A 654 acres preserve offering hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, bird watching, and nature study. It was named after the last natural brook-trout spawning stream in Westchester. Bow hunting is allowed in season. No dogs allowed. There is also access near the Somers Library (82 Primrose St, Katonah) with connecting trails from Reis Park.

• Bedford Audubon Society
• Somers Land Trust
• Trail Map // new trail map
• Geocaches: GC1ZJQE // GC2H9Z1 // GC2J78Z // GC3488D // GC3487D // GC3489B // GC3491M

Located in Peekskill, there are a range of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

• Trail map
• Trail Map
• NYNJ trail conf info
• Westchester gov park info
• Geocaches: GC2598N // GC27WP0 // GC10JDG// GC2MAXF // GC2XJ2R // GC2XQ8G // GC38KQV // GC3NR46

Excellent long trail. Tree shaded and perfect for a warm summer day. One parking option is at a turnoff on Watch Hill Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY:

• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCKDD3 // GCKDD6 // GCKFGB // GCE305

The largest sanctuary managed by the Saw Mill Audubon with just over 3 miles of clear, well marked trails and a pleasing pond with frogs, dragonflies, etc. Dogs are allowed on leash.

• Saw Mill River Audubon
• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCYJZV // GC1P5N6

Really pretty park stretching along the I95 in Greenwich. Pond, croquet court. Dogs are welcome.

• Town of Greenwich
• Geocaches: GCQ21E // GCNF07 // GCXR6X

The town of New Castle recently acquired a great open space area which used to belong to William Burden, the ambassador to Belgium under Dwight Eisenhower. From the parking area off Sheather Road you will find a set of trails looping through this 124 acre wetland area, crossing streams, passing ponds, and climbing a small hill with views to the southeast.

• trail map
• Leathermans loop
• Geocaches: GC1HR4K // GC1HR6M // GC3TAY4

A very pleasant Nature Conservancy park in Bedford located across the street from the larger Westmoreland Sanctuary. It's an IBA bird sanctuary with an interesting bleecher stand hawk watch located near the main entrance. There are a few miles of marked trails with some moderate hills. It's easy to loose oneself so taking a trail map is recommended. Dogs allowed.

The main entrance and parking for a dozen or so cars is located off of Chestnut Ridge Road on the west side of the 684 at (N41 10.950 W073 41.191). There is also an entrance off of Byram Lake Road (N41 10.452 W73 41.239).

• Directions to park
• trail map
• IBA sanctuary
• Hawkwatch // Hawk count
• Geocaches: GCR0PB // GCA8F // GC32PW2 // GC32PT7 +6 more in this series

Small, 23 acre preserve in Pound Ridge with a short loop hiking trail through a nice hilly landscape with some pretty large rocks. Parking for a few cars. No pets allowed.

• Info
• trail map
• Geocaches: GC1NQZA

Small preserve with a couple of trails. Dogs are allowed in parts, but not in the wildlife refuge area.

• Pound Ridge Land Conservancy
• trail map
• Plant list
• Geocache: GC2VY5N

Parking is sometimes available in the furthest west corner of the Mount Kisco Presbyterian Church parking lot alongside Route 133 and across from the sanctuary or on Red Oak Lane. Dogs are permitted on leash. The small sanctuary has approximately 1 mile of walking trails, clearly marked.

• Sanctuary description
• Trail map
• Geocache: GCQV81 // GC1AX77

• trail map
• Geocache: GCNM9A

A small parking lot with room for 4 or 5 cars is at the trail head. The trail from the parking area branches into two major trails leading to the 46 acre Ice Pond on the edge of the Great Swamp. The left-hand trail goes through the woods. The right-hand trail skirts a wetland. Both trails rejoin just prior to the railroad tracks at the Ice Pond. Dogs allowed.

• Town Parks, Patterson
• Plant list
• Geocache: GC6884

No dogs allowed.

• Park info and trail map
• Trail map
• More park info
• Geocaches: GCA684 // GC11C60 // GC11P72 // GC11P6D // GC1CMD4 // GC1CMDF // GC17Q4R // GC2PNZA // GC2TQX7 // GC2TQYJ // GC2VG4M // GC2VNX5 // GC2ZMPW

Mrs. Crawford left her mansion and property to the Town of Rye to be used as a park for passive recreation. The grounds are large enough for a brief stroll. Dogs are allowed in this park, but not in the adjacent park to the south.

• Geocaches: GCRPJX

During the summer season, there is a parking fee in Croton Gorge Park. However, you can easily access the park by foot, from the Dam or the Old Croton Aqueduct. Dogs allowed on leash.

• Westchestergov.com
• Wikipedia
• Geocache: GC21TH5

Croton Gorge County Park

Located a short distance south of Croton Gorge Park, and may possibly be part of the same park though labelled separately on the map. Access both parks via the Old Croton Aqueduct, aka Old Croton Trail State Park.

