South County Trailway

For New Yorkers seeking accessible and extensive outdoor recreation, the South County Trailway presents an unparalleled opportunity right in their backyard. Stretching through Yonkers and northward into the heart of Westchester County, this remarkable greenway is more than just a path; it's a vital artery for active living, connecting communities and offering a serene escape from urban bustle. Transformed from old train tracks, this paved trail is a testament to sustainable urban planning, providing a dedicated space for a myriad of outdoor activities.

The South County Trailway is a true gem for residents of Yonkers and the wider New York region. It serves as a go-to destination for everything from a leisurely afternoon stroll to an ambitious long-distance bike ride. Its flat, paved surface makes it welcoming for people of all ages and fitness levels, including families with children and those looking for a gentle workout. What truly sets this trail apart is its expansive reach, linking directly to New York City via Van Cortlandt Park and extending far north, offering endless possibilities for exploration and adventure. It’s a place where local folks can connect with nature, enjoy fresh air, and pursue their fitness goals in a safe and beautiful environment. The South County Trailway isn't just a path; it's a lifestyle enhancer, proving that extensive natural beauty and recreational opportunities are easily within reach for New Yorkers.

The South County Trailway itself is a linear park, meaning its "address" is more of a starting or access point. A convenient and well-known access point in Yonkers is near 127 Tuckahoe Rd, Yonkers, NY 10710, USA. This location provides easy entry to the trail for residents of Yonkers and surrounding Westchester communities.

Accessibility to the South County Trailway is one of its strongest features for New Yorkers. Its southern terminus directly connects to the Putnam Greenway and, further south, links into Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, providing seamless access from New York City. This means you can literally bike or walk from the Bronx and continue northward through Westchester County. For those traveling by car, there are various parking areas along the trail, with access points like the one near Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers offering convenient parking. Public transportation also serves areas near the trail. While there isn't a subway line directly along the trail, numerous Bee-Line Bus routes run parallel or intersect the trail at various points throughout Yonkers and Westchester. Cyclists can bring their bikes on buses with bike racks, making it even easier to access different sections of the trail. The trail's extensive network of interconnected paths also allows for a highly accessible experience, as users can join or leave the trail at numerous points along its considerable length. Its widespread access points ensure that it remains a practical and popular destination for daily exercise and weekend adventures for a vast number of New Yorkers.

The South County Trailway, as a multi-use greenway and linear park, offers a focused set of services geared towards non-motorized recreation and environmental enjoyment. These services are centered around providing a safe, accessible, and well-maintained path for public use.

• Paved Multi-Use Path: The primary service is a fully paved trail, making it suitable for a wide range of activities including biking, walking, running, rollerblading, and dog walking.

• Connectivity to Other Trails: The trail serves as a crucial link within a larger network of trails, connecting southward into Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx (and thus NYC) and northward into the North County Trailway, which further extends towards Putnam and Dutchess counties. This extensive connectivity facilitates long-distance travel and multi-day adventures.

• Rest Areas and Benches: Throughout its length, the trail features benches and designated rest areas, providing convenient spots for users to pause, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery.

• Signage and Mile Markers: Clear signage and mile markers are typically present along the trail, assisting users with navigation and tracking their progress.

• Environmental Stewardship: The trail corridor is maintained by local parks departments and the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, ensuring the preservation of the natural environment and promoting green infrastructure.

• Accessibility for All Ages: The relatively flat and paved surface makes the trail accessible for a wide range of users, including families with strollers, individuals with mobility challenges, and seniors.

The South County Trailway boasts several outstanding features and highlights that make it a favorite among New Yorkers seeking outdoor recreation:

• Extensive Length and Connectivity: This trail is part of a grand vision for a continuous greenway. It stretches significantly through Westchester County and connects directly to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. This seamless connection means you can literally bike from New York City all the way north towards Albany, and even further to Canada or Buffalo, making it ideal for ambitious long-distance journeys or section-by-section exploration.

