Croton Aqueduct Trail

Ok! It is now time to take a break from the snipping, clipping, stirring, and stitching. It's time to stretch out a little because Spring is here! You don't want to miss out soaking in a gorgeous day and spending it with nature do you? Let me introduce you to one of New York's best kept secrets: The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. When I first moved to Tarrytown, NY after living in the city all my life, I suddenly became fascinated with learning about Old New York and its history. Then I kept hearing about this "Aqueduct" that folks would take either to work or to the train and how nice it is--what is this you speak of? Come to find out there is a good chance many of us have walked along it without even knowing.

The Old Croton Aqueduct tunnel was New York City's major source of clean drinking water from 1842 until 1955. The Aqueduct was built in response to the fires and epidemics that repeatedly devastated New York City in the late 1700s and early 1800s, owing in part to its inadequate water supply and contaminated wells. Water was delivered from the Croton Damn in Westchester's Croton-On-Hudson all the way down to 42nd Street in Manhattan, 41 miles total.

Today, the trail that follows the tunnels is enjoyed by joggers, hikers, cyclists, skiers, and nature lovers alike. You can start to enjoy this trail at the very north of the Bronx in Van Cortlandt Park or hop on Metro North's Hudson Line and get off at any of the river towns between Yonkers and Ossining. The trail will lead you through woods, parks, small river towns, grounds to historic mansions like the Lyndhurst Estate, and backyards (the residents are used to it). So visit the Croton Aqueduct, a budget-friendly one day trip outside the five boroughs.

Marilyn ~ pulpsushi.etsy.com