Mountain Lakes Park [ Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park]
Directions
Take I-684 to Exit 6, and turn right onto N.Y. Route 35. In 3.6 miles, N.Y. Route 121 joins from the right. Continue ahead on Routes 35/121 for another 0.7 mile. When the roads diverge (4.4 miles from Exit 6), turn left onto Route 121 North and continue for 4.5 miles to Hawley Road. Turn right onto Hawley Road and turn left in 1.1 miles. In another 0.3 mile, turn left again at the park entrance and proceed ahead to the park entrance.
No public transportation
Park Overview
Mountain Lakes Park, the most northerly park in Westchester County, features almost 13 miles of trails and woods roads, four lakes, and the highest point in the County.
Trail Overview
The park features seven trails plus several connecting trails:
- The 3.6-mile-long Orange Trail loops around the park, following woods roads for most of its length (the first 0.7 mile east of the park office is paved).
- The 1.7-mile-long Yellow Trail loops around the northeast corner of the park.
- The 2.0-mile-long Blue Trail loops around the eastern end of the park.
- The 1.2-mile-long White Trail leads to a panoramic south-facing viewpoint and can be combined with a portion of the Orange Trail to make a 1.7-mile-long loop.
- The 1.9-mile-long Old Sib Trail, the newest trail in the park, traverses its northern section. It features rolling terrain and passes through an area with an abundance of old stone walls. The Old Sib Trail can be combined with the Yellow, Orange and Blue Trails to form a loop.
- The 0.3-mile-long Green Trail leads to the summit of Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County (unfortunately, there is no view).
- The 1.5-mile-long Red Trail goes around Hemlock Lake and Spruce Lake.
Park Description
Acquired by Westchester County in 1961, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park (as it is formally known) features hardwood forests, rock outcrops and meandering streams. Besides almost 13 miles of trails (many of which follow woods roads) for hikers, the park offers camping, fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, boating, and a high/low ropes challenge course. Lean-tos, cabins and yurts are available for rent, and the dining hall, which accommodates up to 250 people, can be rented by organized groups. Camp Morty offers a sleepaway camp experience each summer for children who are under the care of the Department of Social Services.