• Fully Paved and Relatively Flat: A major highlight for all users is its paved surface and gentle grade. This makes it incredibly easy and enjoyable for biking, walking, running, and even rollerblading, minimizing strain and maximizing comfort. It’s perfect for families, casual users, and serious athletes alike.

• Scenic Beauty and Nature Immersion: While some sections, particularly the southern part in Yonkers, run parallel to the Saw Mill River Parkway, much of the trail quickly becomes "more woodsy" as you head north. It offers beautiful natural scenery, especially captivating in the fall and spring, providing a much-needed connection to nature.

• Versatile Use: The trail is incredibly versatile, suitable for "a local walk or exercise, to bike, walk your dog, or for an ambitious hike." This adaptability ensures it caters to a wide array of recreational preferences.

• Quiet and Friendly Atmosphere: Reviews frequently note the trail's "very quiet" ambiance (especially past the initial southern sections) and the friendly, courteous nature of other local users, contributing to a pleasant and welcoming experience.

• Rail-Trail Conversion: Its origin as a converted old train track adds a unique historical dimension, providing a dedicated, often secluded, corridor for movement and recreation away from typical road traffic.

• Dog-Friendly: The trail is welcoming to dog walkers, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor time with their canine companions.

As a public recreational trail managed by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, the South County Trailway does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its primary value and "offer" come from the consistent, free access to its facilities for all residents. However, certain "promotional" aspects inherent in its operation and local benefits include:

• Free Public Access: The most significant "promotion" is that the South County Trailway is freely accessible to all residents and visitors, providing an extensive network of recreational space without any direct cost. This is a continuous and invaluable benefit to the community.

• Health and Wellness Resource: The trail implicitly "promotes" health and wellness by offering a convenient, safe, and free outdoor space for exercise. This encourages residents to engage in physical activity regularly, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.

• Connectivity for Recreational Events: While the trail itself doesn't offer promotions, it serves as a key route for various organized recreational events, such as charity bike rides, running races, or community walks. Participation in these events might involve fees, but the availability of a world-class trail is a significant draw. Information about such events can be found through local running clubs, cycling organizations, or the Westchester County Parks website.

• Educational and Nature Programs: The Westchester County Parks system occasionally hosts free or low-cost educational programs related to nature, history, or fitness along its trails. Checking their official website for event calendars is recommended.

For general inquiries about the South County Trailway or the broader Westchester County Parks system, here is the relevant contact information:

Address (Administrative): While the trail stretches across many locations, the main administrative office for Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation, which oversees the trail, is located at:

Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation

450 Nepperhan Avenue

Yonkers, NY 10701, USA

Phone: (914) 231-4500 (Westchester County Parks main line)

Website: For the most comprehensive information, including trail maps, rules, updates, and details on connecting trails, the official Westchester County Parks website is the best resource. Search for "Westchester County Parks South County Trailway."

The South County Trailway is exceptionally suitable for New Yorkers, especially those residing in Yonkers and Westchester County, for a multitude of compelling reasons. Firstly, its extensive length and seamless connectivity to Van Cortlandt Park mean that residents can embark on significant outdoor adventures right from their doorstep, eliminating the need for long commutes to find quality recreational spaces. This direct link to NYC makes it uniquely valuable.

Secondly, its fully paved and relatively flat surface ensures broad accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a serious cyclist, a casual walker, a parent with a stroller, or someone looking for a gentle exercise routine, the trail accommodates everyone. This inclusive design fosters a welcoming environment for all community members. Furthermore, the trail's transition from more urban surroundings to "woodsy" and quiet sections as it extends north offers a diverse and refreshing natural experience, a vital escape from city life. Its well-maintained conditions and the friendly atmosphere noted by users further enhance its appeal. The South County Trailway is more than just a path; it's a vital green artery that promotes health, well-being, and a deep connection to nature within the urban and suburban landscape, making it an indispensable resource for local New Yorkers.

South County Trailway

127 Tuckahoe Rd, Yonkers, NY 10710, USA