A 508-acre park strewn with greenery and laced with beaches, Croton Point Park lures picnickers, kite-fliers, fishermen, hikers, and swimmers alike.
Originally a village, Croton Point was a hub of brick production, centered around a store, school, tavern, and other facilities for a small village. Today it’s a popular place for walking, bird watching, and enjoying the scenic views of the Hudson River. Click here for more info.
History of Croton-on-Hudson
Croton Point Park, a 508-acre Westchester County public park overlooking the Hudson River, is home to a variety of historical features. The park is the site of the historic Croton Point School House, wine cellars that are thought to be the oldest in New York State, and the Croton Point Nature Center.
In the 17th century, the area around Croton Point became the center of a large estate owned by Stephanus van Cortlandt. The manor house still stands and is open for tours. Tours focus on the history of the area, allowing visitors to try their hand at Colonial cooking, writing with quill pens, making netting for fishing or learning about candle-making and textiles.
The construction of a railroad, dams, and aqueduct in the 19th century played an important role in shaping the development of Croton-on-Hudson. It brought in an influx of German, Irish, and Italian immigrants to work on the projects. The railroad and the dams served as an economic engine for the village and helped to attract other major industries, such as farming, ship-building, and flour and brick manufacturing.
Graff Audobon Sanctuary
A protected woodland ridge overlooking the Hudson River along Furnace Dock Road in the Town of Cortlandt, Graff Audobon Sanctuary is a bird-watching hotspot. According to Saw Mill River Audubon, it is home to several rare and endangered species including great horned owls.
This is also a place to take in the scenery and enjoy the peace of nature. The trails are well-marked and offer a variety of landscapes, including meadows, rock ledges that jut into the river, and waterfalls.
The park is an Important Bird Area and supports about 10 percent of the state’s winter bald eagle population. It is also home to a few species of raptors, including the northern harrier and short-eared owl. Discover More about Yorktown Heights here.
Croton Point Nature Center
The Croton Point Nature Center is a place where you can explore the local wildlife, learn about the Hudson River, and participate in hands-on activities. The center offers a variety of programs for organized groups during the week and the general public on weekends, including river ecology, bird walks, history hikes, slide presentations, basket-making workshops, and shoreline exploration walks.
The center also houses various archaeological exhibits, local fauna mounts, and a brackish water aquarium. There is also a pier for viewing the Hudson River, a car-top boat launch (sailboards, canoes, and kayaks), pavilions, grills, swimming, and group picnicking.
The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the winter when the park attracts New York State’s national bird, the bald eagle. Croton Point is an Important Bird Area designated by the National Audobon Society, and it supports about 10 percent of New York’s winter bald eagle population.
Croton Point County Park Loop
The Croton Point County Park Loop is a 508-acre waterfront park situated on the East Shore of the Hudson River. It is rich in natural and human history, with historic wine cellars thought to be the oldest in New York State, and is home to the Croton Point Nature Center.
The park also has direct path access to the Old Croton Aqueduct, a sprawling water system built in the 1840s that gave New York City its first source of clean drinking water. A walk over this linear trail provides stunning views of the aqueduct, its historic sites, and communities, as well as a museum highlighting the construction of the aqueduct.
In addition to its hiking and fishing opportunities, the park has a small playground, which can be a great diversion for young children. The playground is located near the entrance of the parking lot and consists of two play structures, one for toddlers and smaller children and another for 1-5-year-olds. Next blog post.
Driving directions from NestEdge Realty to Croton Point Park
Driving directions from Croton Point Park to Louis Engel Waterfront Park
