Hey, it's a public park, not a business! Great trail for cross country running practice. Lots of space for kids to run around, and adjacent to the bakery that makes the world's best carrot cake! On weekends many schools hold track and field exercises and competitions. read more

I love this park. I like riding my bike and get a workout while enjoying the peaceful and beautiful scenery. Theres playground for the kids, track field and athletic field among many other things. They also have hiking trails if you prefer that. It's a really big park with lots to do. It can get crowded on weekends so parking can be a pain but worth it read more

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Beautiful spacious park with great views and you can see such lush and huge trees here. Definitely worth visiting the park for sure. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

Van Cortlandt Park is about 1,146 acres that has so much to choose from. It's the city's third largest park which a lot of prestigious history. Van Cortlandt Park's sports facilities include golf courses and several miles of paths for running, as well as facilities for baseball, basketball, cricket, cross-country running, football, horseback riding, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and track and field. The park also contains five major hiking trails and other walking trails for fitness or nice long walks. read more

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Van Cortlandt Park in the Riverdale/Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, is much larger than Manhattan's Central Park, being over 1,000 acres. There is plenty of history here, starting from 1691 when the land was purchased by the Dutch Van Cortlandt family in the colonial era. The park has many trails for hikers, runners, walkers and cyclists, plus horseback riding. There are horse stables on the grounds near the Putnam Trail. By the famous statue of the Tortoise & Hare, there's an open field named "Parade Grounds" where you will find a variety of activities: Soccer, Rugby, Croquet, Cricket, Soft Ball, etc. Plus by the lake, there is a lovely public golf course, with a golf house that has hosted a few weddings, award parties and barbecues. There are tennis courts, hand-ball & basketball courts, plus swimming pools during the summer months, and a lake with swans and mallards. Bird watchers are often here early mornings. There's something for everyone, Van Cortlandt Park is an oasis and escape from the concrete jungle of NYC in the beautiful Bronx. Enjoy! Thank you for reading! read more

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This park is very underappreciated. It's enormous and has many amenities, including a golf course, equestrian trails, a museum, tennis courts, public pools, playgrounds, soccer fields, volleyball courts, an ice skating ring, dog parks, and much more. I'm an avid jogger and love exploring trails. There is also a track and field, if you rather not walk/jog the trails. Great hiking trails too! It's nice to escape the city life and just enjoy some serenity. 5 stars. read more

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To keep it a buck I love van Cort land it's big for cross country has some lit sites and the park has a somewhat okay selection of fields for multiple sports read more

Van Cortlandt Park - The subway to van cort - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

Van Cortlandt Park is an OK destination when you're looking for a place to go for a picnic, meet up with friends and/or family, or play some sports. The last time I came here there was a cricket gae going on; I'd never actually seen the game played before so I hung around and watched it for a while - it was quite interesting. Tip: When you're here if you're hungry or in the mood for a treat, note that there are both hot dog and ice cream vendors in this park. read more

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I'm reviewing the tennis courts in particular. Very well kept, and not crowded at all (off season, January so that's not a huge surprise. Huge field meant for playing Cricket? How exotic! There is a nature center open that apparently has open bathrooms; HUGE plus. Large bridal path for running; if you're a runner, you know how valuable this is for the health of your knees. read more

Had a calm, beautiful end of fall walk again this year. No crowds, autumn colors, & sorrounded with lots of nature. Enjoyed it so much. read more

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4.5 stars. Huge open green space you can play anything you want with as many friends you like... check. Virtually unlimited running and cross-country trails... check. Old trails that extend for miles... check. An historic House turned into museum... check. Tennis courts, baseball fields, football fields, golf courts, playgrounds and more... check. Van Cortlandt Park - an area covering almost as much green space as Central Park - has it all. It may not be as flashy and manicured as Central Park, or have the vistas of Fort Tryon Park; however, Van Cortlandt Park is an awesome place to hang out, play, walk, golf, or even sunbathe. If you're a history buff - and even if you're not - the Van Cortlandt House and Museum (dated 1748) is an interesting visit. If you love hiking, although flat, the beautiful forested Old Putnam Trail - which follows the old rail bed of the New York Central Railroad's Putnam Division - is a pleasure to walk. Go, spend the day and get lost. read more

