This Breathtaking Park & Waterfall Is Just Outside Of NYC

Now that the weather is finally warming up — and we actually have some upcoming sun in the forecast for once — it’s the perfect time to explore some of New York’s nearby natural wonders.

One of those is Croton Gorge Park, located in Croton-On-Hudson in the Hudson Valley, about an hour and a half drive from NYC. You could also take the train from Penn Station to Croton-Harmon (about 45 minutes) and then take a 10 minute cab ride to the park.

The public park takes up 97 acres located at the bottom of the Croton Dam, which was the first large masonry dam in the country  in 1842 and was actually originally built to supply New York City with water! Though the New Croton Dam replaced it in 1907 since it was no longer large enough to cater to the NYC population. It’s also the starting point for New York State’s Old Croton Aqueduct hiking trail.

Though more of a man-made “waterfall,” the dam is over 200 feet high and the Croton Reservoir has a capacity of about 34 billion gallons of water.

While you’re there you can also walk across the bridge over the Croton River (which begins at this point too), which recently reopened after being closed for repairs, and boasts some of the best views of the gushing dam.

In the winter, the area is even used for cross-country skiing and sledding. Luckily we’ll have to wait a bit to enjoy this part!

Find it at 35 Yorktown Rd, Croton-on-Hudson, NY. The Park is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to dusk, all year long.