• Geocache: GCT6JB

Seasonal parking fee may apply. Dogs allowed on leash. Huge parking lot, many picnic tables.

• Westchestergov.com Parks
• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC1KBNA // GC21TKA // GC2QWWZ // GC3M83G

Great waterfront sanctuary located next to Playland. When Playland isn't open there is free parking, $7 otherwise. Drive through the large lot and keep going following signs to Edith Read where there is a smaller parking area. No dogs allowed.

• Directions
• Geocaches: GCP795 // GCPDBX

This 135 acre sanctuary is not a formal garden, but a natural area, with introduced wildflower species and some interesting terrain. Approximately 8 miles of trails wind through the landscape with a stream, pond, wetland meadow, red maple swamp, hillside wetland, emergent freshwater marsh and a wetland scrub thicket. Plus shady gorges with mature deciduous forest and a grove of white pines.

The is a small parking lot at the entrance on North Porchuck Road. No dogs allowed, though they have a cute sign telling the dogs this in "dog language".

• Plant list
• Trail Map // another trail map

Formerly known as Mohansic Park and Mohansic State Park, this park was created in 1922 on the former site of the Mohansic State Hospital. In 1923, Westchester grew over 20,000 species of pine, spruce and evergreen trees on the park grounds which were used for transplantation in other Westchester parks. During the Great Depression, a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp was placed in the park, and several buildings remain. In 1957, New York State acquired the property. It was renamed to Franklin Delano Roosevelt State Park in 1982.

This is a large park in Yorktown with a number of facilities (pool, lake, boat launch, picnic areas) in addition to hiking trails. There is a parking charge on weekends starting mid-May and Daily from Memorial Day-Labor Day. Alternate parking may be found at Downing Park, off of rt. 202 N 41 17.599 W 073 48.581, where connecting trails will lead you into FDR Park.

• Park map
• Trail map
• NY State parks
• Friends of FDR State Park
• Plant list for hikers
• Geocaches: GC14HYQ // GC2DA8V // GC3EPQA // GC3GT99

This small preserve is located at the top of the hill in front of Brewster Ice Arena. There is parking at the ice rink.

• Directions and info
• Geocache: GC3E68

• Geocache: GC1KFF8

A large recreational park with fields and tennis courts. It also has a waterfront nature trail, boardwalk, and marsh with birdlife and views of the sound. No dogs allowed.

• Geocaches: GC2TK0V GC3CPKA

The Ruth Walgreen Franklin and Winifred Fels Memorial Sanctuary is 204 acres of mainly low deciduous woodlands, Red Maple Swamp and Shrub Swamp. It's been mostly undeveloped, but is gradually being improved by the Bedford Audubon society. Dogs may not be allowed, but there was no signage specifically disallowing them as of May, 2007.

• Bedford Audubon Society
• Trail map
• Geocaches: GCWJ5C // GC12CKJ // GC12CKH // GC12CKG

A very nice woodland park with some hills and streams and a couple of scenic view points. Trails are slightly hard to follow. Dogs allowed on leash. Parking is at the ballpark across the street on Sprout Brook Road.

• Park info
• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCHDVF // GCHDVP

At 126 acres, this is one of New Castle’s largest parks. It is extremely varied, with fields, wetlands, a manmade pond, streams, rock walls, and steep rocky woodlands. It is very popular with dog walkers.

• Park information
• Trail Map
• Westchester Dog friendly parks
• Geocaches: GC20TMD // GC20TJD // GC1RRCY GCJM6M // GC1GKD3

A 208 acre waterfront park with a boat launching area. Dogs are allowed on leash.

• Westchester.com Parks
• Directions
• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCRFAA // GC24KF4 // GC2KEBq // GC2KECA

Nice 44 acre park with trails through open fields and forest. The park contains demonstration areas of how homeowners can live with nature including a deer resistant garden, selected shrub plantings, and bird boxes.

• Directions
• Trail map
• Geocache: GC159AD

• The EWB Trail

Very nice small audobon nature sanctuary located across the street from Oscawana County Park. Don't blink, or you'll miss the entrance on Furnace Dock Road. There is another entrance near the end of Briggs Lane. Walk up the private driveway of the last house on Briggs Lane to the trail head at N41 13.551 W73 54.817. Dogs allowed on leash.

• Sanctuary description
• Trail map
• Geocache: GCQX4N

Graham Hills Park features several miles of aggressive single track for the intermediate to advanced rider. Hikers on busy weekends should watch out for speeding cyclists. The entrance is located in Pleasantville on Rt 117, just East of the Taconic State Parkway. Dogs allowed.

