Van Cortlandt Park

Van Cortlandt Park is a large natural area in the Bronx with forests, wetlands, and the region's biggest freshwater lake at its center. The grounds feature hiking trails, sports facilities including tennis and baseball areas, and an old mansion that visitors can explore.

The Van Cortlandt family acquired the land in the late 1600s and built a mansion that still stands on the grounds. The area later became a public park to offer New Yorkers access to natural spaces and outdoor recreation.

The park serves as a gathering place where locals spend their days walking, jogging, and simply stepping away from the city's noise. People of all ages use the trails and open fields to connect with nature and observe the wildlife that thrives here.

The park has several entry points and is accessible by public transportation or car from different parts of the city. Trails can be muddy or slippery depending on recent weather, so wear appropriate footwear when exploring the wooded areas.

Underground remnants of the Old Croton Aqueduct run beneath the park, a tunnel system that once brought fresh water to New York City. This hidden piece of the city's water history lies directly under visitors' feet as they walk the trails.