Croton Point Park

Croton Point Park is largest peninsula on the Hudson River and is located on its east bank about an hour’s drive north of New York City. This 508-acre park includes the Croton Point Beach, Croton Point Campground (tent/RV/cabin), a remote control aircraft field, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fields to enjoy games. Along the shore there are beautiful views of Haverstraw Bay (the widest point of the river) and the vertical cliffs of Hook Mountain State Park. Open all year, there is a $10-per-vehicle admission fee on the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.  There is also a car-top boat launch that is open from April through October from 8 a.m. until dusk, which can accommodate sailboards, canoes, and car-top-carried boats. Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed in the picnic areas.

This park spans over 4 miles of Hudson River shoreline and includes Haverstraw Bay, Squaw Cove, and Croton Bay. A capped landfill forms a large hill-covered meadow in the center of the park with nature paths that cut through tall grasses over and around it. Info signs at the trailheads clearly mark the paths. The entire park is classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it is home to many migrating species, including bald eagles, which fly south from Canada to this region of the Hudson River in the winter months. Swimming is only permitted in the beach area, and nearby you can rent a kayak and boat to explore the coast.

The Croton Point Nature Center is located on Enoch’s Nose, a minor northern peninsula of the park. There are flora and fauna exhibits here as well as information about the history of the island and its place in the Hudson Valley. There are restroom here, park maps, and historical maps.  There are weekly events throughout the year that cover topics that range from local biodiversity to archeology and survival skills. Check out the Calendar of Events and take advantage of nature walks, talks, and programs that can teach you something new!

The Nature Center also serves as the headquarters for the Material Archives and Laboratory for Archaeology. Some of the oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic coast have been uncovered here, displaying evidence of Native American inhabitants as early as 7,000 years ago. In the 17th century, it was home to the Kitchawank tribe of the Wappinger Confederacy, and it was named after the Indian sachem, “Kenoten,” which means “wild wind.” 

In 1804, Croton Point was purchased by Robert Underhill, who operated a grist mill with his brothers Joshua and Abraham. They cultivated over 250 acres and planted crops of apples, grapes, and watermelons, which were in great demand in the city. His sons Richard and William inherited the property and continued to develop the land. William built brickyards on the northern section of the park starting in about 1830, and some of the bricks with his initials, “W.A.U.,” can still be found washed up on shore during low tides. Richard, who was trained as a doctor of medicine, left his practice in the city and became one of the leading agriculturalists in the country, planting a world-class vineyard on the southern hills of the peninsula and creating a hybrid grape that was resistant to disease. A small community eventually evolved here that included a school, store, tavern, and boarding house. Today, remains of the schoolhouse, fruit barn, and the wine cellar's brick foundations can still be found on the property. The land was bought by Westchester County in 1923 and developed into a public recreation area.

Croton Point Park hosts several major events throughout the summer, including fairs, festivals, and concerts. The Clearwater Festival, also known as the “Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival,” is an annual family-oriented concert, dance, and storytelling event that takes place in June each year. It was first inspired by Pete Seeger over 40 years ago, and it supports the organization’s numerous education programs for environmental and social justice and the Hudson River Clearwater Sloop.

Westchester County residents can purchase a Park Pass for $75 that is valid for three years, but it does not cover the $4-per-person swimming fee. Passes for senior citizens ages 60 and older and disabled persons are valid for six years. It includes access to 18,000 acres of parkland, 50 recreational areas, and a number of local adventure discounts in the county. If you’d like to hold a party with more than 25 people, you can obtain a permit for the celebration. Call 914.864.7075 for more information and inquiries. The Metro North Railroad also provides service to the Croton-Harmon Station approximately 1 mile away from the park entrance. Train tickets are available online.