• Trail map (probably the best of the maps)
• Trail Map 2 // Trail Map 3
• Geocaches: GCBA4 // GCVPQH // GCVPQN // GCVPQR // GCVPQT // GCPWGV // GC2PKMM // GC3HFE4 // GC3HF4V // GC3H8RF // GC3H8RB // GC3H8RB

This is a relatively new park with lots of hiking trails through the woods. There seems to be no direct access to the park, but it can be reached from the Yorktown Taconic Trailway by parking at the end of Buckhorn St. Alternatively, the park can be reached from Woodlands Legacy Fields Park and crossing over the freeway via the Taconic Bridge Trail.

• Trail Map // link 2
• Trails in neighboring Woodlands Legacy Fields park
• NYNJ Trail Info
• Geocaches: GC2XQBM // GC34381 // GC343A3 // GC3BQ2N

There is a fee to visit the nature center, but no charge to walk the trails on the property. The property includes 30 acres of woodland and two significant wetland sites. There is a large parking lot. No dogs allowed.

• Greenburg Nature Center visitor info page
• Geocaches: GC2TNAC // GC3AZJK // GC3GVC4

Small park with 0.5 miles of hiking trails that rises to a small summit where General Washington's patrols were posted during the American Revolution. An unmarked parking area can be found just north of #284 West Patent Road.

• Geocache: GCQY3Z

Small, 14.5 acre nature preserve on the Eastern edge of New Castle featuring beautiful rock formations and large tulip and sugar maple trees. Small trail system. Dogs allowed.

• Sanctuary web page
• Trail Map
• Plant list
• Geocache: GC2EQZ9

Park with harbor views and lots of parking for playing fields.

• Geocaches: GC1M8HA // GC2Z8MC

Beautiful 235 acre wooded park/preserve with winding hiking trails in Briarcliff Manor. The main entrance is off Dogwood Lane. There's another entrance and room for 1-3 cars to park near 309 Hardscrabble Rd., but the way in from Dogwood is more scenic. The place is popular with dog walkers.

• Plant list
• trail map
• Geocaches: GC12PJ1 // GCR1Z3 // GC31QE4

This 123-arce preserve is the former Gaisman Estate. It is open dawn to dusk, and has 2.5 miles of trails through primarily pristine woods with streams, ponds and meadows.

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC1JK00 // GC28NV1

The roadside opening to the preserve is small and between two homes. No marked trails in the 14 acre preserve.

• Information
• Geocaches: GC1599P // GC159A7

• trail map
• Map of parks in Hastings-on-Hudson
• Geocaches: GC29H59 // GC29H5Q // GC1055V // GC2VXA6

Three separate, inter-linked trails in 134 acres of forest. Open from dawn to dusk. Parking area located across the street on the east side of Hanover Street next to the fruit stand. No Dogs allowed.

Open 10am - 4:30pm year round with 3.5 miles of hiking trails.

• Web site
• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GC1GJA6 // GC1GJA0 // GC3EYP4 // GC3F6BH // GC3HZE7

Located near the Westchester -- Putnam County borders. This large park includes Breakneck Ridge and the Appalachian Trail passes through it.

• Park description
• North Trail map
• South Trail map
• Camp Smith Trail

The James Ramsay Hunt and Mary Welsh Parker Memorial Sanctuary boasts a well-established marked trail system through a variety of habitats in this 318 acre park.

• Bedford Audubon Society
• Sanctuary Info
• trail map // better trail map
• Geocaches: GCKJ72 // GC2K24N

A 21 acre preserve in Bronxville/Mt Vernon with a short bit of hiking trails along a stream. Very popular spot with dog walkers.

• Geocaches: GCZDN3 // GCZADN // GC3RFCF

Hunter Brook Linear Park

Another gem of a small park in Yorktown Heights with at least one trail. The trail head is approximately 0.1 miles west of the small parking area. No dogs allowed.

• Geocache: GC3XMK6

A 45 acres preserve along the stream corridor of the Hunter Brook, an important tributary of the Croton Reservoir, in Yorktown.

• Hunter Brook Quest
• Trail Map
• Plant list
• Geocaches: GCQN1Y // GC3E6AM

This 76 acre preserve is Dobbs Ferry’s largest park. The woodland preserve has several hiking trails. Dogs are allowed.

The estate was named for John C. Juhring III, a landscape architect, who acquired the property in 1909 and whose Belden Avenue residence was at one time contiguous to the current 76 acre parcel. By the early 1960s the land was owned by Edward J. Tobin and Reuben Chase, both investors, who were planning to subdivide the property into 115 lots. Public outrage prompted the village government to acquire grants from the federal and state governments to purchase the property as open space. The only stipulation that came with the federal and state grants was that the land remain undeveloped, open and available for the public to enjoy.

