Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway
Phone: (914) 693-4117
The trailway runs through Irvington, passing the architecturally significant Stiner-Ross House, commonly called the Octagon House, as well as Columbia University Press, Nevis Labs and Mercy College. Owned and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the trailway offers a scenic walk from northern Westchester County into New York City, or vice versa, following the path of the aqueduct that was once used to bring fresh water from the Croton River to New York City. The trail traverses most of the Historic Hudson River Towns, and while mostly a walking path, it does have some sections suitable for horseback riding. No motorized vehicles are permitted anywhere along the trailway. Many points of access make it easy to walk sections of the trail. Train stations and bus stops are within walking distance, or a quick taxi ride, from almost any place along the path. And although much of the path is easy to find, with trails identified by Taconic Region markers, walkers interested in traversing longer sections of the trailway are encouraged to call or write for a map which details the route, offering specific directions for some of the more difficult areas of the trail. The trail begins on the south side of the Croton Dam, farthest away from the spillway. Along the way walkers will see old ventilator shafts as well as a weir chamber, used to spill off waste water during floods. Various parts of the trail offer spectacular Hudson River views. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct have published an award-winning map detailing the route of the trail and attractions along the way available, for $5.75 by calling 914-693-4117. For general trailway information, call 914-693-0529, or go to www.aqueduct.org

Scenic Hudson Park
Address: Bridge Street on the Irvington riverfront.
Phone: (914) 591-7736
This public park offers striking views of the Hudson River, Manhattan to the south, and the Tappan Zee Bridge and Hudson Highlands to the north.

The Irvington Woods
Address: 170 Mountain Road
Phone: (914) 591-7736
The Irvington Woods,a 400-acre village park, is home to the O’Hara Nature Center, the Peter K. Oley Trail Network and the Irvington Reservoir. Parcels of land from several 18th and 19th century estates can be found in the Irvington Woods. They include the homes of Cyrus W. Field, a successful businessman and financier who created the Atlantic Telegraph Company and laid the first telegraph cable across the Atlantic Ocean in 1858; Philip Schuyler, a Revolutionary War general and kinsman of Alexander Hamilton; and Isaac Stern, one of three brothers who founded Stern Brothers Department Store in 1868 in New York City. Throughout the woods are remnants from these estates, including stone terraces, benches, steps and walls. Several of the trails within the system were initially carriage roads for these estates. Visiting the Trails and Reservoir: The Trails and the Reservoir are open daily from dawn until dusk and are popular for walks, biking, hiking and dog-walking. Please respect the beauty of our environment and carry out what you carry in. There is a strict dog leash policy. Dogs must remain on a 6′ leash at all times and owners are expected to clean up after their dogs. There are trash receptacles located at each Trail Head by the kiosk. Please be aware that failure to comply may result in fines up to $250.