ward pound ridge reservation

The preservation is a great place to clear your mind and soul. It's natural beauty and the many trails are one of a kind. A perfect retreat...Alexandra Chan Katz, Pound Ridge, NY

I have been to this reservation a lot and the summer camp there is fantastic. But you can also go in the winter for sledding and snowshoeing. There is good hiking and nice trails, great for family outings.

this is run by the County of Westchester. There are marked trails for all abilities to hike and ski or snowshoe in winter. We have been going for over twenty five years. I understand that you can rest stone lean-tos for overnight stays. In the fall the trees are gorgeous. If you have a group and reserve in advance there are fields for games. The last time I was there it was for snowshoeing on the marked trails.If you are a non-resident there is a nominal charge.

This is the largest County Park in Westchester with 4,700 acres and 41.9 miles of blazed hiking trails. Trails are well marked and Trail Maps are readily available either at the trail heads or on weekends at the entrance booth. There is a Trailside Nature Museum, and the park is a designated biodiversity reserve. The park was largely developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. One of the most popular hikes is Leatherman's Loop which takes you to a scenic overlook facing the reservoir and the original site of what became the Town of Katonah. Within the loop you can visit Leatherman's Cave, one of many stopping places on his 365 mile circuit he completed every 34 days over 35 years. Great for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter months. There are lean-to's and tent sites for overnight camping, playgrounds and picnic areas. Please note pit toilet facilties only. Cross River runs through the park and trout fishing is permitted.

After a good snowfall, I often come here to ski around the park. It's very peaceful and quiet during the week, less so on the weekends (unless you get there early). There's no formal grooming, just the tracks from other skiers. The trails get pretty messed up though, from all the walkers, people with dogs, etc. But still good while it lasts (after a few days, or one weekend, you generally need another snowfall to keep the trails ski-able). The entrance fee is $10 per car for non-residents.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation has it all -- hiking, camping, educational exhibits, many many miles of marked trails, an Indian encampment, a small art museum, and a nature museum. And less than one hour from New York City. Pretty unbelievable!

Recently paved entrance road improves the experience. The fall hunter pace for horses and riders was set in great fall foliage. I often go here to chill out, go to an art exhibit, just walk around.

This was the Weekend for bike riding, but the dog wasn't in the mood for riding in his bike,so we abandoned the bikes and hit the road for the hour drive to this Reservation that is a vast property(many mile). There is an entry fee,but lots of parking. We immediately hit the walking trails. Well this was better for the dog as he was thrilled to walk the long tails along the stream that runs for about 3.5 miles. along the way we ran into a movie company starting a film about the leather-man(legend has it that he wanders the park. Navy the dog got us all the attention we needed with crew so we were able to see them transform the actor to a cave man it was cool and his makeup took for every but was great in the end. Ok back to the trails. They are rough and rocky but clear enough to travel and the stream made the greatest sounds ever and was clear and cool. Dogs are to be leashed at all times but everyone seem to relaxed this on the trails. Well that is until another dog is spotted,and then its back to the leash for all safety purpose. You can camp here overnight but that was out the question with me and Navy the dog(too many wild animals). As with most walking trips have your water bottle with you,don't drink from the stream nor let your dog drink from it. For beginner trail walkers, this is a great one for the whole family. We ended the day with a late lunch picnic near the stream, as there is many, picnic sites and lots of tables and pits for grilling. But no place to put your trash afterward, so bring your own trash bags. It's a lovely and peaceful place and a great place to connect with nature. Don't tell anyone but afterward we took a drive by Martha Steward compound in katonah, before heading back to the city. Hope the dog will be up for the bike ride this weekend as you burn more calories riding a bike than walking.

I love this place. Been going since I was in High School. It's easy to get to and open all year long. It's a 4,000+ acre property with very few improvements (that's a good thing) a few streams run through it, many, many animals, hiking trails and important history.Animals often seen (besides the ubiquitous raccoon, bird and squirrel) are black bear, bobcat, fox, hawk, falcon, deer-- bring your animal tracks guide.The man known as the Leatherman wandered through this park often and made his home in a couple of places, one known as the Leatherman's cave (http://leathermansloop.org/2009/02/the-legend-of-the-leatherman/). The old forest service's fire tower location is cool, though the tower has since been removed for safety purposes.There are numerous tent camping sites and Lean-to shelter camping sites available year round. The old pit toilets seem to be under improvement as of this writing and porta johns are in their place. Most camping sites can be driven to on very rough road/trails. Some sites are walk-in (backpacking) only. Camping reservations and prepayment is required to ensure you have a spot for your weekend.There is a Trailside Museum (not open on Sundays or holidays) that presents virtually all local animal inhabitants, they make maple syrup in the winter and do occasional flora/fauna presentations along with American Indian history and lore.This is a great place for families with kids of all ages, couples, and groups of friends. Bring your own potable water. Do Not bring firewood. Obtain it from the park office (protection of the environment from alien insects). This is strictly a pack out what you pack in kind of place. There aren't any trash receptacles.

My husband and I have been here many times and have hiked every trail available. It's a beautiful Reservation and while there are always a decent amount of cars in the parking lots you dont see many people. Definitely a wonderful day in nature! Check it out!

miles and miles of hiking trails of every grade of difficulty; gorgeous vistas, and a river to boot. the perfect place to unwind

Worth visiting if you live in lower Fairfield county and want to get lost for a bit in the woods. Bring a picnic lunch and some boots. FUN!

Visiting Westchester County we were encouraged to visit the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation for hiking. Though the weather was overcast and cool the visit was a welcomed way to stretch our legs and enjoy the forest. The information board showed so many trails you could walk for hours. The path was high and well maintained. Coming at a different time of the year I feel there would have been more wildlife to observe and more birds in the trees. Would recommend any nature lover to check it out.