Croton Gorge Park

1.  From the parking area (see “Directions to the trailhead” below), walk across the field to get as close as you can to the base of the falls. Feel the mist and listen to the roar (or, if you’re here in late summer when the water level is low, imagine the mist and enjoy the peace and quiet).

If you have a hiking companion, now is the appropriate time to turn to them and say, “They should call this place Croton Gorge Daaaaaaa-yum!” (If they don’t laugh, you can blame me, then, before we move to the next step, I’ll wait here until you can find cooler friends.)

Also, if you catch anyone adding to the litter against the fence, perhaps you could query them about how they came to appreciate nature enough to visit it, but not enough to refrain from defiling it. People are curious that way.

2. Once you’ve frolicked at the falls and explored the base of the dam to your satisfaction, it’s time to head up to the bridge. Let’s do this!

With the dam at your back, look across the field to the playground, and you can see a dirt road just to the left of the playground, heading into the woods. That’s where you want to be. Hop on that bad boy.

If you’re starting from the playground (as you will be if you have kids in your group), looking at that same road, the only hint you get that it’s the road to the bridge is a sign that says, “AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY.”

To me, that sign would be way more useful if it said: “AUTHORIZED VEHICLES AND EVERYBODY WHO IS HIKING TO THE TOP OF THE DAM ONLY.” In any event, this is the trail you should be on, even if, like me, you’re not an authorized vehicle.

3. About one minute into the hike/stroll, after you pass the playground on your right, you’ll arrive at a fork in the trail. The right fork takes you along the River Trail, which sounds like a very pleasant place to explore if you don’t have three impatient children with you.

Take the left fork for the Aqueduct Trail Access, which will bring us up to the dam. (On our visit on May 2, 2015, the sign marking this fork was knocked to the ground. That may be remedied by the time you visit. And if you packed a post-hole digger and some concrete in your backpack, dude, this is your time to shine!)

4. In a few more minutes, as the trail continues to rise and passes by a funky old rock wall, you’ll be joined from the right by another trail, marked “OLD CROTON AQUEDUCT STATE HISTORIC PARK.” Probably another nice trail to explore, if you don’t have impatient kids with you. For now, keep heading straight.

5. If you notice another trail splitting off to your left, ignore that bad boy, too. We’re just going for a “stay on the trail we’re on” type situation right now.

6. We see you over there, dam! In just another minute (it took us about 15 minutes total from the playground), you’ll emerge onto the aptly named Croton Dam Road. Turn left to hop onto the road and the dam.

7. Whoa!  Who knew there’d be a big fat reservoir on the other side of that dam?

The sights just keep getting better as you go. Keep heading toward the waterfall, checking out the reservoir on one side, and keeping an eye on your car way down there on the other.

8. Once you’re on top of the falls, duuuuuuude.

Don’t forget to check out the nice little view straight ahead, too.

And behind you, find more unique awesomeness at the spillway that feeds the falls. What an insanely cool place to be.

9. When you’re done checking it all out, retrace your steps back to your car, grabbing a selfie or two along the way, if you’re not above such things.

What a cool spot, right?  Maybe you should go home and give your eyeballs a break now, since they’ve been gorging all day.