Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

A train travel to Yonkers is the perfect solution if you want a simple and quick excursion. Why? The Old Croton Acqueduct Trail begins there. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail, which was first finished in 1842 and spans a significant area of the Bronx and Westchester county, is a well-defined, simple-to-follow multi-use path that walkers, hikers, runners, and bikers can use to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. During your hike, stroll by Lyndhurst Castle, the old aqueduct, and many other antique structures. This can be seen as one of the Best Hikings Near New York City.

Since it was originally created to provide fresh drinking water into the city, Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in New York City is actually so iconic that it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Therefore, start at the New Croton Dam and proceed through the 21 ventilators that are now the only remnants of the ancient aqueduct if you want to enjoy one of the best walks close to NYC for yourself. The town of Crotonville will be reached after around three miles, and Ossining will be reached after another two miles. There are numerous exit locations along the 26 miles of the trail that end at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, so feel free to leave whenever you please.

The Headless Horseman, Sleepy Hollow, the Tappan Zee Bridge, Lyndhurst (a gorgeous Gothic Revival mansion), the Keeper's House, and other significant route highlights are just a few of the highlights. From Grand Central, simply board a Hudson Line train, and get out at any of the stops between Greystone and Ossining. Be cautious as well because a lot of the trail crosses major roads where cars do not stop for pedestrians.

Location: Bronx/Yonkers/Yorktown
Distance: 26.5 miles (from Van Cortlandt Park/Hancock Avenue in Yonkers to Croton Dam Road at the New Croton Dam in Yorktown)
Difficulty: Easy:
Route: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 300 feet.
Distance from NYC: 15 miles or about a 40 minute drive if you start in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
Rating: 4.0/5.0, 2 Alltrails reviews