Jessica & Jesse
Things To Do
Croton Point Park
Croton Point Park is 508 acres and the largest peninsula in the Hudson River. This park spans over 4 miles of Hudson River shoreline and includes Haverstraw Bay, Squaw Cove, and Croton Bay. In addition to the beach, there is Croton Point Camping (tent/RV/cabin), a remote control aircraft field, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fields to enjoy games. There is also a car-top boat launch that is open from April through October from 8 a.m. until dusk, which can accommodate sailboards, canoes and car-top carried boats. At the park’s interior, a capped landfill forms a large hill-covered meadow in the center of the park with nature paths that cut through tall grasses over and around it. Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed in the picnic areas.
Croton Point Nature Center
The Croton Point Nature Center is located a short walk away and has flora and fauna exhibits as well as information about the history of the island. Some of the oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic coast have been uncovered here displaying evidence of Native American inhabitants as early as 7,000 years ago. There are weekly events throughout the year that cover topics that range from local biodiversity to archeology to survival skills. Check out the Calendar of Events and take advantage of nature walks, talks, and programs that can teach you something new!
New Croton Dam
The trail to the top of the dam is an easy stroll through the trees. The dam overlooks the park’s namesake gorge as well as the Croton Reservoir, at the bottom of which lies the original Croton Dam. The trail parallels the Old Croton Aqueduct and connects to the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. The Aqueduct trail runs for 26 miles from Croton Gorge Park to the Yonkers-New York City border. The park is perfect for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Teatown Lake Reservation
Teatown is a 1,000-acre nonprofit nature preserve and environmental education center, with 15 miles of hiking trails, a two-acre island refuge for over 230 species of native wildflowers, year-round programming, wildlife exhibits, and natural science day camps in the summer and school breaks. Trails are open 365 days a year, dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center is open 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm. One of our hiking dates.
Kitchawan Preserve
We walked here after the first time we met Benji at the nearby dog (and horse) rescue.