Turkey Mountain

This is no hidden gem;just off the Taconic State Parkway near downtown Yorktown Heights, this hike is popular among locals, and for good reason. Located in Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve, this hike offers stunning views from the summit, including the New Croton Reservoir, the Hudson Highlands, and, on a clear day, the Manhattan Skyline. Prior to being purchased by the New York and New Jersey Trail Conference, the preserve was once a camp for boys in the 1950s and 1960s. The crisscrossing trails near the parking lot and stone walls are evidence to this early beginning. The White Trail offers a short and steep climb to the summit. Take the Blue Trail to the summit for a longer, more gently sloped option, or combine the two trails into a scenic loop. The summit faces west, making this a perfect place to take in a sunset.