Don’t let the cold weather stop you from lacing up your hiking boots and exploring Westchester’s backyard. Some hiking trails even thrive in the winter with seasonal animals peeking their heads out and snowflakes garnishing the trees. There are plenty of trails in Westchester that remain suitable through the cold months. Here are a few we picked out for you and your hiking buddies!
Teatown
1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining
Not only does Teatown have nearly 15 miles of trails open annually from dawn until dusk, but the reservation also offers the community a space to learn about local wildlife. Hikers can choose their trail difficulty, with each path comprised of diverse terrain, habitats, lakes, swamps, and more. Along with walking through the preserve, the destination offers programs including a “Snow Stories” and a “Full Moon Hike” series. Keep your eyes open for little creatures!
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Rockefeller State Park
125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville
Since the Rockefeller family donated over 1,771 acres to the state, thousands of hikers, runners, and even carriage drivers have appreciated the land year-round. The 45 miles of scenic carriage roads are easy to traverse, making the park the perfect terrain for the winter months. Did we mention the trails have unreal views?
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Henry Morgenthau Preserve
82 Pound Ridge Rd, Pound Ridge
Who doesn’t love a good stroll around a frozen lake? The 36-acre preserve borders the Blue Heron Lake and lays underneath a canopy of identifiable trees. For those who appreciate a good forest community, there are four that make up the preserve: the Sugar Maple Forest, Oak-Hickory Forest, Red Maple Swamps, and White Pine Plantations. Along with the trees, there are plenty of features throughout the trails to appreciate.
Cranberry Lake Preserve
1609 Old Orchard St, North White Plains
Throw on your snow boots and hike the trails neighboring the Kensico Dam this winter. The trails weave around both Cranberry Lake and South Pond. The Red Loop takes you around the perimeter of the park for a 2.4-mile hike. The Blue Loop is a light mile hike that highlights the two bodies of water.
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Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve
363 Underhill Ave, Yorktown
Follow the uphill trek towards the summit and you’ll be met with stunning views of Westchester County, and boy does it look remarkable in the winter. Hikers can journey through one of the two trails: The Blue Trail is 1.3 miles and will lead you gradually up to the views, while the White Trail is slightly shorter at 0.7 miles, although it’s the steeper option of the two.
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