Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails.
If you’re craving an outdoor adventure, the Westchester suburbs have you covered. Grab your hiking boots and start exploring these scenic Westchester trails this summer.
#1. Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining)
With 15 miles of trails offering impressive views of the lakes, this reservation is popular with Ossining locals looking for a place to clear their heads. Besides hiking, residents can also take a guided tour of the unique floating garden known as Wildflower Island.
Ossining sits about 30 miles north of Midtown Manhattan – which commuters can access by train. Since it sits on the Hudson River, it’s no surprise that boating is big here. If you want to just take in the views, book a table at The Boathouse.
#2. Croton Gorge Park and Croton Point Park (Croton-on-Hudson)
For a rewarding hike in Croton-on-Hudson, it’s hard to beat Croton Gorge Park. The family-friendly trails offer impressive waterfall views and kids will love the park’s playground. Pack a picnic and take advantage of the tables where you can enjoy a peaceful al fresco meal.
Croton Point Park is another excellent nature reserve in town. Kayaking, swimming and boating are all popular pastimes at this riverfront park.
Not only is this a top town for outdoor enthusiasts but it also offers an easy commute to NYC. Another reason we love this town? It’s big on festivals, like the beloved Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
#3. Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve (Yorktown Heights)
This two-mile trek takes you to the top of an 831ft summit where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Hudson River, the Croton Reservoir and NYC in the distance. It’s not the highest summit in the area but it’s a great option if you want rewarding sights with a relatively short hike.
Yorktown Heights is a small town with a strong sense of community. Between the outdoor summer concerts, adult rec leagues and holiday lights parade, there’s always something going on in town.
#4. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (Pound Ridge)
This 4,315-acre reservation offers scenic trails for hikers plus camping and fishing opportunities. It’s also home to the Trailside Nature Museum where you can learn more about the town’s history and the region’s flora and fauna.
Pound Ridge, which sits about 50 miles north of Manhattan, is a bit more remote than some of the other Westchester towns. If you’re looking for a nestled community that offers more space and a charming town center with great dining options, add this suburb to your list.
#5. Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary and Westmoreland Sanctuary (Mount Kisco)
During the fall, birders gather at the Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary to catch a glimpse of the migrating raptors. Throughout the year this 363-acre park is a popular spot for hikers interested in a short and scenic trek.
Westmoreland Sanctuary is another refuge for Mount Kisco residents. Here you’ll find 7.5 miles of trails to explore. Plus, this reserve offers nature programs for kids and adults, like orienteering events.
Mount Kisco is a tight-knit town with a train station that brings commuters to the city in under an hour. And with a Target, HomeGoods and a few grocery stores in town, running errands is a breeze.
#6. Mianus River Gorge Preservation (Bedford)
This seasonal five-mile trail offers hikers views of waterfalls and woodlands. It’s a relatively easy hike, making it a great option for beginners or families with kids.
Bedford is a laid-back town about 40 miles north of Manhattan. In addition to the Mianus River Gorge Preservation, the town’s memorial park is a hub for outdoor activity. This green space features a swimming pool, tennis courts and baseball fields. And with Truck and Ristorante Lucia in town, residents don’t have to head out of Bedford every time they’re looking for a great meal.
#7. Rockefeller State Park Preserve (Mount Pleasant)
Rockefeller State Park features 45 miles of repurposed carriage roads that active residents can use for hiking, cycling and jogging. It’s incredibly scenic year round and you can expect views of woodlands, lakes, fields, and even farm animals.
Mount Pleasant is a close-knit suburb less than 30 miles from the city. The schools are highly rated and it’s a hub for dining and entertainment. The Jacob Burns Film Center in town shows blockbusters and indie films in addition to hosting special events.
#8. Tarrytown Lakes Park (Tarrytown)
Locals can follow a few different trails for scenic views at Tarrytown Lakes Park. This is a dog-friendly park so your pup can join in on the fun. If you’re looking for a different outdoor activity, this is also a nice place to go kayaking or canoeing.
This Hudson River town has a ton to offer. It’s on the Metro-North line so commuters can easily get into Manhattan. Plus, the charming Main Street is lined with local restaurants and coffee shops. Its historic Tarrytown Music Hall puts on a variety of shows and concerts.
#9. Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve (Armonk)
The trails at Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve are usually less crowded than some of the others on this list, making it an ideal spot for trail runners or anyone who wants a quiet hike. You’ll enjoy views of forests and wildflower meadows during your trek.
Armonk is a small, upscale suburb with plenty of parks, respected eateries and specialty shops. There’s even an Equinox in town.
#10. Spitzenberg Mountain (Cortlandt Manor)
The Spitzenberg Mountain trail is a rewarding 1.6-mile out and back climb in the Blue Mountain Reservation. Dogs are welcome and you’ll get some awe-inspiring Hudson River views along your trek. If you’re more of a mountain biker than a hiker, this is still a great option for outdoor fun.
Cortlandt Manor is a quiet town with highly-rated schools. While there isn’t much of a downtown area, locals have easy access to restaurants and entertainment in nearby towns like Peekskill.
#11. Silver Lake Preserve (White Plains)
The almost 5-miles of rugged trails in Silver Lake Preserve give White Plains residents a nice space to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air. As you explore the trail, keep an eye out for historic markers.You’ll also be rewarded with scenic views of the lake.
White Plains has an express train, making it a popular town with commuters. This community-focused town also puts on tons of events, like summer concerts and a farmers market. Plus there are many restaurants and high-end shops in the walkable downtown.
With so many great towns, how do you know where to start? That’s where we come in. Schedule your FREE Suburbs Strategy Session so we can narrow in on your priorities and find the town that checks all of your boxes.