Attractions and Places To See around Pelham - Top 20

Pelham, NY, offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focusing on cycling and hiking. You can explore extensive greenways like the South County Trailway and the Putnam Trail, which are part of broader regional networks. There are also scenic routes along the Hudson River, such as the Hudson River Drive, perfect for enjoying nature away from traffic.

Yes, several attractions around Pelham, NY, are suitable for families. The South County Trailway, Putnam Trail, and Hudson River Drive are all categorized as family-friendly, offering safe paths for cycling and walking. Additionally, Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in New York City, provides vast natural spaces, beaches, and trails for family outings.

Excellent cycling routes are abundant near Pelham, NY. The South County Trailway is a popular choice, serving as a gateway from New York City to Upstate New York. The Putnam Trail, part of the Empire State Trail, is also in great condition for multi-day tours. For scenic views, the Hudson River Drive offers an asphalted trail away from traffic.

Pelham, NY, is rich in history. You can visit the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, a New York and National Historical Landmark with origins dating back to the mid-17th century. The Huguenot Church, built in 1876, showcases Gothic Revivalism. Nearby, the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum in New Rochelle offers insights into the Revolutionary War hero's life. You can also explore sites of a Revolutionary War battle and land originally owned by the Siwanoy Indians through a Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour.

Yes, there are several easy hiking options. You can find routes like the 'Northwest Forest loop' in Van Cortlandt Park or the 'Orchard Beach & Twin Island loop' in Pelham Bay Park. These trails are generally well-maintained and offer a pleasant experience for beginners. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Pelham guide.

Pelham, NY, is home to significant natural features. Pelham Bay Park is New York City's largest park, featuring Orchard Beach, the Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary, and the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also find Split Rock, a historically significant glacial boulder. For scenic views, the Shore Road Bridge offers beautiful vistas of tidal marshes and the Hutchinson River, where you might spot local wildlife.

Visitors frequently praise the excellent conditions and natural beauty of the trails. For instance, the Putnam Trail is noted for being newly paved and in great condition. Cyclists appreciate routes like the Hudson River Drive for being asphalted and offering pure nature away from traffic, sometimes even allowing glimpses of deer. The Entrance to the Van Cortlandt Park Greenway is highlighted as a starting point for long, well-developed cycle paths through forests.

Yes, Pelham, NY, has a vibrant cultural scene. The Pelham Art Center is a dynamic space with rotating exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events. The Picture House is a historic single-screen theater that screens popular, independent, art house, and classic films, along with special events, making it one of the longest-standing historical movie theaters in the U.S.

Absolutely. Within Pelham Bay Park, you can find the Hunter Island Marine Zoology and Geology Sanctuary, known for its glacial erratics and unique marine ecosystem. The Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary is also located here. From the Shore Road Bridge, you might spot great egrets, blue herons, and even ospreys, especially during spring and summer, wading near the tidal marshes.

For longer cycling adventures, the Putnam Trail is part of the Empire State Trail, which runs north to Albany and is excellent for multi-day tours. The South County Trailway also connects to this network, allowing for extensive rides into Upstate New York. These routes often feature bike service stations for convenience.

When cycling, be aware that while many segments are freshly paved, some parts, especially on the South County Trailway, can be bumpy. If starting from New York City, the initial stretch to Van Cortlandt Park can be challenging, but the greenway itself is well-developed. It's advisable to carry enough drinks, as some paths, like the Van Cortlandt Park Greenway, may not pass through villages for 15-20 km.

Pelham, NY, offers various walking trails. Wolfs Lane Park is a five-acre green space within Pelham, and the Shore Park Trail provides a 0.4-mile loop along the Long Island Sound and Pelham Lagoon. For more extensive walks, Pelham Bay Park has miles of hiking trails. You can find detailed routes in guides like Hiking around Pelham, which includes options like the 'John Muir Nature Trail' and 'Orchard Beach & Twin Island loop'.