• Geocaches: GC3235E // GC31N5F

Small wooded Preserve. Dogs allowed.

• Park info
• Plant list
• Geocaches: GCRD9X // GC1395M

Large park with clearly marked trails through the woods. Dogs allowed.

• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCY8E7 // GC1W0QT // GC1VZHW // GC1W1PG // GC27XJD // GC27XHZ // GC27XHF

A 26 acre park located near St. Matthews Church in Bedford. Parking can be found near the rear of the church parking lot. Dogs allowed.

• Park info
• Geocaches: GCG48K // GC11Z4F

Small, 18 acre park near the 1883 Tarrytown Lighthouse. There is a small dog park.

• Tarrytown patch
• Dog park

Popular, dog friendly hiking area. Park hours 8am - dusk.

• Directions to the preserve
• Description
• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCP3KZ // GCKQ08 // GC27MVM // GC2H5M9 // GC2R9G4

66 acres of woodland with a few trails can be found in this small park bordering the North County Trailway in Somers. The park boundary is fenced along the trailway, but there is an entrance with a side trail linking to the NCT at N 41 19.828 W 073 45.451 Park hours 8am till dusk, dogs allowed.

• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GC1XYAJ GC3B5EM

Hiking trails around a couple of lakes. Dogs allowed.

• Friends of the Reservoir
• Park info
• Geocaches: GCT1J3

• Westchestergov.com Park Info
• Friends of Lasdon park
• Wikipedia
• Trail map

Small, 40 acre preserve with a few trails and bird watching. No dogs.

• Map and info
• Westchester Parks
• 10,000 Birds
• Plant list
• Geocaches: GC12C02 // GC2RMA8 // GC2RMA5

There is a postage sized parking area for this 386 acre preserve.

• Bedford Audubon Society
• Geocaches: GC16JZA // GC15PE8 // GC18KH4

Letherstocking Trail

• info

Lewisboro

• Link to all the parks in Lewisboro with map

Small preserve with 0.7 miles of trail next to Lake Waccabuc.

• Trail Map

Two small, very nice adjacent preserves in Katonah. Marion Yarrow has a lovely little waterfall. Trails in Mount Holly Sanctuary can be a bit muddy. Dogs allowed on leash. There is a small parking area for 2-3 cars along Mount Holly Road just north of Holly Hill Lane and an additional parking area for a couple more cars across the street a short distance north. An additional entrance with room for a car or two can be found off of East Mount Holly Road at N 41 16.524 W 073 37.306 .

• Trail Map for Mount Holly
• Trail Map for Marion Yarrow // another trail map
• Geocaches: GCG0WX // GC8B00 // GC3B4BC // GC3B4A5 // GC3B4C1

Parking lot next to the caretakers house on Rte 172. Large 156 acre preserve with ample walking trails. Dogs allowed. Other trail entrances are to the SE on Sarles St and faint trails can be found in from nextdoor Leonard Park. Additional parking off Sarles St

• Sanctuary info
• Plant list
• Geocaches: GCZMQM // GC15P76 // GC17A72 // GC3TVZ3 // GC3TVAX // GC3TVBW

The only extensive salt water marsh in Westchester. No pets allowed. Restrooms, maps and information are available at the nature center, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and most holidays.

• Park Info and map
• Westchester Gov site
• Friends of Marshlands
• Geocaches: GCJ2QN // GCNGZQ // GC117XR // GC1830G // GC2Z738

Merestead is Scottish for farmland. The park property includes the former Patterson estate with 2.3 miles of hiking trails. Open daily 8am till dusk. No dogs allowed.

• Trail Map
• GC2QF9K // GC3BHJ1 // GC3BHJA // GC3BHJJ

A 247 acre Nature Conservancy preserve in Armonk. Some rugged sections, with rock outcroppings and a stream that creates a small but beautiful hemlock gorge leading to a red maple swamp. No dogs allowed.

• Trail Map
• Info
• Geocaches: GCBD9A // GCRV38 // GC16Z27 // GC3VKW8 // GC3VMCA // GC3VMDZ // GC3VMH1 // GC3VMFA

This was one of the first Nature Conservancy properties and is only open from April 1 - November 30 (closed in winter). It is in Westchester County NY near the Connecticut border. The Mianus River continues south into CT and the neighboring Mianus River Park in CT is open year round. Parking (N41 11.170 W73 37.308) is near the north end of the gorge on Mianus Road (dirt) near the junction of 172 and 104. It is a private preserve, not a public park/recreation area and does not allow geocaching.

• Park homepage
• Trail Map
• Directions to Park
• Photos

The Connecticut side of the Mianus River has this busy park. Dogs are allowed on leash, but lots and lots of unleashed dogs can be encountered on the weekend. A river runs through it, many trails, mountain bike friendly, with limited parking off Merriebrook Lane and more parking on Cognewaug Rd.

