Picture It ... Hudson Valley ... A Hike on the OCA part 1 of 4

This Summer come join us as we embark on hiking the entire 41 miles on the Old Croton Aqueduct (OCA) trail section by section over multiple weekends.

FIRST UP: We will start the OCA journey in CROTON HARMON and then head north to the New Croton Dam to end in OSSINING. Total mileage will be 9 MOSTLY FLAT MILES.

Post-hike, we'll do an optional CEVICHE and COCKTAILS dinner at Karma Lounge located right next to the OCA trail in Ossining!

ABOUT THE OCA: The Old Croton Aqueduct (OCA) was NYC's first water supply system. It was built between 1837 and 1842 as the solution to the city's over population and the twin scourges of fires and diseases, and served as NYC's first water supply system with fresh water delivered from Westchester all the way to Bryant Park/42nd Street. The Aqueduct remained in service until 1965 when it was supplanted by the New Croton Dam and other newer reservoirs.

Today, the unused OCA pipe remains underground, but above it is a scenic path that winds through urban centers and small communities and passes numerous historic sites, preserves, a museum highlighting the construction of the Aqueduct, and through the backyards of many private residential homes.

Links to read more about the OCA: HERE and HERE

GETTING THERE: We'll meet at Grand Central to take the 8:55AM Metro-North to CROTON HARMON.

NOTE: You can also take the same train from any station OUTSIDE of GC. Just make sure to check www.mta.info for exact train schedule from your boarding station.

AGENDA:

• Once we arrive in CROTON HARMON, we'll proceed over city streets to make our way on to the OCA trail, making our way NORTH to the very scenic New Croton Dam.
• After lunch, we'll continue on heading SOUTH to eventually reach OSSINING where our day will end.
• POST-HIKE, for those interested, we'll have eats and drinks at the Karma Lounge located right on the OCA trail in Ossining where they serve AMAZING CEVICHE!!!
• AT THE END OF THE DAY, for return trip, we'll leave from OSSINING station where there are at least 2 trains (local and express) leaving Ossining to NYC every hour.

HIKE INTENSITY: This will be an EASY BREEZY hike and walk through packed-dirt paths running through a forest, while some parts are asphalt and concrete streets and sidewalks. NOTE: there is one small - about 200-feet descent - from the OCA trail onto paved road en route to the New Croton Dam.

TOTAL MILEAGE: About 9 MILES

DURATION: This is an all-day event.

PACE: We go at LEISURELY PACE AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. We will have stops for water breaks, lunch break, take time to hug some trees along the way, taking time to smell and savor the sight and sounds of nature. NO FAST HIKERS!!!

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking -
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

WEATHER: Rain cancels!

MEETUP FEE: a $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected in person to help defray the cost of keeping this group going

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc. etc.