Top 20 Lakes in Westchester County

Westchester County offers several excellent lakes for hiking. Rockefeller State Park Preserve features over 30 miles of historic carriage roads winding through woodlands and meadows, providing diverse trails for countryside walks. Cranberry Lake Preserve offers well-maintained trails through diverse ecosystems, including a History Trail with historical ruins. For a more rugged experience, Silver Lake Preserve has trails through woodlands and fields with steep rock outcrops. You can find more hiking options in the region by exploring the Hiking in Westchester County guide.

Yes, several lakes in Westchester County are great for families. Cranberry Lake Preserve features a Nature Center with interactive displays and family-oriented programs. Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park offers camping and various outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Just outside the county, Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park and Lake Welch at Harriman State Park both boast sandy beaches, picnic areas, and calm waters ideal for children.

Cycling is a popular activity around several Westchester County lakes. You can enjoy scenic bike rides along the perimeter of Kensico Reservoir. The Tarrytown Reservoir also offers pleasant pathways for cycling, and the Tarrytown Lake Extension Trail allows for cycling right by the water. The North County Trailway, which runs along Echo Lake, provides a car-free riding experience. For more routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes in Westchester County guide or the Cycling in Westchester County guide.

Fishing enthusiasts have several options. Swan Lake within Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a peaceful spot known for bass fishing. The large Kensico Reservoir is also a popular spot for fishing. Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park allows fishing, and just north of Westchester, Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park offers fishing opportunities.

Yes, several lakes are rich in history. Cranberry Lake Preserve features a History Trail with ruins of a 19th-century farmhouse and an early 20th-century stone-mining operation. Silver Lake Preserve contains the ruins of the Stony Hill settlement, offering a glimpse into 18th and 19th-century history. The impressive New Croton Dam, which forms the Croton Reservoir, was once the tallest dam in the world and is a significant historical landmark.

The diverse ecosystems around Westchester County lakes support various wildlife. Cranberry Lake Preserve is a sanctuary for migratory birds, turtles, and dragonflies. Many preserves offer opportunities for birdwatching and observing local flora and fauna. The tranquil environments of lakes like Swan Lake and Woodlands Lake are excellent for observing waterfowl and other aquatic species.

While many lakes in Westchester County are part of the New York City water supply system (like Kensico and Croton Reservoirs) and generally restrict swimming, there are options nearby. Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park (just north in Putnam County) and Lake Welch at Harriman State Park (in Rockland County) both offer sandy beaches for swimming and relaxing.

Yes, you can rent kayaks at some locations. The Tarrytown Reservoir offers kayak rentals at its eastern end during the summer. The Croton Reservoir also has kayak rentals available at its eastern end in summer. For rowboat rentals, Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park is an option.

For winter activities, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park is an excellent choice. When conditions allow, visitors can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on its rugged landscapes and frozen lakes.

Absolutely. The Red Bridge over the Croton Reservoir offers great views of the reservoir itself. Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park features a stunning overlook of its rugged landscapes. The vastness of Kensico Reservoir also provides picturesque views, popular for scenic bike rides along its perimeter. The New Croton Dam provides impressive views over the New Croton Reservoir.

Cranberry Lake Preserve in North White Plains offers free parking for visitors. For other locations, it's always advisable to check the specific park or preserve's official website for current parking information and any potential fees.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. Many appreciate the extensive and scenic carriage roads at places like Rockefeller State Park Preserve for hiking and jogging. The peaceful atmosphere for fishing at Swan Lake, the historical elements found at Cranberry Lake Preserve, and the opportunities for cycling along the reservoirs are also highly valued. The komoot community has contributed 15 photos and 21 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and enjoyable experiences.