• Trail map // another trail map
• Biking info and map
• Park info
• Friends of Mianus River Park
• Geocaches: GC28A7 // GCYDW1 // GCW5BA // GC1AYEH GC1B6N9 // GC1BC33

In contrast to busy Mianus River Park, we seldom see anyone else in this Mianus Park other than the occasional geocacher or horse rider. Dogs are allowed. Be careful parking, as it is easy to get stuck in the mud at the turnouts.

• Geocaches: GC30XGM plus 8 more in the series

This 100 acre area on Montrose Point has a couple miles of well marked hiking trails and a lookout point along the Hudson River. The largest Osage Orange Tree in NY can be found in the forest. Dogs are allowed on leash. Trails connect to neighboring George's Island County Park.

• Montrose Point State Forest
• Hudson River Walk
• Trail Walker article
• Geocaches: GCRFA0 // GC2H7WJ // GC2H7XK // GC2H7YQ

No dogs allowed. Very small 32 acre preserve with pond. Iceskating in winter.

• Bedford Audubon
• Woodland walks
• Geocache: GCGF6E

Huge, 1000+ acre park includes the highest point in Westchester County. Dogs allowed. There is also a trail head for the yellow trail on Hunt Lane at: N 41 19.319 W 073 33.415

• Trail Map
• Topo Map
• Plant list
• Geocaches: GC6478 // GCHD6A // GCNB4D // GC31RFK

No dogs allowed. Otherwise it has a very nice trail system, ample parking, and farm display stuff for the kids. Easy car access from 684 - 35- 100.

• Directions and trail map
• Trail System
• Geocaches: GCBC2 // GCDBE2 // GCKABV // GCMCHP // GC1351V // GC17M5F

Nature Study Woods

Large park with miles of hiking trails. Additional parking areas can be found on Nicolas Road and the main DEC lot is off Gipsy Trail Road. Dogs are allowed off leash.

• Bike info and trail map
• DEC trail map
• Geocaches: GC1YFGE // GC156 // GC192A // GC11D5H // GC2VKNE // GC1Q0W2 // GC3MVRA + 12 more jonboy caches

Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park

The park follows the route of the Old Croton Aqueduct, which carried water into New York City from 1842 to 1955. Most of the structure lies beneath the trail. The aqueduct itself remains intact, and the northern sections continue to supply water to Ossining. There is a level 26-mile walking path from the New Croton Dam in northern Westchester to van Cortlandt Park at the New York City line.

• Trail link
• Trail map
• section of map in Hasting-on-Hudson
• Friends of the OCA
• 128 Geocaches

A 110 acre property with walks through fields as the name would suggest. The fields transition to forests as one heads east through the preserve, then pass by horse farms and more fields. A gravel drive into the parking area is located on Mead St opposite Schoolhouse Road. Trails link up with trails in Lewisboro Town Park to the south. Dogs allowed on leash.

• Westchester Land Trust
• trail map
• Trails joining those in Lewisboro Town Park
• Plant list
• Geocache: GC3JGC6

The small island park to the west has a few trails and Hudson River access popular with fisherman. The larger Oscawana County Park has access points along the southern edge on Furnace Dock Road. The trails are poorly maintained and bushwacking is likely through spots. There are numerous ruins of an abandoned overgrown estate. There's also a small waterfall.

• Directions to park
• Geocaches: GCKDVC // GCR0P8 // GCR0P9 // GC2KW8H // GC2KH9V

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC1APW6 // GC12ZYC // GC2D670

A very cute little nature sanctuary with a board walk around a red maple swamp.

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GCK0Q5 // GC3TB06

Dogs allowed on leash.

• Saw Mill River Audubon
• Trail map
• Geocahces: GCQVXB // GC132KN // GC12X3K

A 236 acre county park with playgrounds and athletic fields. The undeveloped parts of the site are heavily wooded with trails. Some structures in the park were constructed by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) in the 1940's and have historical significance. Large parking lot. Dogs allowed on leash. The Hart's Brook Nature Preserve is across the street.

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC1CQPW // GC3FJP1

Excellent wide, well marked trails. Carriage roads are very easy for walking. Stunningly beautiful in the fall. Has streams with bridges, a nature center, Swan Lake, many birds. Dogs are allowed. Wheelchair and stroller friendly. The place is crowded on weekends, but nearly deserted during the week. Parking is $6, but free parking can be found near the trail head on Sleepy Hollow Road or along Rte 448 on the eastern side of the park.

• Directions
• trail map
• Park map and more info
• Pocantico Hills Trails
• Pocantico River map
• Geocaches: GCAE

This preserve consists of 180 acres in the northwest corner of Waccabuc. This property was once productive crop land and pasture but has reverted to forest. Remnants of the old farm house and barn foundations are visible near the south end of the preserve. There are approximately 2 miles of trails.

