Westchester: Culture, History and Trails

On the west side, Westchester County is bordered by the Hudson River. The county has nearly 50,000 acres of accessible open space, including more than 24,000 acres of county parkland. So, alongside historic sites and museums, nature and trails are also central to planning a trip. Teatown protects 1,000 acres in the Lower Hudson Valley. During construction, its trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. As work continues and conditions may change, check the latest status before your visit.

Trails and Landscapes

Westchester's scenic trail network is well suited to hiking, running, cycling and leisurely walks. The Old Croton Aqueduct was a covered 19th-century tunnel that brought fresh water from Croton in New York State to New York City. Today, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail follows the old tunnel, and all 41 miles can be walked. The Westchester section is shorter, at about 26 miles, and forms a linear state park.

For shorter routes, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path offers a different scale: the shared-use path is 3.6 miles long and has six viewpoints. Facilities are located at each access point; amenities may change. Where available, trail information also includes distances, access points, historical notes, points of interest and parking near major access points.

History along the Hudson River

The Aqueduct Trail follows the route of the historic tunnel through suburbs, state parks and city streets. You can explore more history with a visit to the Saint Paul's Church National Historic Site. Tours of the museum, historic church and burial ground are offered during regular opening hours. During the American Revolutionary War, the church served as a hospital.

The Thomas Paine Cottage is a historic house museum. It contains some of the few surviving items that once belonged to Thomas Paine, including a simple chair and a cast-iron stove given to Paine by Benjamin Franklin. Check whether the house is currently open to visitors before your visit.

Houses, Museums and Music

Caramoor brings together different forms of culture. The Music Room hosts chamber music, recitals, American roots music, jazz performances and lectures; Caramoor's popular Afternoon Teas are also held there. Rosen House is a historic Mediterranean-style house, fully furnished with works of art collected by Walter and Lucie Rosen. On the grounds, the Sunken Garden is both a historic garden and an outdoor performance venue.

On the Hudson River waterfront in Yonkers, the Hudson River Museum presents American art and changing exhibitions. The museum includes Glenview, a historic 1877 house, a planetarium, an environmental education gallery and an outdoor amphitheater. Exhibitions and programs change over time, so it's worth checking the schedule for your travel dates.

Seasonal Outings and Events

Historic Playland Amusement Park combines rides with a beach, boardwalk, swimming pool, boat rides, picnic areas, fireworks, mini golf and an indoor ice-skating rink. Offerings may vary by season. On the shores of Long Island Sound, Playland Beach offers beach and swimming access.

Westchester County's event calendar features seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, wine and food tastings, and family-friendly festivals throughout the year. The program changes annually, so check specific dates if a particular event is a deciding factor in your trip.

For travelers looking to include farm produce and beverages in their trip plans, there are two distinct options: the state-designated Westchester Farm Trail is 17 miles long and connects 13 farms and orchards from Sleepy Hollow to North Salem. Participating businesses may change. The Westchester Craft Beverage Trail, by contrast, is a free mobile, web-based pass that leads to beverage experiences and includes special offers. Participating businesses and offers may also change.

Choosing a Suitable Hotel Base

Westchester's Hudson River towns are accessible by Metro-North Railroad; this may be a factor in planning if river towns are among your destinations. Choose your hotel base according to the focus of your trip, and check dates and current access information for the places you plan to visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tarrytown, White Plains, New Rochelle, Yorktown Heights, Peekskill, Elmsford, Rye, Mount Vernon, Mt Kisco, Ardsley, Briarcliff Manor, Rye Brook, Yonkers.

For the main travel overview: New York.