Historic Old Croton Aqueduct Trail - 9 miles hike
Details
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Dear Hiking buddies and adventurers, summer is over but our energy and passion for the outdoors remains strong. As the Fall foliage becomes spectacular, the trails are calling!
We want to follow the historical path of an old aqueduct of New York city. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Hudson river and visit the charming Lyndhurst mansion.
Day Hiking Gear: hiking boots/shoes or sneakers you would comfortably wear at gym. 2 liters of water minimum.
Lunch, Snacks and extra food.
TRAIN TRANSPORT:
Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to the Tarrytown Station. Be sure to sit on the left side of the train to enjoy beautiful views of the Hudson River! We meet there by 11:25am and plan to start the hike by 11:35.
Train schedule:
Express train leaves Grand Central station Sunday 10:43 AM and arrives at Tarrytown metro north station at 11:22 AM.
Hike Description:
This hike follows the historic route of the Old Croton Aqueduct, built between 1837 and 1842 to supply water to New York City. Supplanted by several newer aqueducts, the Old Croton Aqueduct was taken out of service in 1965. The level footpath atop the Aqueduct "tube" has for many years been a favorite of walkers, and the Westchester County section of the Aqueduct became a state park in 1968. Except for occasional posts at road intersections with the letters "OCA," there are few markings along the route, so you should be careful to follow the directions below.
Begin the hike by proceeding south from Prospect Avenue along the route of the Aqueduct. Just before the next intersection, you will notice a chimney-like stone tower with the number "14." These towers, known as ventilators, were constructed along the Aqueduct about every mile. They were equipped with an open grate on top and allowed fresh air to circulate over the water passing through the Aqueduct.
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When you reach the next intersection, White Plains Road (Route 119), you will have to detour from the route of the Aqueduct, which is interrupted by the New York State Thruway just ahead. This will involve about half a mile of walking along busy streets, but it is the only detour you'll encounter on the entire hike. Turn right and follow White Plains Road for one block to South Broadway (Route 9), then turn left and cross the bridge over the Thruway. Continue south along South Broadway past the DoubleTree Hotel and the entrance to the Kraft Foods Technical Center. About 500 feet beyond this entrance, at the top of a rise, there is a break in the stone wall on the right side of the road. Turn right here onto a wide dirt path blocked off by wooden posts and enter the grounds of Lyndhurst, an American Gothic Revival "castle" built about 1840 and once owned by railroad magnate Jay Gould.
Continue ahead, following the dirt path through Lyndhurst. Soon after you leave the Lyndhurst property, you'll pass ventilator #15. The Aqueduct soon begins to follow a high stone wall to the left, then continues across an embankment.
In another half mile or so, you'll cross several paved roads and enter a quiet residential area. The Aqueduct follows a wide right of way past large, attractive homes. Then, about two miles from the start, you'll pass through a parking area adjacent to a school and cross Main Street in Irvington. Continue ahead through a municipal parking area and immediately pass ventilator #16.
Just beyond, you'll cross a high embankment over Jewells Brook. After crossing two streets, you'll notice the unusually-shaped Octagon House, built in 1860, to the right. Next, the Aqueduct passes through the Nevis Estate, now the property of Columbia University. The brick mansion with white columns on the right side of the trail was built by Colonel James Hamilton III, son of Alexander Hamilton, in 1835.
After passing ventilator #17, you'll pass through the campus of Mercy College and then cross two more embankments. At the end of the second embankment, climb the steps to Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry. Cross the street and continue ahead through a parking area. The Aqueduct now parallels Main Street in the village of Dobbs Ferry, with views over the Hudson River to the right.
In a few blocks, you'll reach an interpretive sign which explains the history and engineering of the Aqueduct. The adjacent green trailer is the park office, and the barn and garage are used as maintenance facilities. Across Walnut Street is the Keeper's House, a brick building - now being restored as a visitor center - that formerly served as a residence and office for Aqueduct caretakers. Just beyond, the Aqueduct crosses to the east side of Broadway and follows an embankment through a residential area, with more views over the Hudson River.
In another mile, the Aqueduct - now in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson - crosses back to the west side of Broadway at the Five Corners. Using the crosswalks provided, cross Chauncey Lane, Farragut Avenue and Broadway, turn left and cross the driveway of Grace Episcopal Church, then immediately turn right onto the route of the Aqueduct at a green "OCA" post. After crossing another high embankment, you'll go through a parking area and begin to parallel Aqueduct Lane to the right, with Draper Park to the left.
Soon, you’ll notice a path on the left that goes down and passes under the Aqueduct. Here, the Aqueduct is supported by a stone-arch bridge, built in 1840 over a railway that served a former marble quarry to the east of the Aqueduct. It is worth taking this short side trail to get a view of this beautifully preserved stone-arch bridge.
Near the end of a long, uninterrupted stretch of the Aqueduct route, you'll pass ventilator #18. About half a mile later, after crossing another high embankment over a stream, you'll come to a particularly fine unobstructed view over the Hudson River and the Palisades. After passing the entrance to Lenoir Park and then a stone house to the left, you'll reach Odell Avenue, which crosses the Aqueduct in the middle of a broad curve in the road.
Turn right and follow Odell Avenue downhill to Warburton Avenue, then descend through the park on steps to reach the Greystone Metro-North station, where there will be plenty of northbound trains back to Tarrytown, and even more southbound trains back to Grand Central available. Liability Waiver
You agree when you sign up for this group or any of the events that you have read and understand the below.
If you join us for this hike, please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness, well-being and safety and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. The organizer will only provide a meeting place for hikers who wish to attend. It is your responsibility to research the event, know the area, bring the proper gear and have the skills necessary to return to the staring point safely. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event.
Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read and accept the terms of this liability waiver.
Historic Old Croton Aqueduct Trail - 9 miles hike