Van Cortlandt Park is a large park in The Bronx. It doesn't get the attention like Central. Or the attention like Prospect. It's much easier to move around. There's not as many tourists. In the park are many interesting things. Highlights include the Grand Central stones. These were placed here by the railroad authority to test the effects of weather on these. It was on an area of land owned by the authority. These stones are still in the same place they were in the early 1900s or so. It's easy to get to. Just take the 1 train uptown and stay on until it ends. This will take you to Broadway and 242nd where you can take the stairs at the west side and enter it from there. read more

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Beautiful trails right in the Bronx! I love exploring my hometown and still be amazed and fall in love again. no need to head out beautifying trails nearby read more

Another of New York city's amazing public green spaces. probably designed with locals in mind, this is also a fantastic getaway for a Manhattan tourist. I hiked from isham Park in northern Manhattan, across the Henry Hudson Bridge, and on to Van Cortlandt Park. Read up on the geology of the area, and you will make the same hike. My favorite part of the park is Vault Hill. this is where the Van Cortlandt family is buried, and it's also 10 enormous out cropped of Fordham Gneiss (ancient, metamorphic granite). read more

This is a hidden gem in the Bronx. I used to ran cross country track here in High School. Van Cortlandt Park, 1,146 acres covering ridges and valleys of the Northwest Bronx, is NYC's 3rd largest park - and is larger than Central Park! Van Cortlandt was established as a park in 1888 and is home to the country's first public golf course, the oldest house in the Bronx (visited by George Washington) and the borough's largest freshwater lake. It also features a popular cross-country running trail and a riding stable. With some of the oldest trees in NYC, the park's dense woodlands, natural waterways and geology provide a wonderful window into what NYC was like before the Europeans arrived in the 1600's. The Wiechquaeskeck tribe of the Lenape nation originally inhabited the land and used it as a planting field, a housing settlement, and a burial ground. They established a trail, the Hudson River Path, that ran from the southwest Bronx to the site of the village. The park features a variety of nature and hiking trails, a lake, horse riding stables, a golf course, including one that follows an abandoned train line. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

What could i add that hasn't been said before. I've come here for decades, and have plenty of happy memories. There have been some improvements, swimming pool and trails added. read more

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I came here for the first time on a foggy, drizzly winter day and had a great time! I stopped by the nature center for a class in primitive campfire cooking. The rangers had two fire pits going and we made ash cakes, chicken cooked in birch leaves, and zucchini grilled over an open flame with wild onions from their garden. I can't stress enough how cool these Parks Department demonstrations are, especially for those who don't get out of the city much. The park has large chunks that are wild and woodsy, and the rangers told me especially in bad weather, the deer come out because they know humans tend to stay away. While I didn't see any during my visit, I did take some of their nature trails which are more vigorous than I was expecting for a park in the boroughs! There are some reasonably steep inclines and big rocks to climb. The map is pretty easy to follow, although as of this writing, the blue trail on the map is actually marked yellow when you're walking on it. Someone screwed up! As someone else stated, moving North to South is easy, but not so moving East to West, because of the roads that cut through the park. Once I was on the trails, I can count on one hand the people I saw over the course of 2 hours. The weather definitely accounted for some of that, and I'm sure the park is gorgeous in the fall and summer, but there is something to be said for the foggy, desolate beauty of a dreary winter Sunday. Some of the trails are marked by white posts, at the top are cutout Tortoise & Hare shapes. The park was gifted a statue with the same figures from Aesop's fable to commemorate the restoration of their cross country track, and that statue sits at its finish line. Visit Vault Hill, the former burial ground of the Cortlandt family (once the land became a park, the remains were moved to nearby Woodlawn Cemetery- another nice place to walk through!). Just to the right are some rocks that will give you a nice view of parade ground below. They also have horse stables that offer lessons, though read the Yelp reviews for their page separately before checking it out, people don't seem as happy with their experience there as they are with the rest of the park. I can't wait to come by and explore more! read more

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It was almost 80 degrees in NYC, and it was my day off, so I had to seize the day. I looked up the closest hiking trail to NYC, and Van Cortlandt Park came up. It was pretty accessible by subway, only an hour away from Astoria via M60 SBS, then A and 1 trains. I did many parts of the trails starting from Van Cortlandt House Museum on the Cross Country Course to the Putnam Trail and back to the Parade Ground to hike up some small hills. There were a lot of PDA activities going on up there. I then continued up north, passing Henry Hudson Highway to Rockwood Circle and completed Cass Gallagher Nature Trail (1.4 miles). I wrapped up the hike with John Muir Nature Trail (1.5 miles), passing Old Croton Aqueduct Trail and ending at Van Cortlandt Park East. So I did 3 miles (and change) within 2 hours. That was a fun day! read more

