Description
The John Kieran Nature Trail is a short loop that borders Van Cortlandt Lake and its associated wetlands. It is a wonderful site for bird-watching. The trail also passes several sites of significance including an old cemetery and the 67-acre Parade Ground, a large field that was once the site of a large Native American settlement. A portion of the trail is on the former Putnam Line of the New York Central Railroad that once connected New York City to Brewster and points north.
Parking and Trail Access
A free parking lot is close to the start of the trail. Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue, and follow the signs for the Van Cortlandt Golf Course. Make the first left after the underpass into the lot. Paid parking is also available in the same area.
The Putnam Trail
By
railtrailbiker
in
March, 2004
"This unpaved rail trail, located entirely within Van Cortlandt Park, is now officially known as the Putnam Trail.
Trailside parking is available just off of Van Cortlandt Park South, at a lot primarily used by golfers. The southern trailhead is located ...
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Surrounded by thick woods
By
bicyclereporter
in
July, 2003
"After a day of riding from Mahopac to Yonkers on the North and South County Trailway, I decided to ride down to NYC. But Van Cortlandt Park took my eyes and I decided to explore the John Kieran Nature Trail as it said it was part of the Old Put(nam) ...
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