A covered tunnel built in the 19th century brought fresh water from Croton in New York State to New York City. Today, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail runs alongside the old tunnel through suburbs, state parks and city streets. Westchester is where history meets a long hiking route: the entire trail is 41 miles long, with the section in Westchester County forming an approximately 26-mile linear state park.
The landscape can also be explored on different scales. Westchester County has nearly 50,000 acres of accessible open space, including more than 24,000 acres of county parkland. Its scenic trail network offers opportunities for hiking, running, cycling and leisurely walks. Teatown protects 1,000 acres in the Lower Hudson Valley. During construction, its trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset; as conditions may change, check the latest information before your visit.
Music, Gardens and Historic Homes
At Caramoor, a single venue offers a remarkable range of culture: the Music Room hosts chamber music, recitals, American roots music, jazz performances and lectures, as well as Caramoor’s popular Afternoon Teas. The grounds are also home to the Rosen House, a historic Mediterranean-style residence that remains fully furnished with artworks collected by Walter and Lucie Rosen. Guided tours offer a way to explore this historic home. The Sunken Garden is also part of the grounds: a historic garden that doubles as an outdoor performance venue.
At the Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site, tours take visitors through the museum, the historic church and the burial ground. The church served as a hospital during the American Revolutionary War. Tours follow regular opening hours; check them before your visit. The Thomas Paine Cottage offers another connection between the history of a home and personal belongings. The historic house museum contains some of the few surviving items that belonged to Thomas Paine, including a simple chair and a cast-iron stove given to Paine by Benjamin Franklin. Check current access information in advance.
Art, Nature and Day Trips
On the banks of the Hudson River in Yonkers, the Hudson River Museum combines American art and changing exhibitions with several distinct spaces: Glenview, a historic home dating from 1877, a planetarium, an environmental education gallery and an outdoor amphitheater. Exhibitions and programming change; check the current offerings when planning your visit. The Hudson River also forms Westchester County’s western boundary. The towns along the river are accessible by Metro-North Railroad.
For a different way to enjoy the outdoors, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path offers a range of uses along its 3.6 miles. It features six viewing areas and facilities at each entrance; available amenities may change. Playland Amusement Park pairs historic rides with a beach, boardwalk, swimming pool, boat rides, picnic areas, fireworks, mini golf and an indoor ice rink. Offerings may vary by season. On Long Island Sound, Playland Beach offers opportunities to enjoy the beach and swimming pool.
Westchester County also offers a year-round events calendar featuring seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and wine and food tastings. The program changes annually. For explorations of farms and orchards, the state-designated 17-mile Westchester Farm Trail connects 13 farms and orchards from Sleepy Hollow to North Salem; participating businesses may change. The free, mobile-friendly, web-based Westchester Craft Beverage Trail leads to beverage experiences and special offerings. Participating businesses and offerings may change here as well.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Tarrytown, White Plains, Ardsley, Yonkers, Rye Brook, Rye, Yorktown Heights, Mt Kisco, Mount Vernon, Elmsford, Peekskill, New Rochelle, Briarcliff Manor.
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