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This is a great park for outdoor activities. I regularly come here to do a pre-work workout which usually involves running. I like the loose gravel track which also extends into the wooded area and in total, is 2.5 miles. Because I'm usually running alone and during a time when the park is pretty empty, so for safety reasons, I stay on the main track which is about 1.5 miles. The park is pretty huge and offers an array of sights: there are historical landmarks, a pool that is open during the summer months, an official track and field, tennis, basketball and handball courts, picnic areas, a dog park, a couple of huge fields for futbol or cricket (you will witness both), exercise stations and the aforementioned loose gravel track which is great for walking, jogging and biking. Early mornings are best for solo activities, when the park is empty, but the energy that is transferred from active folk during busy days and evenings helps to get you through whatever you're setting out to accomplish. The best part of this park is that it's located within walking distance from my home so, I can get in a great workout anytime. read more

I live across Van Cortlandt Park, and I have been countless times. It's a great park! It kicks Central Park's butt! SIZE This park is big. Actually, big is an understatement. It's HUGE! 1000+ acres HUGE. It's much bigger than Central Park. FEATURES At Van Cortlandt Park, you can find so much! There's a golf course on the east side of the park, as well as countless hiking trails throughout the park. Some trails are for novices. Others are 10+ miles and extend to Westchester and beyond. There are various sports fields/courts for soccer, baseball, and tennis, There are several running tracks, which are of pavement, rubber, and rubble. There is an outdoor pool. So you can play practically play any sport to your heart's content. There's even a horse stable you can ride a horse one of the mentioned trails. There are several fields where my friends and I picnic. There are a few bathroom throughout the park, and they're pretty clean. MEETING SOMEONE? This park is immense, like previously mentioned. So, most people meet their friends at the Hare and Tortoise statue at Broadway and W 246 St. Bear in mind that this park gets most crowded on sunny weekends. But it's never as crowded as Central Park's Great Lawn. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

Van cortlandt is a beautiful park. I come here with my dad or bf when i want to run early in the morning . This spot its pretty quiet and peaceful they have a great field for sports and running. They also have these great stairs made out of stone (kind of like school bleachers) where you can go up and down the stairs for a great work out or just to sit down to watch a game. I have not trail/ canoe here before but i heard its great and i look forward to trying that next. The other part of this park its also great because in the summer time it gets very popular for barbequing however must warn you it gets very crowded and peopel are playing there music very loudly. read more

I love this park. I come here a lot, year-round as well, and it's never too crowded. It's a great place to hike, run and bike. I also love taking pictures here. I'd recommend coming here to anyone looking for a new spot to spend time on awesome trails. read more

I was surprised by how big this place was. There is plenty of space for various recreational activities. -Near the subway station, there is an area where the signs said no BBQs, but there was loads of people with their grills out BBQing. I guess no one cares. -There are several baseball fields, several soccer fields, a public pool, a running track and just large empty fields in general for playing whatever you want. It was pretty empty too the last time I was here. -As you go north past the soccer fields, there is a wooded area with a hiking trail. Not a very challenging hike at all, but a good walk to make you feel like you have escaped the city. For NYC parks, this place definitely ranks right behind Central Park and Prospect Park. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

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I recently came to Van Cortlandt Park to take part in the house museum's Christmas tour. Granted the scheduled time of my tour was smack in the middle of a snow storm but luckily the house is located right off the 246th street entrance, which is only 4 blocks from the number 1 train. The park is beautiful, even covered in snow, and I cannot wait to return on a nicer day in the spring. The house is gorgeous and has been updated VERY little. There is only heat in some rooms and only electricity in the office. Everything else has been left the way it was hundreds of years ago. I had not been here in a number of years prior to this tour, and as I mentioned earlier, I cannot wait to visit again. I want to explore this park some more. It's incredibly easy to get to. Either take the 1 to the end or take the 4 (that leaves you on the other side of the park). There is a lot to do both within the park and in the general area. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

Beautiful park. 1) This is one of the best parks in NYC. 2) The area is great to walk around. 3) The public art of the rabbit and turtle is fantastic. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

So I've heard that connecting with nature is beneficial for one's mental health... and my nature walk with my boyfriend proved just that! We went early in the morning, and we felt like we were completely away from the rest of the world. I truly enjoyed it... the sounds (some which I had never heard before) and the views were so peaceful! I actually saw my first chipmunk here; I could not believe my eyes! I will be returning to enjoy more of nature and the rest of what the park has to offer! read more

