Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Route 121 S, Cross River, NY 10518
(914) 763-3493
Why do we like it?
This 4,700-acre Reservation is Westchester County`s largest and one of its most beautiful parks. It was purchased in 1924 and set aside as a sanctuary for wildlife and as a recreational and educational area.
Picnicking. Picnic areas are equipped with charcoal grills or fireplaces, picnic tables, running water and toilets. No electricity is available. Firewood is not furnished. Groups of 26 or more persons are required to make an advance reservation by calling (914) 864-7075.
Camping. Year-round camping is available in open-face lean-tos. Sleeping capacity is limited to eight persons per shelter. Non-potable water and toilets are nearby and each shelter has an outside grill or fireplace for cooking and a picnic table. No trailer or recreational vehicle camping is permitted. A maximum of two tents per shelter is allowed. Open tent sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the upper Kimberly Bridge area. Permits for using shelters and tent sites, available to adults 21 years old or over, are issued at the park superintendent`s office. Campers who wish to make advance reservation must do so at least three weeks prior to their visit, all other reservations must be made in person at the park office. Call (914)864-7317 for reservations.
Hiking Trails. The reservation features 35 miles hiking trails, including several self-guided nature trails. Pamphlets describing the nature trails and topographical maps are available at Trailside Nature Museum, located within the park.
Horseback Riding. All trails may be used for horseback riding. Horses may not be ridden on paved roads. No horses are available for hire.
Winter Activities. An extensive system of five-, three-, and two-mile trails is available for cross country skiing. Skiing is also permitted on open slopes. There are no ski tows. Trails begin at the end of Michigan Road near shelter #5. Sledding is permitted in designated areas.
The Trailside Nature Museum. The museum exhibits specimen birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, minerals, American Indian artifacts, and houses the Delaware Indian Resource Center. Nature interpretive programs are offered weekly. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, opening at 9 a.m., school and group visits are available by appointment. Call (914)864-7322.
Wildflower Garden. The 1/2 acre Luquer-Marble Memorial Wildflower Garden located near the Trailside Nature Museum, contains over 100 kinds of wildflowers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not allowed in the garden.
The park is open year round from 8 a.m. to dusk except to campers occupying shelters overnight. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reservation entrance is near the junction of Routes 35 and 121 south in Cross River. Read more