. The 3.5-mile marked trails are within 120 acres of forest. - Hudson River Museum
The museum showcases American art, history and science. Explore outer space inside Andrus Planetarium. - Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
Visit the home to four generations of the Rockefeller family and take in the beautiful, terraced gardens, Hudson Valley scenery and Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller’s 20th century art collection. Tours by ticket only; see website for varied tour days and times. - Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
Stroll through the Chinese Friendship Pavilion and Culture Garden, and see the arboretum, which includes rare American chestnut trees and 90 species of lilacs. The Memorial Garden and Westchester County Veterans Museum honor locals who have served in our armed forces. - Lyndhurst
Visit this 1838 Gothic Revival masterpiece to marvel at the same dramatic views of the Hudson River once enjoyed by railroad baron Jay Gould. Lyndhurst is renowned for its outstanding collections and beautiful landscape. - Merestead
An exquisite country mansion on a 130-acre estate, Merestead has 2.3 miles of trails. Their high terrain and varying habitats include woodlands, open fields, gardens and two Chinese lantern statuaries that lead the way to a magnificent vista of the Hudson Highlands. - Muscoot Farm
This 777-acre interpretive farm looks at turn-of-the-century life with a variety of farm animals and displays of vintage equipment, historic buildings, hiking and nature trails. - Philipsburg Manor
The historic Philips estate is comprised of a manor house, grist mill, 18th century barn, slave garden and tenant farmhouse. Costumed interpreters lead tours. - Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture is a nonprofit organization located on 80 acres where they train farmers and educate food citizens. - Thomas Paine Cottage
Former home of Thomas Paine, Father of the American Revolution and creator of the human rights movement. - Untermyer Park and Gardens
Grecian gardens landscaped in the Beaux Arts style. Temple overlooking a mosaic pool, a Greek amphitheater and sculptures. Views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. - Van Cortlandt Manor
Former home of New York’s prominent Van Cortlandt family, now a historic site furnished with period artifacts. Grounds include tenant farmer’s house, tavern and gardens. Seasonal. - Washington Irving's Sunnyside
Charming historic home of Washington Irving, author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Open May-Nov., Wed.-Sun., plus some holiday Mondays. Admission by timed tour ticket only; see website for details.
- Caramoor Center for Music & the Arts
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Trailside Café (North County Trailway)
CaféLatte (Old Croton Aqueduct Trail)
Taco Dive Bar (Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway)
The Bakehouse of Tarrytown (Tarrytown)
Bronx River Parkway area
Colonial Greenway area
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- Endless Trail Bikeworx
A short walk from the Dobbs Ferry railroad station and offers a Metro-North getaway package. - Pedal Peekskill
The rental arm of the Yorktown Bicycle Shop has a wide selection of bikes. - Danny’s Cycles
The county’s oldest continuously operated bike shop has locations across Westchester.
- Endless Trail Bikeworx
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Boat Launching
- Croton Point Park
Launch canoes and boats carried atop cars in the Hudson River. - George’s Island Park
Launch boats up to 21 feet in the Hudson River. - Glen Island Park
Launch boats up to 21 feet in Long Island Sound. - Peekskill Riverfront Green Park
Municipal launch. - Playland Lake
Boat launching ramps, kayaks only. - Yonkers Municipal Boat Ramp
Municipal launch.
Kayak Rental
- Hudson River Recreation
Guided tours of the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Equipment is available on site. No experience necessary. - Hudson River Expeditions
Kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard tours, rentals and instruction for the novice to the experienced paddler.
Sailboat Rental
- Croton Sailing School
Private, captained Hudson River charters for 1-6 people aboard 20-foot to 35-foot vessels. Sailing lessons, sailing club and youth program. - Port Sailing School
Set sail on the beautiful Long Island Sound. Port Sailing School rents sailboats, offers sailing lessons and has a great junior sailing camp in the summer.
Rowboat Rental
- Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Seasonal rowboat rentals on lake and pond. - Wampus Pond
- Croton Point Park
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- Boundless Adventures
Boundless Adventures is for anyone seeking an aerial adventure park experience. Maneuver through nature in a range of obstacle courses that offer exhilarating activities such as extreme tree climbing, ziplining and bridge traversing. - The Cliffs at Valhalla
More than 13,000 sq. ft of indoor rock climbing. Parties, instruction and day pass options. - The Rock Club
A dedicated rock-climbing gym, the Rock Club offers experienced climbers and newcomers alike a large selection of climbs to choose from. All ages and levels are welcome and encouraged to come visit to try new climbs every week. - Spins Hudson at the Factoria
Large entertainment venue with intense adventure, including an aerial ropes course, a two-story laser tag arena, full arcade and more.
- Boundless Adventures
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The six Westchester County–managed courses include Dunwoodie Golf Course with its dramatic topography and steep slopes; picturesque Hudson Hills Golf Course, known for its grand vistas; historic Maple Moor Golf Course, named for its many maple trees; recently renovated Mohansic Golf Course; Saxon Woods Golf Course with its rolling, wooded landscape; and the long and narrow Sprain Lake Golf Course. For reservations at county-owned courses, call (914) 995-GOLF.
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Parks/Dog Parks
- Pelham Bay Park, Pelham
- Saxon Woods Park, White Plains
- Larchmont Dog Beach, Mamaroneck
- Ward Acres Park, New Rochelle
- Bark Park (Off-Leash Dog Run), White Plains
- Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck
- Playland Beach (Oct. – April 28), Rye
- Rockefeller State Preserve, Mount Pleasant
- Gedney Park, New Castle
Dog Friendly Restaurants/Bars
- Lazyboy Saloon, White Plains
- Trailside Café, Yorktown
- Emma’s Ale House, White Plains
- Horsefeathers, Tarrytown
- Rivermarket, Tarrytown
- Peekskill Brewery, Peekskill
- NY Firehouse Grill, Peekskill
- Le Jardin Du Roi, Chappaqua
Dog Friendly Accommodations
- Sleepy Hollow Hotel & Conference Center, Sleepy Hollow
- Radisson Hotel, New Rochelle
- LaQuinta, Elmsford & Armonk
- Residence Inn by Marriot, Yonkers
- Residence Inn by Marriot, New Rochelle
- Residence Inn by Marriot, White Plains
- Inn on Hudson, Peekskill
- Crabtree’s Kittle House, Chappaqua
- Days Inn By Wyndham, Elmsford
- Hyatt Place, White Plains
- Hyatt Place, Yonkers
- Sheraton Tarrytown Hotel, Tarrytown
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Traveling to Westchester County is easy. Major highways include I-87 (New York State Thruway), I-95 (New England Thruway), I-287 (Cross-Westchester Expressway), I-684 and the Hutchinson River, Bronx River, Saw Mill River, Sprain Brook and Taconic Parkways.
Public Transportation
Public transit options provide easy access and include:
Rail: Metro-North Railroad allows bicycles on most off-peak trains, although a permit is required.
Many of Westchester County’s attractions and activities are accessible through MTA Away deals.
Amtrak rules about bikes on trains vary, so please contact directly. Advance bike reservations are recommended.
Bus: The County’s Bee-Line bus system includes an express route from Manhattan and frequent local buses. There are many stops at or near trails, and most buses are outfitted with bike racks.
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Whether you seek the charm of a historic castle, the chic ambiance of a modern hotel, or the retro vibe of a classic roadside motel, Westchester can accommodate you with just the right place to stay—and play.
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There’s always something going on in Westchester. View up-to-date listings on current events.
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