New York City's original water supply is now the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, a linear state park and walking trail that runs from Croton-on-Hudson in the north to Yonkers in the south. Notably, the trail passes through the Lyndhurst estate in the south end of Tarrytown, very near Washington Irving’s home Sunnyside. It also passes Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and Irvington's Octagon House.
The trail is suitable for jogging, hiking, biking and walking with strollers, although some sections of the trail are rough. The trail can also be muddy after a heavy rain. First time visitors will want to pick up a copy of Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct trail map and guide for assistance in navigating some of the trail’s detours. In the villages of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow the trail often passes through backyards, offering a unique perspective on life in the two villages.
How to Visit the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail
You can pick up the trail anywhere it crosses a public street. There is metered street parking in the downtown areas of both villages. Tarrytown's McKeel Avenue municipal lot is adjacent to the OCA, a convenient point to enter the trail. You are welcome to bring your own bike. Rentals are available in Tarrytown through Sleek eBikes.
Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park sponsor walking tours and even brief explorations of a portion of the original 1842 brick water tunnel: https://visitsleepyhollow.com/organizer/friends-of-the-old-croton-aqueduct/