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My nephew has run in cross-country track meets in this park, and I have been here several times. Most of my visits have been limited to the southwest corner of the park, which has a parade ground, a pool, and the Van Cortlandt House Museum (which I have to visit one of these days). Recently I had the opportunity to walk around. I would really recommend walking around in the fall, as the foliage is beautiful. It would probably been much more beautiful if I waited a week or two. The park is huge. The parade grounds can easily host more than a few sports events (whenever I'm there, I've seen people playing soccer, football (the American variety), and even a cricket match. And as large as this area is, it is only one corner of the park. The park also has two golf courses, tennis courts, several children's playgrounds, baseball diamonds, and lots and lots of hiking/nature trails. If you are into hiking, this is definitely the place to go. Not only are the trails beautiful, but they are also challenging. You will be walking up steep hills and through winding paths. When I was finished, my legs were aching. Eh, no pain, no gain. I would recommend two trails: 1--The Cass Gallagher Nature Trail: This trial winds north & south along the western side of the park. You will walk through some wonderful forest areas and forget that you are in the Bronx. 2--The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail: As the name says, this trail follows where the Croton Aqueduct used to be. It runs roughly north and south just east of the center of the park. If you choose to hike around the park, make sure to carry a map (they give out a free map when you enter the park) or a phone with GPS. It is VERY easy to get lost, especially since they don't have many "You Are Here" signs along the trails. I had to backtrack a few times when I realized that I was going in the wrong direction. Also, some of the areas are very isolated. I found myself alone through much of my hike. It wasn't bad, but you may want to walk with a friend or two or three. Finally, I didn't notice any lights in this area, so you definitely don't want to walk around here at night. My main complaint is that, while it is relatively easy to walk north and south, walking west and east is pretty difficult. You can't walk across the Van Cortland Golf Course, which is in the center of the park. Also, several highways run through the park, and aside from a bridge over the Henry Hudson Parkway (on the west side of the park), there is no way to walk across them. When I had made it to the northwest corner of the park, I had to walk around the neighborhood to the north (which actually is a very pleasant neighborhood) to get to the east side. Then I had to walk along the southern edge to get back to the west side. Getting to the park is very easy. You can just take the 1 train to its last stop (or first, depending on your point of view) in the Bronx, which leaves you on the west side of the park. If you take the 4 train to Woodlawn Cemetery (an interesting place to visit--Herman Melville is buried there), that would leave you along the east side of the park. It is also easy to drive to the park. Unfortunately, there is no main parking lot, and parking along the local streets can be sparse, especially if you are there while they are hosting a sports event, which is pretty much every weekend. All-in-all, this is a great place to visit. read more

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Absolutely beautiful park, miles and miles for walking, hiking a bit and bike riding. Saw birds, ducks, black squirrels. Sports fields, dog run, bathrooms, mini stadium. Lots of blooming flowers and trees. some small bodies of water - ponds, historical stops. Mini hike up some large rocks to get a view of Empire State. Definitely a must see. read more

Great historic mansion! Up top in the Bronx, in a languid park near Fordham University. Rolling meadows and beautiful flowers, undulate the fields at this picturesque spot near the subway. Important battles took place around here, and White Plains, during the 1776 American Revolution! Photo spot. Rebel says: 4 stars read more

This is one of those parks you go only in the summer time. This park is a hand full you can pretty much do everything you can think off. It has a pool area and you can do bbq's with family and friends. It has basketball courts, and a section for hand ball. You can play soccer or foot ball. You can play volleyball or do running tracks. You can play golf or even go fishing. They have a kids playground section as well you name it they got it. There is no inside parking you will have to park in the streets, But parking is not that hard you will find you just have to patiently look around. Theirs fast food restaurants and stores across the street if you ever need anything. What i also like is that the (1) train coming from downtown Manhattan goes up to 242nd street which is the last stop. If your going downtown Manhattan your in the first stop. the train is always empty in the first stop so u will gurranteed have a seat. If you like biking then this is the park i would recommend you to visit this park has so many bike trails that you will enjoy it specially if you come with a group of friends for a biking adventure. read more