• Trail map
• plant list
• Geocaches: GC318VR // GC32VBT

This is a small park with a few well marked trails in the woods. No dogs allowed.

• Geocache: GC17W75

Small back entrance on Old White Plains Road at N40 57.806 W73 44.871.

Large, 700 acre park with a variety of recreational activites (pool, golf, barbecue pits) in addition to hiking trails. Dogs allowed on leash, but not in the adjacent Weinberg Nature Center. The park straddles the Hutchinson Parkway. Parking lots can be found on the eastern side of the park on either side of the Hutch (Exit 23). Alternative parking choices include the Weinberg Nature Center on the west side just south of the Hutch (Exit 22), or street parking on side streets along Saxon Woods Road near the north end of the park. A small bridge entrance can be found across from Teramar Way. Parking fees may apply on weekends/holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

• Trail Map // Trail Map
• Weinberg Nature Center Parking at 455 Mamaroneck Rd.
• Westchester Trails
• The Great Westchester GreenLoop
• Wildman Steve Brill tour
• Geocaches: GCC83 // GCC84 // GCVER9 // GC16VXJ // GCRN1E // GC16RPF // GCRNME // GCRA4J // GC2FZ9X // GC2TCC0 // GC39A3X // + 8 more

• Hiking Silver Lake
• Geocaches: GC2EBF // GC12CM4 // GC12P41 // GC3A32K

Small preserve with a few well marked trails. Can be overgrown and buggy in summer, but nice other times of the year. Dogs allowed. It's listed on some maps as the Whipporwill Ridge Park, but both entrances have signage calling it the Betsy Sluder Preserve.

• Park Info
• Photos
• Leathermansloop
• Geocaches: GC7751 // GCMFNK // GC15Z3N // GC32XJE

There is a large wooden playground built by community members along with two ball fields and access to Tonetta Lake which requires proof of residency and an access fee to use the beach area. There is no charge to use the rest of the park. There are woods with hiking trails at the southern end of the Great Swamp that can be easily accessed from the parking area next to the Town Recreation Center. No Dogs Allowed.

• Geocaches: GCZY8Q // GC3079F

A 278 acre park near Yonkers with wooded hiking trails. Other attractions include a pool and picnic areas.

• Map and description
• Trail Map // WMBA trail map
• Geocaches: GCPTC9 // GC1PVGT // GC1QNG1

An 82 acre preserve with 2.5 miles of walking trails on Rte 134 in Ossining. Opened by the town of New Castle in April, 2008. Dogs allowed.

• Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCT7BB // GCT724 // GCT7B7 // GC3WEXY // GC3WEYA // GC3RDP2

Large park with several hiking trails through woods and around the old Mohegan Quarry. One of the Old Leatherman's caves is said to be found in the park. There is ample parking, and dogs are permitted on leash.

• Park info
• NYNJ Trails
• Geocaches: GCR6J2 // GCR6J0 // GC2JD0T // GC2JD00 // GC3HYKR

A paved path runs through the woods and along side the reservoir making it a good place for taking a stroll, walking the dog, or doing a little bird watching.

• Info and parking directions
• Geocaches: GC2287 // GCQ016 // GC12G1F

Hiking trails, a permanent orienteering course, and more in this large park. Dogs on leash.

• trail map
• Tarrywile Park and mansion
• Geocaches: GC8B61 // GCH5TY // GC12W63 // GC2GPZ7 // GC38QR7

Nearly 200 acres of open space with plenty of natural features -- rock ledges, woodlands, streams, and wetlands.

• Geocaches: GC2RQP2 // GC2RQP6 // GC2RQPB // GC2RQPD // GC2RQPK // GC2RWCF // GC29H69 // GC29H6F // GC259AH
• Geocaching map

Nice park located around a large lake with a boardwalk. Dogs allowed on leash.

• Home page
• Trail map
• Geocaches: GCE2 // GC926B // GC3N2MD // GC3KJV7

Tibbetts Brook Park was one of the first parks developed by Westchester County. Its 161 acres offers woodlands, lakes, playing fields, playgrounds and a swimming complex. The walking/hiking trails include part of the 14-mile (23 km) South County Trailway which runs near the western side of the park, and part of the Croton Aqueduct Trail.

• Wikipedia
• Park info westchetergov
• Trail map
• geocaches: GCK5NV // GC2R7KM + 5 more // GC42JXY + 3 more

This 199 acre property includes a farm with pens containing farm animals in addition to hiking trails through the woods. Hours 10am to 4pm.

