Yorktown Heights offers three distinct focal points for a stay: the paved North County Trailway for walking and cycling, two themed rooms at the Yorktown Museum, and views from Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve. When planning, you can first decide whether your focus will be getting active on a trail, cultural history, or a sweeping landscape view.
North County Trailway: a paved trail for walking and cycling
The North County Trailway is a paved trail for pedestrians and cyclists. This clearly identifies its surface and uses: whether you choose to walk or cycle, both activities are accommodated. The Trailway extends to the center of Yorktown Heights and is part of the Hudson Valley Greenway section of the Empire State Trail. This connection also places it within a larger named trail network. There are two parking areas on Underhill Avenue near Town Hall. Along with the route, this gives you a specific location and landmark to help you find your way.
Cultural history at the Yorktown Museum
The Yorktown Museum presents two distinct topics in separate rooms. The Bob McKeand Room features a large collection of artifacts and photographs about the Put Line. The Woodlands Room presents the life and culture of the Mohegan, Westchester’s first inhabitants; murals and a replica longhouse are part of this display. The rooms differ both in subject and in how the material is presented: artifacts and photographs about the Put Line are followed by murals and a longhouse replica relating to Mohegan culture. This contrast can help you tailor your museum visit to the subject that interests you most. The Yorktown Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check the opening hours before you set out if you plan to include a visit in your day.
Expansive views from Turkey Mountain
The 125-acre Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve is owned by the Town of Yorktown. From the 831-foot summit, the view takes in the Croton Reservoir and dam, the Hudson River, the New York City skyline to the south, Bear Mountain across the Hudson River, and the Hudson Highlands. On clear days, the Shawangunk Ridge is also visible. The view encompasses a variety of landscape features: water and a dam, a river, mountain ranges, and the cityscape to the south. If seeing the Shawangunk Ridge is especially important to you, bear in mind that clear visibility is needed for this distant view.
Planning your visit
Different factors apply when planning your day: for the museum, consider the days of the week and opening hours; for the Trailway, consider how you want to use the trail. A clear day is needed for the distant view of the Shawangunk Ridge. You can weigh your options based on your available time, preferred activity, or the landscape view you want to see.
Discover more destinations: New Rochelle, Yonkers, Elmsford, Tarrytown, Briarcliff Manor, Rye, Ardsley, White Plains
For the broader travel overview: Westchester.
