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Rockland County

Haverstraw

Attractions and Places To See around Haverstraw - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Haverstraw include a mix of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The village is located along the Hudson River, featuring Haverstraw Bay, which is the widest point of the river. The area provides access to natural landscapes like High Tor Mountain and various state parks, alongside sites reflecting its rich history and industrial past.

Best attractions and places to see around Haverstraw

  • The most popular attractions is New Croton Dam, a man-made monument that offers views over the New Croton Reservoir. Completed in 1906, it was once the tallest dam globally.
  • Another must-see spot is Hudson River Waterfront Trail at Nyack Beach State Park, a trail offering a 5-mile gravel ride along the Hudson River. This trail provides scenic views and connects to other parks in the region.
  • Visitors also love Big Hill, a hut and viewpoint. This location provides a first-come, first-served shelter for hikers and offers views of the Manhattan skyline.
  • Haverstraw is known for its historical landmarks, scenic trails, and cultural sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to explore, from Revolutionary War sites to museums and natural parks.
  • The attractions around Haverstraw are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

New Croton Dam

Highlight • Monument

The perfect spot for a break! From the dam, you have great views over the New Croton Reservoir.

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Roughly a mile and a half of (mostly) empty handpicked gravel. Totally doable on a road bike. If you take the turn up to Rockland Lake beware the 12% gradient up from the river. If you continue on to Haverstraw it's another 3.5 miles of gravel and dirt (a bit more of a challenge on a road bike but still manageable as long as you aren't trying to set any speed records). A really nice reprieve from the more commonly traveled ride on 9w!

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West Mountain Shelter

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Easily one of the most scenic places in the Hudson Valley to stay overnight. The sweeping views of the river and surrounding rolling hills and mountains are unbeatable. The shelter can sleep approx. 4 people but there are numerous spots for pitching a tent as well.

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Big Hill

Highlight • Mountain Hut

First-come first-served shelter for hikers on the Suffern - Bear Mt Trail. There are also possibilities to pitch a tent and take advantage of existing fire rings. And did I mention the amazing views of Manhattan?

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Nyack River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Nyack Beach State Park features a flat, two-mile multi-use path along the Hudson River, which is also part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. The Nyack River Trail offers scenic views with the river on one side and the towering Palisades cliffs on the other. It is open for biking, walking, fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The park is part of a larger network of parks including Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain, and Haverstraw Beach State Parks.

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Hiking around Haverstraw

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Tips from the Community

Pandian
June 7, 2025, New Croton Dam

Careful when you ride on these road lots of potholes.

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Wonderful gravel path along the Hudson

Translated by Google

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Jamie S.
September 3, 2024, Nyack River Trail

Nyack Beach State Park features a flat, two-mile multi-use path along the Hudson River, which is also part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. The Nyack River Trail offers scenic views with the river on one side and the towering Palisades cliffs on the other. It is open for biking, walking, fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The park is part of a larger network of parks including Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain, and Haverstraw Beach State Parks.

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oliviakellis
September 12, 2023, New Croton Dam

Croton Reservoir is one of the three main water supply systems that provide water to New York City.

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Felix
December 30, 2022, New Croton Dam

Beautiful dam and waterfalls. Nice climb if coming from old quaker bridge

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Joseph
July 19, 2022, New Croton Dam

The New Croton Dam forms the New Croton Reservoir, part of the New York City water supply system. Construction began in 1892 and was completed in 1906. The dam is 266 feet broad at its base and 297 feet high from base to crest. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest dam in the world. Croton Gorge Park offers views of the dam from directly downstream. The Old Croton Trail, a popular hiking and biking path that roughly follows the route of the Old Croton Aqueduct, has an endpoint near the base of the dam. Teatown Lake Reservation, a nature preserve, lies nearby as does Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.

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First come-first serve for this shelter. Plenty of space nearby to pitch a tent of hang a hammock if the shelter is full. Make sure to head over to the shelter as the sun sets for a great view of the New York City skyline glowing in the falling darkness.

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The perfect spot for a break! From the dam, you have great views over the New Croton Reservoir.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features and scenic viewpoints can I explore around Haverstraw?

