Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

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The 4,315-acre park makes Ward Pound Ridge Reservation the county’s largest park. With its varied terrain and landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the park provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing and cross-country skiing.

Originally part of Cortlandt Manor, the reservation was settled by farmers from Connecticut. The name Pound Ridge is credited to the Indians who originally lived in the area. They had a local pound in which they kept game on the hoof until they needed it for food. The Indians built an enclosure of saplings driven into the ground and drove their game into the pound. The name was spelled “Poundridge” until 1938, when the county bought the property and added the “Ward” to honor William Lukens Ward, Westchester’s Republican county leader from 1896 to 1933. Continue reading about this park's history...

Want to preview some of the interesting sights to see when you visit the park? Our story map offers a tour of the highlights! 

What does the reservation have in common with a 2015 film, Pearl Jam and the largest trail race east of the Mississippi? They were inspired by the Leatherman Legend.

Amenities
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Wheelchair accessibleParkingRest roomsPicnickingPets must be leashed. Waste bags provided for clean up.PlaygroundExercise and fitnessStay on trailsSwimming prohibitedFishingCampgroundSleeping shelterSleddingCross country skiingNature studyHorseback Riding Please recycleMuseum
  • Admission and fees
    • County park pass is not required for admission.
    • Parking fee: $5 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass -- Every Day - Memorial Day through Labor Day; Weekends only - after Labor Day Weekend and before Memorial Day Weekend.
    • Camping fees
  • Directions: Route 35 and 121 South, Cross River, NY 10576
  • Park hours: Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round.
  • Phone: For assistance during business hours, call: (914) 864-7317; after hours, contact the park ranger: (914) 760-6308, or the County Police: (914) 864-7700.
    In an emergency, call 911; Group Picnics: (914) 231-4575
  • Restrooms: Main building and stand-alone buildings near Trailside Museum and picnic areas available daily during regular park hours; portable potties available daily at several lean-to sites and throughout the park; more stand-alone buildings and portable potties available at Pell Hill camp area and other sites May through Oct.
  • County parks map & guide
  • Trail Map | Brochure and Trail Map
  • Childrens' camp
  • Dogs must be leashed. Service animals welcome.

The reservation is home to the Trailside Nature Museum, which hosts weekend nature interpretive programs in every season. The park’s administrative building houses the Gallery in the park, where exhibitions of work by accomplished regional artists are held throughout the year. Situated near the park’s entrance is the W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration) Gallery. This gallery exhibits changing exhibits of paintings, photographs and other works by established, up-and-coming, local and regional artists.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a Biodiversity Reserve Area. Please help us take care of this unique place by following our simple stewardship rules.

Friends of the Trailside Nature Museum and Ward Pound Ridge invite you to join its efforts to support ongoing and special museum programs.