Discover Elmsford: Trailways, Ice Skating, and Brewery Tours

Topics range from two county trailways of different lengths to public ice skating, brewery tours, and the history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish. This mix can help you match your interests to your stay: getting active on biking and walking trails, a single recreational activity, or a historical connection.

Comparing the North and South County Trailways

The North County Trailway runs 22 miles north to the Putnam County line. It is a paved biking and walking trail that follows the former Putnam Line of the New York Central Railroad. The former rail line shapes the trail’s route and gives it a historical connection. The South County Trailway stretches 14 miles to the New York City line. It, too, is a biking and walking trail along a former rail line that once ran through Elmsford.

In a direct comparison, the North County Trailway is eight miles longer. The South County Trailway’s historical connection to Elmsford comes from the former rail line that once ran through the town. The trails therefore differ both in their stated lengths and in their connection to local history. Their endpoints also provide a point of reference: the North County Trailway reaches the Putnam County line, while the South County Trailway reaches the New York City line.

Public Ice Skating and Brewery Tours

If you’re considering a single recreational activity rather than a trail, public ice skating offers a different focus. The Westchester Skating Academy offers public ice skating. It can be considered a standalone activity alongside the biking and walking trails. Check the current schedule before your visit if you plan to go skating.

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company offers brewery tours in Elmsford. Small bites are served alongside the brewery’s beers in its beer halls. These are two distinct points to consider when planning: a tour as an activity and small bites as a dining detail. If you’re interested in visiting the brewery, you can weigh these aspects according to whether you’re more interested in the tours or the food.

A Historical Connection in Elmsford

The parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Elmsford was founded in 1904. This founding year is a concrete reference point in the town’s history. It adds another historical perspective to the Trailways’ railroad heritage: the trails follow former railway lines, while the founding date places the history of a religious institution in context. The topics covered here thus include both recreational activities and different historical connections that may factor into your choice of destination.

Discover more destinations: Ardsley, Peekskill, New Rochelle, Briarcliff Manor, Rye Brook, Yonkers, Tarrytown, Yorktown Heights

For the broader travel overview: Westchester.