Haverstraw offers several natural attractions and scenic spots. You can visit New Croton Dam, which provides expansive views over the New Croton Reservoir. For hiking and panoramic vistas, High Tor Mountain, part of the Long Path, is a significant natural landmark. Additionally, Big Hill offers a viewpoint with potential views of the Manhattan skyline. Haverstraw Bay itself is notable as the widest point of the Hudson River, providing broad water views.

Are there historical landmarks to visit in Haverstraw?

Yes, Haverstraw is rich in history. You can explore the Central Presbyterian Church, known for its Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows, or St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in Rockland County. The village also has strong ties to the American Revolution, with sites like the "Treason Site" at Emeline Park. The Haverstraw Brick Museum details the area's past as a brick-making capital. Other notable historical buildings include The Homestead and the United States Post Office, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What kind of outdoor activities and trails are available near Haverstraw?

The area around Haverstraw is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy gravel biking or walking along the Hudson River Waterfront Trail at Nyack Beach State Park, which offers a scenic 5-mile route along the Hudson River. This trail connects to other parks, including Haverstraw Beach State Park. For more extensive cycling options, explore routes like the "Haverstraw River Trail – Nyack River Trail loop" which is part of the gravel biking guide around Haverstraw, or various cycling routes in the cycling guide and road cycling guide.

Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in Haverstraw?

Families can enjoy the natural settings of Haverstraw Beach State Park for hiking and biking. The Nyack River Trail, which is part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway, is a flat, multi-use path suitable for all ages. For a unique experience, visit Lucas Candies on Main Street, New York State's oldest chocolaterie, which can be a delightful stop for children and adults alike.

Where can I find cultural sites or art spaces in Haverstraw?

Haverstraw boasts several cultural sites. The Haverstraw Brick Museum showcases the region's industrial heritage. For arts, the Arts Alliance of Haverstraw serves as a multicultural center. The Garner Arts Center in West Haverstraw, a transformed pre-Civil War textile mill, offers artist spaces and a sculpture trail, along with the Industrial Arts Brewing Company. The Haverstraw African American Memorial Park also serves as a cultural site, commemorating local African American history and featuring a Harriet Tubman statue.

What are some unique or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?

For a unique historical and slightly eerie experience, consider visiting Abandoned Letchworth Village, a former institution now a public park with abandoned stone buildings. Another charming spot is Lucas Candies, the oldest chocolaterie in New York State, offering a step back in time with its vintage shop. Casa Hudson, a beautifully renovated Italianate villa, provides a glimpse into preserved historic architecture overlooking the Hudson River.

Can I find places for hiking or walking with different difficulty levels?

Yes, the area offers a range of trails. The Hudson River Waterfront Trail at Nyack Beach State Park and the Nyack River Trail are generally easy, flat paths suitable for leisurely walks. For more challenging hikes, High Tor Mountain is part of the Long Path. The area also features shelters like West Mountain Shelter and Big Hill, which are often reached via intermediate trails and offer overnight possibilities for hikers.

What is the significance of Haverstraw Bay?

Haverstraw Bay is a significant natural feature as it marks the widest point of the Hudson River. This expansive section of the river offers broad, scenic water views and is a popular spot for boating, with the Haverstraw Marina providing access to the river.

Are there any specific architectural styles or historic buildings to observe?

Haverstraw showcases a rich architectural heritage. Along First Street and Main Street, you can find an eclectic mix of Victorian and Italianate mansions. Notable individual buildings include The Homestead, an early 19th-century historic house, and the United States Post Office, both recognized for their historical significance. The Central Presbyterian Church also stands out with its distinctive architecture and Tiffany stained-glass windows.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Haverstraw?

Visitors frequently praise the scenic views, especially from spots like New Croton Dam and the Hudson River Waterfront Trail. The tranquility of places like Haverstraw Beach State Park and the historical depth of the village's landmarks are also highly appreciated. Hikers enjoy the challenge and rewards of trails leading to shelters like West Mountain Shelter, which offers sweeping views of the Hudson Valley.

Are there any parks or green spaces for relaxation and recreation?

Yes, Haverstraw offers several parks and green spaces. Emeline Park, located on the waterfront, provides scenic views and is a site for a Revolutionary War historic marker. Haverstraw Beach State Park is a 73-acre park along the Hudson River, ideal for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The Greenway Trail and Promenade at Broadway and Jefferson Street also offers outdoor recreational opportunities. Additionally, Haverstraw Bay County Park includes a Sept. 11 Memorial and river access.

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