Croton Gorge Park

You could travel the world to see man-made engineering marvels. Or you could just go to Croton Gorge Park, where the third-largest hand-hewn masonry structure sits. Built in 1906, the New Croton Dam ranks behind the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China in that category. The impressive structure is not only an integral part of New York City and Westchester County’s water supply, but a beautiful backdrop to the park.

The trail to the top of the dam is an easy stroll through the trees. The dam overlooks the park’s namesake gorge as well as the Croton Reservoir, at the bottom of which lies the original Croton Dam. The trail parallels the Old Croton Aqueduct and connects to the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. The Aqueduct trail runs for 26 miles from Croton Gorge Park to the Yonkers-New York City border. The park is perfect for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.