Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Easy 1-mile hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Meet near the restrooms at the parking lot at Croton Gorge Park, Rte. 129, Cortlandt, NY 10567. The leader of the hike will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam, the trailhead of the Aqueduct Trail. The Aqueduct was completed in 1842 to supply water to a thirsty New York City. (From Metro-North Hudson Line Croton-Harmon Train Station: 15-minute taxi. Parking fees: http://parks.westchestergov.com/parking-fees).

Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, saraakelsey@gmail.com or 646-303-1448.

Take an after-lunch stroll on the Aqueduct Trail. Meet at Irvington's Town Hall at 85 Main Street, less than ½ mile east up Main Street from the Irvington Metro-North train station (free parking). Visit the Tiffany Reading Room, one of a handful of Tiffany interiors. Meander north on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (which intersects with Main Street) to Lyndhurst and back, admiring architectural landmarks, including the skeletal remains of a Lord & Burnham conservatory, and Hudson River views. Learn the history of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the millionaires who lived along the trail in the 1800's. On the return trip, you might stop to tour Jay Gould's Lyndhurst or Washington Irving's Sunnyside mansion (paid guided tours are available at both). When you return to Main Street, if you would like to see more, you may choose to continue your walk south (and back) on the Aqueduct to view more historic mansions. (From Metro-North Hudson Line Irvington Train Station, a 5-10-minute uphill walk). Free and no reservation required. Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, saraakelsey@gmail.com or 646-303-1448.

As part of the New York State Path Through History Weekend, visit the historic Keeper's House used in the 1800s as a residence by the supervisor charged with maintaining a portion of the Aqueduct which brought fresh water to a disease-ridden New York City. The House, now designated a National Historic Landmark, has been restored and repurposed as a Visitor and Education Center which features the 176-year-old NYC water system. Located on the Aqueduct in Dobbs Ferry at 15 Walnut Street, the Keeper's House is a short uphill walk east from the Metro-North Hudson Line Dobbs Ferry train station. Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, 646-303-1448, saraakelsey@gmail.com.

As part of the New York State Path Through History Weekend, walk south from the Keeper's House to Hasting's confusing 5 Corners (30 minutes). In Hastings, either hop on the Metro-North Hudson Line at the Hastings train station or continue to walk south to the walled Persian garden at Untermyer Gardens Park (1 hour). The Hudson River Museum (1.5 hour) is also nearby. The guide will accompany you to 5 Corners, point out local sights and talk about NYC's water system. Please wear good walking shoes/boots. The dirt trail is flat but may be somewhat muddy from any recent rain. Water, bathroom, maps available at the Keeper's House. Steady rain cancels. Meetup: Keeper's House, 15 Walnut St., Dobbs Ferry NY.

Approximately 4-5 miles, loop walk, easy-to-moderate. This walk, mostly on the Old Croton Aqueduct, begins at the ruins of Rockwood Hall, built in 1849 and purchased by Wm. Rockefeller, John D. Senior's younger brother, in 1886, before John D. began acquiring and building what later became Kykuit. We cross the Archville bridge, which replaced the earlier bridge that carried the Aqueduct over Rt. 9 and served as a carriage trail connecting the two estates. We reach the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, and walk on Rockefeller trails to view a major Aqueduct structure that crosses the Pocantico River. History, birds, botany, and beauty may be anticipated. Meet at the Rockwood Hall (description & directions: www.nynjtc.org/hike/rockwood-hall-sleepy-hollow) parking lot behind Phelps Memorial Hospital at 1 pm. Inquiries: Sara Kelsey, 646-303-1448, saraakelsey@gmail.com or Urban Trail Conference leader, David Bernstein, 347-224-7376, islay6@gmail.com

Meet at the Joseph Caputo Community Center & view a short film about the Aqueduct. The Weir is nearby on the Double Arch Bridge. There you will descend into the original 1842 brick water tunnel and learn its history. There is an optional walk along the Sing Sing Kill Greenway, located below the Double Arch Bridge, after the Weir Tour. Address: 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562, just west of Rte. 9/Highland Ave. at the junction of Croton Ave. (Rte. 133). (From Metro-North Hudson Line Ossining Train Station by taxi or 15-minute uphill walk). Free and no reservation required. Inquiries: Jean Horkans, jhorkans@optimum.net or 914-762-4082.

Drop in on a joyous 176th birthday party for the Old Croton Aqueduct at the Keeper's House Visitor & Education Center in Dobbs Ferry, 15 Walnut Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522. Music! Exhibits! Activities for the kids! Refreshments! Please check www.aqueduct.org for details. Inquiries: Elisa Zazzera, 212-248-5988.

Meet at the NE corner of 168 Street and St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan, a short walk from subway stations. Washington Heights near the High Bridge deserves more attention, especially now that the gleaming bridge beckons day trippers once more. Let's take a long walk that starts across the Harlem River via the High Bridge. You will hear the tale of the Old Croton Aqueduct then wind back to the gorgeous Jumel Terrace Historic District, Trinity Cemetery (resting place of Ed Koch and John James Audubon), and to hidden Audubon Terrace. Along the way, we will pay homage to Paul Robeson, jazz greats like Lena Horne, the indomitable Eliza Jumel and to NY baseball. Be prepared for many stairs and up to 4 hours of hilly walking (4.5 miles), plus elevated subway train transfers. (Metro North Hudson Line riders can ride down to Manhattan with the guide.) Bring snacks, drinks and a sun hat/light-colored umbrella. Rain cancels. Inquiries: text or phone Lesley Walter, 914-671-7112.