• Geocaches: GC10JRM // GC3TN1

A 100 acre park in CT bordering Mianus River Park on the south and accessible from the Mianus trails. It is open to visitors from 8:00 A.M. until sunset. Dogs are allowed on the property but must be kept on leashes. There are a few parking spaces on the Merriebrook Lane dead-end in Stamford.

• Trail Map
• geocaches: GC1C5F7 + 5 more

Two separate park sections approximately 4 miles apart: French Hill in Yorktown Heights and Indian Hill in Jefferson Valley. The French Hill section includes 154 acres in Westchester County. It is heavily wooded and has a 20-acre wetland area. The heights east of this spot were occupied by the French army under Rochambeau during the American Revolution. The larger Indian Hill includes 282 acres of woods, meadow and wetland straddling Westchester and Putnam counties. Dogs are allowed.

• Park Info
• Geocache: GC18XC9

The entrance is off 118 across the road from Croton Heights Road (Which leads to Peter Pratts Restaurant). There is a sign for the park, but Peter Pratts sign is a little more visible. No dogs allowed in the park. A small loop system of trails with a lookout/summit point.

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GCBE // GCQPNM // GC17JC0 // GC26R51 GC3452Y // GC3J94K

These two adjacent parks have 220 acres of woods, marsh, lakes, ponds and some fields along the Hutchinson River in New Rochelle and Eastchester. There's a nice loop around the reservoir and several access points. Dogs are welcome.

• Westchester Trails (excellent site)
• Twin Lakes Park / Nature Study Woods
• Geocaches: GCRVMZ // GCTG6A // GC19FQR // GC19E2E // GC1QY45 // GC3W27C

A tiny little park along the Saw Mill Parkway. It can only be entered going Northbound at exit 19. Parking here provides access to the South County Trailway.

• Directions
• Geocache: GCPJ5F

Located at the top of the Bronx, just below Yonkers, this park is over 1000 acres. There's an amazing amount of wooded places for a park so close to NYC. Many trails, not well marked.

• Trail map
• Park info with maps
• Old Croton Aqueduct
• Geocache: GC1382 + many more

Small park with a few miles of hiking trails. Dogs allowed.

• Geocache: GCWPR4 // GC3TB1T

Ward Acres Park

• Park info

The largest park in Westchester, it charges $10 admission. Dogs are allowed. Westchester Amateur Astonomers have monthly stargazing meetings in the large meadow, with free admission. The Hudson Valley Orienteering Association also has meets in the park once or twice a year.

• Park Information
• Trail map // another trail map
• Audubon Page
• Westchester Amateur Astronomers
• Clear Sky Clock
• Geocaches were discontinued in the park, but may be allowed again with permission: GCE32 // GC553 // GC17R9D // GC3Z3WB

Excellent well marked trails (8-9 miles in total) with trees lining the sides plus ample signage with well marked trail forks. A nature walk at the beginning. Some trees have identifying labels, and a ruin of a house can be found. Trails are a bit rugged, some small streams, well lined with rocks to stay dry. Dogs are allowed. There is parking at the main south entrance on Upper Shad Road at N41 10.543 W73 35.965. Also, limited parking at the entrance further east on Upper Shad Road at N41 10.831 W73 35.143.

• Trail map
• Topo Map
• Westchester Land Trust Information
• NYNJ Trail Conference
• Plant list
• Geocaches: GCH6W1 and GCH399 // GC37BYV // GC37BWB // GC37BXV

Large 625 acre nature preserve in Westchester County with several miles of hiking trails. Located across the street from Butler Sanctuary. There is a museum/visitor center open on some days. No dogs allowed in the preserve.

• Westmoreland home page
• Directions and trail map
• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC9D7 // GCFAF6 // GCRWF1 // GC3H6OH // GC3H5YH

Woodsy 167 acre park with a pond and a few trails. Dogs welcome.

• Trail Map // another Trail map
• Woodland walks
• Geocaches: GC11BT9 // GC21CDG // GC31GGK // GC323DX

Other nearby areas

Appalachian Trail

• Parking on the NY Appalachian Trail

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC1DDB // GCF527 // GC11WYQ // GC3E8Q8

Bear Mountain

• Trail map

• Geocaches: GCHW3J // GC2F5WW // GC1V87G

Clear Lake Scout Reservation

• Trail Map

Devil's Den

Great huge park. Another entrance and parking can be found on Dayton Road in Redding, N 41 16.663 W073 23.177. No dogs or other pets allowed in this nature preserve.

• Trail map
• Geocaches: GC1QHKP // GCMMW6

Fahnestock State Park

• Trail map
• Trail Map
• Putnam county news

Fishkill Ridge

Nice gentle climb of approx. 1000 feet takes you up along Fishkill Ridge with some beautiful views of the Hudson and surrounding area.

