The Empire State Trail

The Empire State Trail. at Van Cortlandt Park. , Van Cortlandt Park , The City of New York acquired the land that was to become Van Cortlandt Park, more than a thousand acres in the northwest Bronx, in1888. it is the third largest park in New York City and offers connections to the region's cultural and natural history. Over half of the park is forested, and it has the largest freshwater lake in the borough. It contains the Bronx's oldest building, the Van Cortlandt House built in 1748-49, and it is home to the country's oldest municipal golf course. From exploring the shaded oak forests to watching the cricket matches on the Parade Ground, Van Cortlandt Park offers something for everyone., Old Put Railroad , The Empire State Trail in Van Cortlandt Park follows the railroad bed of the former Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad, affectionately named the "Old Put" line by passengers. The original southern terminal was on Manhattan at 155th Street, but in 1916, the line was cut back to a new terminal at Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. To the north, the Putnam Division extended through Westchester and Putnam Counties, connecting with the Harlem Division rail line at Putnam Junction and Brewster. Over time, ridership declined due to factors such as a lack of direct service to Grand Central Terminal. In 1956, the New York Central asked for permission to discontinue service on the line, and abandonment began in 1958. Today most of the former railroad bed is a paved trail open year-round to walkers and bicyclists., The 750-mile Empire State Trail connects people to New York's spectacular beauty, cultural heritage, iconic landscapes, and unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. The Trail promotes healthy lifestyles and provides a place for friends and families to experience the Empire State's special places and rich diversity , connecting urban centers, village main streets, and rural communities from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the historic Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks., Enjoy the journey.