The New Croton Dam was the largest masonry dam in the world when it was completed in 1906.
The dam's spillway is built into the side of the valley, rather than the center, to utilize the natural bedrock for stability.
Millions of cubic yards of earth and stone were moved by hand and steam-powered equipment during the dam's 14-year construction period.
The stone used for the dam was sourced from local quarries, including some within the current reservoir basin.
The water cascading down the spillway is controlled by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
The park serves as a trailhead for the 12-mile-long Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway.
The masonry work on the dam features ornamental elements like 'cyclopean' stonework, intended to project an image of permanence and strength.
The park is situated at the base of the New Croton Reservoir, which holds approximately 19 billion gallons of water.
Croton Gorge Park is dominated by the massive 200-foot-high New Croton Dam, a feat of late 19th-century engineering constructed from hand-cut stone. The 97-acre site serves as the base of the dam, offering direct views of the spillway where water cascades down a series of stepped masonry blocks. A prominent stone bridge arches over the spillway, providing a vantage point directly above the water flow. The park features an extensive network of hiking trails that connect to the broader Briarcliff-Peekskill Trailway. Anglers utilize the park for access to the Croton River, which is stocked with brown trout. The grounds contain picnic areas, large open fields, and steep wooded embankments. The dam itself acts as the reservoir for the New Croton Aqueduct, which historically supplied a significant portion of New York City's water. The terrain varies from flat lawns near the riverbank to challenging inclines leading to the top of the dam structure.
The pedestrian bridge overlooking the spillway provides the most iconic perspective of the cascading water.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to walk up the trail to the top of the dam.
Check the official Westchester County parks website for potential parking permit requirements during peak seasons.
Bring binoculars to spot the diverse bird species that inhabit the wooded gorge.
Attempting to climb on the dam spillway masonry, which is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
Parking fees may apply on weekends and holidays during the high season; park remains open year-round, though some trails may close due to ice or heavy mud.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion; pack out all trash to keep the river corridor clean.
