One of my favorite things about living in Westchester is the practically endless supply of hiking trails and nature preserves.
Since moving here, I’ve been hiking with my wife and 3-year-old son at more than 20 different trail systems, and we still haven’t come close to exploring all the nature Westchester has to offer.
Now that my son is capable of hiking on his own, we prioritize hiking locations that are manageable by kids, even as young as 2 or 3 years old.
Here are my favorite Westchester hiking locations for kids:
Cranberry Lake Preserve
Cranberry Lake is one of our favorite hiking spots, thanks in part to its proximity to lower Westchester — it’s located just north of White Plains.
What you’ll find: The terrain here is diverse. You’ll pass by a lake, marshland, streams, and even have an opportunity to scramble up the back of an old quarry (my sons favorite).
There’s plenty of shade and tree cover on most of the trails, but there are also some sunny pockets, especially near the quarry.
Animal Sightings: I’ve encountered all kinds of critters here, from frogs and fish in the quarry pond to deer, rabbits, hawks and even snakes.
Beware the bugs: This preserve is consistently buggy, and the mosquitos can be pretty bad near the lake. Bring bug spray.
Turkey Mountain
Turkey Mountain is a perfect hike for kids of any age that like a bit of a challenge. It’s even manageable for kids as young as 3, but there is a fair bit of elevation change so you may want to bring a carrier just in case they get tired.
Kids 5+ should be perfectly capable of hiking it on their own.
While not overly steep, the footing can be a bit challenging for younger kids. There are plenty of tree roots and rocks on the trail, so you may want lend a steadying hand, especially when descending.
There are several viewpoints on the way up and it’s certainly worth the effort to make it to the top.
O’hara Nature Center at Irvington Woods
Irvington Woods is a hiking area and nature preserve located in Irvington, NY. It’s a deceptively large preserve with a variety of interconnected trails and paths to follow.
Despite being located in the heart of lower Westchester, you can mostly escape any sight or sound of traffic, hustle or bustle.
The trail slopes are fairly gradual throughout, though there are some elevation changes as you hike out and back from the small parking lot (located by the Nature Center).
What you’ll find: A quiet, peaceful hike through a suburban forest. Keep your eyes peeled for animals including deer, birds, and rodents. There’s also a fun detour to visit the “Hermit’s Grave“, the final resting place of a man who lived in Taxter Ridge for years.
Greenburgh Nature Center
The Greenburgh Nature Center is the perfect location for a first hike. This small nature center has a number of (captive) animals for viewing, including: sheep, goats, bald eagles, red-tailed hawk and a talkative ring-necked raven named Jao-Jao.
As for wild animals, we’ve spotted deer, hawks, butterflies, honey bees, rabbits, turtles, frogs, bats and even a newt.
Around the outskirts of the nature center is a network of trails that wind past a vernal pool, marsh, pollinator garden, and one of the more unique playgrounds you’ll ever see.
Parking is free and the center is open from dawn to dusk 365 days a year.
Mianus River Gorge Preserve
Mianus River Gorge is a perfect weekend hike for kids of any age. The out-and-back trail winds along the Mianus River. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, a small rock quartz quarry, and plenty of wildlife.
The terrain is gentle and the walking paths well-marked and groomed, making the hike manageable for even younger toddlers. We’ve even seen strollers used from time-to-time, though I’d prefer a backpack or carrier myself.
Teatown Lake Reservation
Teaton Lake Reservation in Ossining is perfect for a hike any day of the year (it’s open all 365 days).
It’s especially pretty in the spring and fall, but we love it in any season. You’ll find mostly-flat trails winding around a network of lakes and small streams connecting them.
There’s also a visitors center with some animals and Wildflower Island which contains more than 200 species of local wildflowers.
Parking: There’s a $7 parking fee for non-members, which helps keep Teatown financially viable.
Rockwood Hall
Rockwood Hall (near Briarcliff Manor) in Mount Pleasant is the former estate of William Rockefeller. Now it’s a perfect way to spend a sunny morning, roaming the grounds and walking paths.
More of a secluded walk than a true hike, Rockwood is perfect for kids of all ages who will love exploring the grounds and seeing the occasional train roll by on the tracks along the Hudson.
You’ll see wildflowers, deer, raptors and more as you wander through the remnants of the old estate.
Note: Rockwood is directly adjacent to private land owned by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. It’s easy to get turned around and accidentally wander onto private property, so watch for posted signs that mark the transition.
Parking: Parking is free in public lots, or you may need to find roadside parking on busier weekends.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a massive 4,700 acre preserve (the largest in Westchester) located in Pound Ridge, NY. There’s more than 100 miles of trails here, so there’s no way you can see everything in a single day.
There are caves, river crossings and even man-made shelters to explore, along with plenty of local wildlife.
Keep an eye out for deer, fox, raptors, and even bears here (you’ll see signs warning you that bears live in the area).
Don’t miss the Leatherman Cave or the bear rock petroglyphs, dating back to pre-colonial times.
There’s even some local artwork here, including some very sharp-looking animal sculptures made from iron.
Westmoreland Sanctuary
Westmoreland Sanctuary is a great hiking spot for younger kids. The trailheads start at the Sanctuary’s nature center which houses live animals including: rabbits, birds, turtles, frogs and insects.
You can often get 1-on-1 animal experiences just by asking the staff member inside. My son got to meet a very social turtle last time we visited.
Hiking trails wind past several landmarks including a pollinator garden, Bechtel Lake, and even a child-sized house.
The scenery here is beautiful but often buggy and we were absolutely swarmed by mosquitos on our last trip. Make sure to bring your favorite Deet-free bug spray when visiting in warmer weather.
Blue Mountain
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, check out Blue Mountain. You’ll find a variety of trails ranging from moderate to strenuous. With unobstructed views of the Hudson river, Blue Mountain is one of the most picturesque hiking destinations in Westchester.
If possible, skip the crowds by visiting during the week and you’ll feel like you have the place almost to yourself. There’s also mountain biking trails (and cross country skiing in winter) for multi-sport families.
Kitchawan Preserve
Kitchawan Preserve is a 200+ acre preserve in Ossining, NY. It borders the New Croton Reservoir and also connects to the North Country Trailway.
This is a great place to hike with your dog as well, just make sure to bring a leash. Be warned, many visitors (illegally) leave their dogs off-leash which can cause problems for other dog owners.
You’ll frequently encounter large birds, deer, pollinators, and dozens of wildflower species as you explore the trails.
For a unique dining experience, hit up Nadine’s for some authentic German cuisine after your hike.