• Trail Map
• Trail description
• Geocache trail map
• Geocaches: GCG4TA // GCG966 // GC3CBA // GCG79R

Great Swamp Wetland

Covering 6,000 acres, the Great Swamp wetland area stretches for 20 miles through 5 municipalities: Dover, Pawling, Patterson, and Southeast.

• Access Points
• Ice Pond Preserve
• Geocaches: GCGZ0N // GC6884 // GCZY8Q // GCG17D

Hemlock Hills - Pine Mountain

Great set of hiking trails, part of the Ridgefield Open Space. Hemlock Hills is (mostly) closed to all hikers from Oct 15 - Dec 18 when firearm hunting is permitted from Oct 15 - Dec 18, except Sundays and all of Thanksgiving weekend. Room for several cars in the small lot at Bogus Rd. Additional parking can be found on Pine Mountain Rd.

• Trail Map
• Bike info and map
• Ridgefield Open Space
• Bennett's Pond Trail Map
• Geocaches: GCVQXD // GC1FBC0 // GC14YDG // GC1G871 // GC10PWP // GC14YE4 // GCQT7F

Hook Mountain State Park

Near Rockland Lake and Nyack Beach on the west side of the Hudson. No dogs allowed.

• Hook Mountain info
• NYNJTC Hike of the Week
• Hook Mountain IBA
• Another walk
• Geocaches: GC4FE7// GCFA64// GC8B82// GCFA65

Jungle Habitat

• trail map

Walter Kidde Dinosaur Park

Roseland Quarry, Riker Hill Fossil Site, and Walter Kidde Dinosaur Park are all contiguous to Becker Park in Livingston, NJ. Trails are a bit overgrown, but once you get to the slate bed area, one can spend time poking around looking for dinosaur tracks. Dogs allowed.

• Becker Park info
• Riker Hill
• Paleontology Portal
• Geocaches: GC1C5F7 // GC48F2 // GCTRVT

New Jersey Palisades Park

A long park along the Hudson River on the New Jersey side. One of its truly stunning hikes is along the Giant Stairs, a rock formation created by thousands of landslides over the eons. The trail here proceeds for about a mile scrambling across the rocks and large boulders.

• Hike info
• Maps
• Geocaches: GC28A0 // GC5846 // GCGA13 // GCQC7J // GCK7T8 // GC5376

Paugussett State Forest

• Trail Map

Rockland Rail Trails

The Raymond G. Esposito Memorial Trail, Old Erie Path, and J.B. Clark Trails.

The R.G. Esposito Trail starts just south of main street in Nyack at S. Franklin St. & Cedar Hill Ave. and runs approximately 5 miles south to Piermont becoming the Old Erie Path along the way. The Old Erie Path turns west and links up with the J.B. Clark Trail in Sparkill. Unpaved, but flat trails great for walking, biking, and bringing the dog along.

• Geocaches: GC1HAPR + 3 more along R.G. Esposito // GC3F2EE + 4 more along the Old Erie Path // GCMWHT + 9 more along J.B. Clark

Saugatuck Falls Natural Area

• Trail map
• Info
• Botany

Saugatuck Reservoir

• Trail Map and Hiking Permit

Seth Low Pierrepont State Park

Fairly large park in Ridgefield, CT with a few miles of hiking trails, a large lake for fishing, and dogs are allowed.

• Trail Map
• Bike info and map
• Geocaches: GCH6N3 // GCVQH2 // GCRNAC

South Mountain County Park

From Central Highway one can access South Mountain County Park to the west or Hi Tor State Park to the east.

• Geocaches: GC2J42T + 4 more in this series // GC3E1DZ // GC3E1CY // GC3E1DG // GC3E1C3

Sterling Forest State Park

• Trail map

Stewart State Forest

• Trail Map
• Bike trails

Storm King State park

• Trail Map

Wappinger Greenway Trail

• Trail Map

Wonder Lake State Park

• Park info
• Photo tour
• Geocache trail map
• Geocaches: GC10ZHC // GC10XHY // GC10ZH9 // GC10ZHD // GC10XJ0 // GC10XWY

General Links

• List of Westchester parks with walking trails
• Westchester Land Trust // list of preserves
• Westchester County Parks
• Where to go bird watching in Westchester
• NY-NJ-CT Plant lists in Preserves
• Hudson Valley Orienteering
• NYNJTC New York New Jersey Trail Conference
• Book: Walkable Westchester
• Trail Registry
• New York Search and Rescue Area Maps
• Fairfield Land Trust
• Aspetuck Land Trust
• Find longitude and latitude by clicking on the google map
• Audubon IBA Bird Sanctuaries
• South Central Connecticut - Recreational Trails
• 22 Hikes in Philipstown
• Interactive CT maps
• The Complete Hikers Resource Guide