Best lakes around Hawthorne are primarily reservoirs and managed park lakes, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area features a landscape shaped by water management, providing scenic views and diverse outdoor activities. These water bodies serve as significant natural features, contributing to the region's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. The lakes are integrated into local park systems and trail networks, making them accessible for various activities.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Highlight • Lake
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Nice view of the Tarrytown Reservoir. The trail runs very close to the water, so you have a wonderful, unobstructed view across the reservoir. The path is popular with cyclists, so make sure you move to the edge if you want to stop to enjoy the great vistas.
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Beautiful lake, at the eastern end there is a kayak rental in summer. A short boat trip loosens up the cycle tour and cools you down.
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The climb to the Kensico reservoir on North Kensico Avenue is quite steep. Also, there is typically a lot of traffic on the short stretch of Broadway to get to the climb, so you might want to ride on the sidewalk. There is an alternative car free path on the East side of the Valhalla dam, at the entrance to the Kensico Dam Plaza on the right side.
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Part of the North county trailway, it's nice to ride without cars. Bathrooms in Law Memorial park in Briarcliff Manor
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This trail is more heavily used by pedestrians than the south county trailway
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I hope you won't need it, but it's good to know where to find tools and air pump.
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Yes, several lakes around Hawthorne are great for families. Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park is particularly family-friendly, offering facilities like benches and picnic tables, and it's a scenic spot to watch waterfowl. Tarrytown Reservoir and Tarrytown Lakes are also noted as family-friendly.
The lakes around Hawthorne offer a variety of outdoor activities, primarily cycling and hiking. You can enjoy scenic bike rides along reservoirs like Kensico Reservoir and Tarrytown Reservoir. There are also extensive trail networks for both hiking and mountain biking. For more detailed routes, explore the hiking guides around Hawthorne and MTB trails around Hawthorne.
Absolutely. Many lakes around Hawthorne are integrated into trail networks. For example, you can find trails along Tarrytown Lakes and the North County Trailway, which passes by Echo Lake. For a range of hiking options, including easy and moderate trails, check out the hiking guides around Hawthorne.
Tarrytown Reservoir is a great choice for kayaking, with kayak rentals available in the summer. The nearby Tarrytown Lakes also offer kayak rentals, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the water.
The lakes around Hawthorne, often reservoirs or managed park lakes, offer scenic views and diverse natural elements. You'll find beautiful clear waters, surrounding woodlands, and opportunities to observe waterfowl, especially at spots like Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park. Reservoirs like Kensico Reservoir are notable for their expansive waters and role in the region's water supply, set against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. The Tarrytown Lake Extension Trail is an easy path that allows you to cycle or walk by the water. Other easy routes can be found in the easy hikes around Hawthorne guide, which includes trails like the Bronx River Pathway and Pocantico Lake Trail.
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and the recreational opportunities. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere for watching waterfowl, the well-maintained trails for cycling and hiking, and the convenience of facilities like picnic tables and benches at spots like Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park. The ability to rent kayaks at places like Tarrytown Reservoir is also a popular highlight.
Yes, Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park is an excellent spot with benches and picnic tables, perfect for a rest or a snack. Many trails and parks around the lakes also offer designated areas for relaxation.
Cycling is a very popular activity around the lakes. The North County Trailway offers car-free sections that run along lakes like Echo Lake. You can also enjoy scenic bike rides around Kensico Reservoir and along the Tarrytown Lake Extension Trail. For more cycling routes, refer to the MTB trails around Hawthorne guide, which includes routes near reservoirs.
The lakes around Hawthorne are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, generally from spring through fall, when outdoor activities like kayaking and cycling are most pleasant. Summer offers kayak rentals at Tarrytown Reservoir. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures for hiking and cycling, often with beautiful foliage in autumn.
Kensico Reservoir is historically significant as a major component of New York City's water supply system, storing water from the Catskill Mountains. The Tarrytown Lakes also feature a unique, bizarre building on a tiny island, adding a touch of intrigue to the landscape.


Still not found your perfect lake around Hawthorne? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.