Old Aqueduct Goes Right Through Dobbs Ferry Campus.

The Old Croton Trail Way State Park is a 26.2-mile linear trail, which runs parallel to the Hudson River for most of its journey from the New Croton Dam in Cortlandt to the Yonkers-New York City line. Beneath the surface lies one of the great engineering achievements of the 19th century- the Aqueduct - New York City's first public water supply system capable of carrying 100 million gallons of water a day.

Construction of the Aqueduct and the first dam began in 1837. Five years later, water flowed into above ground reservoirs on what are now the sites of the Great Lawn in Central Park and the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue. An engineering professor at West Point, Major David B. Douglas, was responsible for surveying the route. John B. Jervis of Rome, New York succeeded him, who had been employed on the building of the Erie and the Delaware & Hudson Canals, and managed the construction of the Mohawk & Hudson Railroad.

Gravity fed (dropping 13 inches per mile) on principals used in Roman times, sections of the Aqueduct were cut into the hillsides, and others set level on the ground. Massive earthen fills carried the tube over valleys and rivers. Arched bridges were used to cross Sing Sing Kill and the Harlem River. Conical ventilating towers were placed every mile or so to relieve pressure and keep the water fresh. Large square stone structures, known as weirs, were erected over major rivers to house solid, metal gates which could be lowered to divert the water and permit maintenance "down stream". The elliptical tube, measuring 8.5 feet high by 7.5 feet wide, is lined with brick throughout most of its length. A coating of hydraulic cement was added at bridge crossings. The outer walls are of hammered stone.

Built to meet New York City's needs for 100 years, its capacity was exceeded by the population growth to which it contributed, much sooner than forecast. The New Croton Aqueduct supplied decreasing amounts of water until 1955. In 1989, the northernmost section was reopened to supply the town of Ossining.

The present trail was purchased by the state in 1968. Apart from breaks where it crosses Route 117 and the Cross County Parkway in Yonkers, the structure remains much as it was constructed. In 1992, the Greenway Heritage Conservancy granted the Aqueduct National Historic Landmark status by the Secretary of the Interior, and the 22 miles from Quaker Bridge Road in Cortlandt to Lamartine Avenue in Yonkers were designated a segment of the Hudson River Trail for Hudson River Valley.

Designated by its managers, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as hiking and cycling trail, the Aqueduct is a recreational and cultural resources appealing as well to a wide range of visitors including joggers, photographers, birdwatchers, naturalists and historians. Much of the trail consist of grassy, tree-lined sections with, in the south magnificent views across the Hudson River to the Palisades. At times it takes to local streets, where glimpses of the river continue. The communities through which it passes offer a host of historic and architectural treasures. It is readily accessible by train and bus as far north as Ossining.

The trail provides ample opportunity for the pursuit of special interests. At it's northern terminus lies the New Croton Dam - the old one lies hidden beneath the reservoir waters - and Croton Gorge Park. Below the double arch over Sing Sing Kill in Ossining is the Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center, containing exhibits on the construction of the Aqueduct. In North Tarrytown, the trail passes the Rockefeller State Park Preserve and offers access to 22 miles of hiking trails. A short walk west to Route 9 brings the visitor to Philipsburg Manor and a return to the colonial era. In Tarry town, it traverses the grounds of Lindhurst, a fine example of gothic revival architecture, and runs close to the home of Washington Irving at Sunnyside (admission charge to both). The Lenior Preserve, a wildlife refuge, the gardens of Untermyer Park, Tibbits Brook Park and, a short detour, the 300 year old Philips Manor Hall, are accessible in Yonkers.

Many of the trail's neighbors are closed at the hand and help to maintain its tranquility. Please respect their privacy and carry litter out with you. We hope you enjoy your visit.