What a gem in the Bronx! I've lived in the Bronx all my life, 31 years, and I am continually surprised at how much I don't really know about my borough. I've visited Van Cortlandt Park on multiple occasions in the past and sort of knew about the trails. I've recently taken up walking for 1 to 2 hours a day and I decided to give the trails a try. They are spectacular! The cross-country trail runs approximately the length of a 5K but you can incorporate the other trails and walk easily 5 to 6 miles. Each of my visits allows me to achieve 10,000 steps and work towards my goal of 15K to 20K steps a day This park has become a part of my daily routine and I'm so happy that I discovered it's in my own back yard. read more

Van Cortlandt Park - Coss Gallagher - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

This massive park is a Bronx gem. There are lots of walking paths and endless exploration--the walk I did with a friend over the weekend I know only covered a small portion of the park. But the great thing about this place/parks in NYC/NYC in general is that you can come back, try another route, and have a totally different adventure. Very glad this gem is in the BX. I will def be back. read more

Never knew the Bronx had such a great park! Loved all the different trails . The park is huge. My fiancé took me and daughter for a walk to explore all the great trails and views that it has . Can't wait to visit again. read more

I was looking for a place to go hiking in the city and decided to check out Van Cortlandt because I heard there was a bunch of hiking path mostly on the west side of the park. Why there's 2 golf courses here is beyond me, they should use one for more park space, but whatever. We walked around roughly 8 miles. It was pretty easy to navigate once we found a map (they have them for free near the visitors center) There's only one high point where you can see the city off in the distance, but other then that it's just a nice refreshing walk in the woods. I really want to go back in the fall, it will be so beautiful walking though all the foliage. read more

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I am soooooo happy I finally fount a park big & comfortable enough to workout/jog without being harassed by guys & is Uptown close to where I live. This park is HUUUGE & theres the track, than hills when you go deeper inside the park. Not to mention the golf course, soccer field, tennis courts. Really love it & will be going daily to do my 1 mile walk in the mornings here read more

Van Cortlandt Park - SPACE IN NYC! - Parks Near Me - Bronx, New York

I love this park they offer amazing amenities in the summer and winter plus the park rangers do an awesome job. Last summer I took advantage of the canoeing classes and this winter we are taking advantage of the survival classes read more

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I forgot about Central Park. It was that easy. I venture here after a long kick scooter trek with my drone, picnic basket and Moleskin, or my bocce set. Depending upon the day. This park runs the gamut in sports activities, solo and group friendly, from fishing and running to ultimate frisbee, cricket and baseball. This park is as diverse as the Bronx, let alone New York. Sometimes I secretly carry bacon treats for fun frolicking doggies that may wander over with a wet ball in their mouths, wanting to play. Van Cortlandt Park is easy on the eyes and challenging, in a good way, on the body. The bike paths are epic. As are the running paths. When I am knackered, I like to enjoy people watching, smelling the BBQ, and nod off to one of my soundtracks. And the park has history. The Van Cortlandt Museum is a gem, Be mindful, this hallowed piece of history gets used for photo shoots and private events and film shooting, so call ahead, just to make sure that they are open. I've been turned away a couple of times. Cortlanthenge, or the 13 Bronx Pillars, located on the Putnam Trail, just past Putnam Lake are some of the original stones used to build Grand Central Station. I know, right? Super cool. Nice spot to chill in the late spring to early fall, especially. read more

If you have not heard from me in any of the usual ways: phone call, text message, instant message, FB comment, email, owl, telepathy. Do not fret, I'm probably lost in Van Cortlandt park... watching people fish.... Or I'm picnicking with friends... or grilling... or bird watching... or checking out a game of futbol... or beisbol... or feeding the squirrels... or admiring the trees with my niece... or trying to run on the track... or pretending I can ride a bike on the trails... or listening to the Philharmonic... Actually, if you don't hear from me call the cops, this park is way bigger than Central Park and all sorts of things can happen to me! read more

Despite the long line to get in and the extremely overexcited kids, I actually recommend this pool. The pool is large and there is more than enough space to lay out under the sun. Assuming you might want to store your belongings, bring a lock. People start forming a line about an hour before the pool doors open. Staff closes the pool to the public to clean twice a day so expect to be "evacuated" at certain points of your visit. Keep in mind that this is a public pool and will not resemble that of an upscale 5 star hotel. read more

Definitely a nice park to walk through! It's a very big park with many trails, and there's a small visitor center where you can pick up a map. I wish the trails were marked though, and there's a significant lack of water fountains throughout the park as well. Not a bad place to walk around, play sports (there's even a cricket field!), and have a BBQ. It's right next to the 1 subway too, so it's pretty easy to get to! read more