State Park - Resources

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.

Don’t miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near this historic park

• Double Arch-a unique bridge-within-a-bridge, located in Ossining across from the Ossining Museum
• Kykuit-the Rockefeller’s estate
• New Croton Dam-an unusual spillway makes for a pretty waterfall at the state of the Croton River
• Ossining Museum-located in Ossining across from the Double Arch, contains a small exhibit on the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct
• Keeper’s House-located in Dobbs Ferry, it was once the residence for the caretaker of the Aqueduct, it is the future home of the OCA’s Visitor Center
• Weir Chambers-located along the trail at various locations, they were constructed to enable Overseers and Caretakers to control the flow of water through the Aqueduct for repairs, inspections or to completely drain the line.  Also look for the ventilators that are located along the trail, constructed to ventilate the aqueduct.

Converted from a 1920’s summer home in the town of Patterson, Wonder Lake is a hiker’s delight of 8.6 miles of marked trails. Walk on what were historically bridle trails around scenic Wonder Lake in this 1133 acre area. Get in touch with nature around the 3-acre Laurel Pond.

Don’t miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park –

• Atlantic Kayak Tours: Offering different kayak tours and instructional programs
• Appalachian Trail: A portion of the AT runs through Fahnestock and Hudson Highlands State Parks
• Canopus Beach: A large sandy beach offering swimming, boating and picnic areas
• Martin Huge McGuire Hemlock-Northern Hardwood Area: A newly dedicated area of the Bird Conservation Area, located in the campground.
• Hudson Highlands State Park: Home of the consistently #1 rated Trail in America, the Breakneck Ridge Trail.

Visitors will delight in the ever growing haven of open space in Westchester County known as Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Approximately 30 miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Preserve is an idyllic spot for strolling, jogging, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. With 180 recorded species of birds and its IBA (Important Bird Area) designation by the National Audubon Society, the Preserve is a must visit area for birders. In season, licensed anglers enjoy fishing for bass in the 22 acre Swan Lake and for brown trout in the Pocantico River.

Don’t miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park preserve:

• 13 Bridges Loop Trail-1.9 miles of even to moderate grade, leading to 13 bridges on the wandering Gory Brook
• Bird Feeder Area-located next to the art gallery, many birds frequent the feeders in all seasons
• Fern Garden-located at the entrance, this garden is volunteer maintained
• Peony Monument-located next to the art gallery, these beautiful flowers were donated by a town in Southern Japan (the town of Yatsuka in the Shimane Prefecture).  The peonies bloom every spring in late April through early May.
• Swan Lake-located a short walk from the art gallery, a 22-acre lake
• Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site-located 15 miles south, a museum of history, art and architecture, as well as host to community organizations, meetings, educational programs and special events.
• Rockefeller Art Gallery-gallery of two-dimensional arts.  Rotated every six weeks.  See the calendar of events for the most updated exhibit.
• Rockwood Hall-it was once the county estate of the late William M. Rockefeller
• Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park-0.9 miles of the Old Croton Aqueduct travel through the preserve.