Living in Westchester County means enjoying the security of the nation’s safest area with the added perk of a quick commute to NYC. But what really draws people in is the county’s access to miles of open, outdoor spaces. From enchanting landscapes to activity-packed recreational parks, Westchester offers endless opportunities for day trips and overnight camping.
Here are the top 15 best state and county parks in Westchester County:
- Cranberry Lake Preserve (1609 Old Orchard St, North White Plains, NY) – This 190-acre park, operated by Westchester County, offers a range of trails, from flat paths to challenging routes with elevation shifts. The wider preserve also has a lake, cliffs, scrubland, mixed hardwood forest, vernal pools, and a swamp. Note before your visit that dogs are not allowed as it’s a protected area.
- Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate (381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY) – Step into a world of grandeur at this estate; home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, beginning with the philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. Kykuit isn’t just a house—it’s an art museum, a historical site, and a manicured garden all rolled into one.
- Tibbetts Brook Park (355 Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY) – Tibbetts Brook Park has something for everyone. From the aquatic complex—featuring a spray playground for the kids, in-pool basketball, and a lazy tubing-friendly river—to the year-round recreational activities, this park is a community favorite.
- Saxon Woods Park (1800 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY) – For those who can’t sit still, Saxon Woods Park is home to an 18-hole golf course, a miniature golf course, Westchester’s largest swimming pool, and the county’s only fully accessible playground. The park’s more untamed areas have that authentic, deep-in-the-woods vibe that’s perfect for anyone craving a closer connection to nature.
- Croton Point Park (1 Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY) – Escape to this expanse of natural beauty with stunning views of the Hudson River. With its shaded lawns, picnic tables, and gentle river breeze, this park is an ideal spot for kayaking, picnicking, or firing up the grill for a weekend BBQ. With a beach area and lifeguards on duty, it has all the ingredients for a great day out.
- Kitchawan Preserve (712 Kitchawan Rd, Ossining, NY) – This 208-acre reserve and native woodlands come alive with butterflies and migrating birds, especially in late spring. Breathe in that refreshing air as you explore trails suited for everyone from beginners to seasoned hikers. It’s dog-friendly, with easy parking, and the trails are clearly marked.
- Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary (1 Playland Pkwy Rye, NY) – This 179-acre sanctuary along the Long Island Sound migratory flyway is the place to explore and learn about marine life. In winter months, the lake becomes home to more than 5,000 ducks.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (2957 Crompond Rd, Yorktown, NY) – Head to Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park for a fun-filled day in the Taconic region of northern Westchester. With picnic areas, boating options, and the largest pool in New York State parks, this park delivers on all one’s outdoor needs and wants.
- Dater Mountain Nature Park (54 Seven Lakes Dr, Sloatsburg, NY) – Also known as Harriman State Park, this place is a hiker’s dream come true. With over 47,000 acres of rugged wilderness and more than 200 miles of trails, you’ll never run out of new scenery and vistas. Just 30 miles north of NYC, it’s the go-to spot for some serious trail time.
- Bear Mountain State Park (3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY) – Located just an hour from New York City, this 5,205-acre park is packed with activities including hiking trails, playgrounds, paddle boats, and a charming carousel.
- Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens (700 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY) – At PepsiCo’s headquarters, art lovers will discover an unexpected addition: over 45 outdoor art installations and sculptures by modern artists like Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore. Set amidst beautifully maintained gardens, it’s a must-see. Plus, you can make it a two-for-one by pairing your visit with a trip to the Neuberger Museum.
- Sterling Forest State Park (116 Old Forge Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY) – This 20,000-acre natural refuge in Orange County is the ultimate hiker’s checklist: lake views, babbling streams, wildlife, and a sandy shore to cool down. Less known than the popular Harriman State Park, you can count on Sterling Forest for a more peaceful and personal retreat into nature.
- Greenburgh Nature Center (99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY) – This nonprofit preserve is perfect for family outings with plenty of furry and scaly friends to meet. Think chipmunk encounters, chinchilla-petting, and butterfly gardens.
- Kensico Dam Plaza (Valhalla, Harrison, North Castle, NY) – Located in Westchester County, this reservoir is more than just a source of NYC’s drinking water—it’s an architectural marvel. Swing by to check out the stunning stonework and panoramic views, plus a poignant 9/11 memorial.
- Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (Reservation Rd, Pound Ridge, NY) – Westchester County’s largest park is countryside heaven with a farm-style twist. Picture rolling hills and old farm roads which now serve as hiking and cross-country ski trails, plus remnants of farm life with stone walls and horseback riding.
