Field Trip: Croton Gorge Park

For the next couple weeks, I’ll publish a day trip suggestion on the weekend, and I am counting on readers to send suggestions. This contribution is from Kate Brannen, a journalist who, if Instagram is any indication, seems to find the best family day trips within striking distance of the city. NB: She always has three little kids in tow, so bonus points for that.

THE DESTINATION
Croton Gorge Park, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

THE JOURNEY
1 hour by car, give or take (47 miles)

PIT STOP

PRO TIP
The park is open 8a to dusk
$5 parking fee

THE BACKGROUND
Croton Gorge Park itself is beautiful and you can hike up the path to the top of the dam for gorgeous views. The property is owned by Westchester Parks and is 97 acres at the base of the Croton Dam with access to the Old Croton Aqueduct, which begins there and runs south. The Croton River also begins there, and the bridge across it gives you the views of the spillway.

The aqueduct was built to supply the city with water and was completed in 1842. (That’s a piece of it that crosses the Harlem River in the South Bronx — you drive under it when you are on 87.) The dam is also called the Cornell Dam because of its location on land purchased from A.B. Cornell, in 1893.

 

3 Comments

  1. City Island Bronx
    Maspeth-Ridgewood Queens
    Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO Brooklyn
    Eltingville Staten Island
    Hamilton Heights/Washington Heights/Inwood/Fort Tryon Park/Cloisters/Riverdale-Fieldston Bronx

    All a 2.75 subwayride away (1.35 for 60 & over.)

    The last one is a great car ride. So many cool little independent businesses along Broadway.

    • Eltingville is a subway/busride or long walk to South Ferry then a ferryride then a 2.75 Staten Island Railway ride away.

      I’d recommend a car for Maspeth-Ridgewood and Riverdale-Fieldston as both have limited public transportation options (Fieldston is car only.)

  2. Eltingville is a subway/busride or long walk to South Ferry then a ferryride then a 2.75 Staten Island Railway ride away.

    I’d recommend a car for Maspeth-Ridgewood and Riverdale-Fieldston as both have limited public transportation options (Fieldston is car only.)

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