This is our guide to running in Westchester County, a series of communities situated in the Hudson Valley north of New York City. The area stretches from Yonkers, just north of the Bronx, to Yorktown, and from the Hudson River east to Long Island Sound. The overview map shows the routes organized from south to north. The area is well served by train, making for some great destination run opportunities for New Yorkers. One unfortunate thing is that the best views of the Hudson River tend to be from the train, which runs right along the water! We note that there are several new & improved long-distance multi-use paths that run through Westchester County, part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail. Some of the best places to run in Westchester County, organized by theme:
South/North County Trailway. Paved multi-use path runs the length of Westchester County and is a great connector to other routes. At the north end, connect to the Putnam Trailway & Maybrook Trailway.
Long Island Sound: Some nice routes from Pelham Bay to Larchmont.
Hudson River: Run the Mario Cuomo Bridge! Nice waterfront routes in Nyack, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, and Georges Island to Verplanck.
Estates: Rockefeller State Park/Rockwood Hall is among our favorite runs in Westchester.
Multi-Use Paths: In addition to the County Trailway, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail has some beautiful sections. The Maybrook Trailway runs for 24 miles between Brewster and Hopewell Junction. The Colonial Greenway is a 15-mile loop path connecting numerous parks and communities. The Putnam Trailway & Maybrook Trailway combine for 35 miles between Baldwin Place, Brewster, and Hopewell.
Trail Running. Something for every ability in Saxon Woods Park, Rockefeller SP, Hart’s Brook Park, Irvington Woods. More extensive options in Teatown Lake Reservation and Wards Pound Reservation.
Residential Neighborhoods. Some of the best for running are waterfront sections of Pelham & New Rochelle, pretty streets in Larchmont, Scarsdale.
Routes near Train Stations: South County Trailway & Old Croton Aqueduct (242nd St. Metro, Bronx); Tarrytown (several routes); Hart’s Brook Preserve (Hartsdale); Old Croton Trailway SP (Dobbs Ferry); Five Islands Park (Larchmont).
