Kitchawan Preserve

Go hiking and birding near the Croton Reservoir

This 208-acre natural preserve is bordered by the New York City reservoir property and the North County Trailway, which runs along the eastern edge. The park features native woodland and open fields, where butterflies and migrating birds can be seen in abundance in late spring.

Kitchawan was a former research facility of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Hikers through the trails and unpaved roads that traverse the property will find remnants of old stone walls that typically divided crop fields and private properties a century ago.

Admission and fees: County park pass is not required for admission.

Park hours: Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round.