The best walks and hikes around Croton-On-Hudson

Yes, the area is great for families. A popular choice is the New Croton Dam loop — Westchester County, a short 1.5-mile (2.5 km) walk with fantastic views of the dam's spillway. Croton Point Park also offers several gentle, scenic trails along the Hudson River.

Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary between parks. Dogs are generally welcome on a leash at Croton Gorge Park and on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. However, some nature preserves like Teatown Lake Reservation have stricter rules to protect wildlife, so it's always best to check the specific regulations for each park before you go.

The main attraction for waterfall views is the New Croton Dam in Croton Gorge Park. The massive spillway creates a spectacular man-made waterfall. You can view it from the base of the dam within the park or walk across the bridge at the top for a dramatic perspective.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous hike, there are several options. The Ossining Train Station to New Croton Dam loop is a difficult 14.3-mile (23 km) trek. You can also find trails with significant elevation gain, like the Highland Trail, which offers rewarding views over the Hudson River.

The region has several excellent loop trails. For a longer, moderately challenging circuit, consider the New Croton Dam – New Croton Dam loop from Croton-Harmon. This 6.8-mile (10.9 km) route takes you through woodlands and along the historic aqueduct.

The Metro-North train station at Croton-Harmon provides excellent access to the trail network. From the station, you can easily walk to the trailhead for routes that explore Croton Point Park and connect to the Old Croton Aqueduct trail, making it a convenient option for those traveling from New York City.

Parking is available at several key locations. Croton Gorge Park has a large lot at the base of the dam, which is ideal for exploring the immediate area. Croton Point Park also offers ample parking for access to its riverfront trails. For trails within Teatown Lake Reservation, there is a visitor center with parking, though a fee may apply.

Hikers have several highly-regarded options in the area.

Croton Gorge Park is a major favorite, centered around the impressive New Croton Dam and its spillway.

Croton Point Park is another top choice, offering 508 acres of riverfront trails with beautiful views of the Hudson.

For a more immersive nature experience, many visitors head to Teatown Lake Reservation, a 1,000-acre preserve with 15 miles of well-marked trails.

The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is a historic, mostly flat and wide path that follows the route of the 19th-century aqueduct that once supplied water to New York City. It's a tree-lined greenway perfect for easy walking, offering a peaceful journey through woodlands and past historical remnants of the aqueduct system.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning views of the New Croton Dam and the peaceful, scenic trails along the Hudson River. The combination of natural beauty and local history is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Absolutely. The Croton Point Park to Croton Landing Park trail is a fantastic 6.9-mile (11.1 km) route that follows the Hudson River shoreline. It connects two beautiful parks and offers continuous water views, making it ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the river scenery.