Croton Aqueduct, New York City

Name: Croton Aqueduct
Address: New York City, United States

#50 among attractions in New York City

Hiking, Hiking trail

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Facts and practical information

The Croton Aqueduct, known today as the Old Croton Aqueduct, is a historic engineering marvel nestled within the bustling city of New York City, United States. Established in the 19th century, this former water supply system has been transformed into a unique hiking trail, offering a blend of history, nature, and recreation to its visitors.

The aqueduct was constructed between 1837 and 1842 to bring fresh water from the Croton River to New York City, which was then struggling with inadequate water sources. The Old Croton Aqueduct stretches approximately 41 miles from Croton Dam in Westchester County to what was the distributing reservoir in Manhattan, now the site of the New York Public Library on 42nd Street. After serving the city for over a century, the aqueduct was eventually replaced by newer systems and was designated a State Historic Park in 1968.

Today, this linear park is a favorite among urban hikers and history enthusiasts. The trail atop the aqueduct offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, with leafy pathways, original stone bridges, and remnants of the aqueduct's infrastructure still visible along the route. It provides a unique vantage point from which to appreciate the convergence of nature and historic urban design.

The Old Croton Aqueduct trail is open to the public year-round, offering a chance to explore the history of New York City's early water supply in an active, engaging manner. Whether for a leisurely stroll, a vigorous run or a bike ride, the aqueduct trail presents a unique opportunity to journey through time while enjoying the outdoors.

Alternative names: Built: 1837 (187 years ago)Coordinates: 40°45'12"N, 73°58'57"W

Address

Midtown Manhattan (Midtown East)New York City United States

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Day trips

Croton Aqueduct – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Bryant Park, Broadway theatre, Library Way, Hudson Theatre.

~420 ftW
4 acre urban oasis
Bryant Park, New York City
3 min walk • Bryant Park, an oasis amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, offers a serene escape for both locals and tourists alike. Nestled between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan, this 9.6-acre park is known for its lush...
~1410 ftNW
Concerts and shows, Theater
Broadway theatre, New York City
7 min walk • Broadway theatre, or Broadway, are the theatrical performances presented in the 41 professional theatres, each with 500 or more seats, located in the Theater District and the Lincoln Center along Broadway, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
~240 ftSE
Library, Beaux-Arts architecture
Library Way, New York City
2 min walk • The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, commonly known as the Main Branch or the New York Public Library, is the flagship building in the New York Public Library system and a landmark in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The branch, one of four research libraries in the library system, contains nine separate divisions.
~1460 ftN
Theater
Hudson Theatre, New York City
8 min walk • The Hudson Theatre is a Broadway theater at 139–141 West 44th Street, between Seventh Avenue and Sixth Avenue, in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City.
~520 ftNW
Monuments and statues, Fountain, Historical place
Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain, New York City
3 min walk • The Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain is an outdoor fountain in Bryant Park, Manhattan, New York memorializing Josephine Shaw Lowell, a social worker active in the late 19th century. The fountain was designed by architect Charles A. Platt and dedicated in 1912.
~830 ftN
Yacht club, Sailing, Art Nouveau architecture
New York Yacht Club, New York City
5 min walk • The New York Yacht Club is a private social club and yacht club based in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1844 by nine prominent sportsmen. The members have contributed to the sport of yachting and yacht design. As of 2001, the organization was reported to have about 3,000 members.
~90 ftSE
Library, Specialty museum, Museum
New York Public Library, New York City
1 min walk • The New York Public Library is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States and the fourth largest in the world.
~960 ftS
Museum
Girl Scout Museum and Archives, New York City
5 min walk • The Girl Scout Museum and Archives is part of the Girl Scout National Historic Preservation Center at the Girl Scouts headquarters located at 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City.
~350 ftNE
Art Deco architecture
500 Fifth Avenue, New York City
2 min walk • 500 Fifth Avenue is a 60-story, 697-foot-tall office building on the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
~690 ftNW
Street
42nd Street, New York City
4 min walk • 42nd Street is a major crosstown street in the New York City borough of Manhattan, running primarily in Midtown Manhattan and Hell's Kitchen.
~1210 ftNE
Art Deco architecture
Fred F. French Building, New York City
6 min walk • The Fred F. French Building is a skyscraper at 551 Fifth Avenue on the northeast corner with 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Designed by H. Douglas Ives along with John Sloan and T. Markoe Robertson of the firm Sloan & Robertson, it was erected in 1927. The building is named for Fred F. French, owner of the Fred F.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Croton Aqueduct?

Nearby attractions include New York Public Library, New York City (1 min walk), Library Way, New York City (2 min walk), Aeolian Building, New York City (2 min walk), Statue of William E. Dodge, New York City (2 min walk).

How to get to Croton Aqueduct by public transport?

The nearest stations to Croton Aqueduct:

Metro

5th Avenue • Lines: <7>, 7 (1 min walk)
42nd Street–Bryant Park • Lines: <F>, B, D, F, M (4 min walk)

Bus

W 42 St / 5 Av • Lines: M42 (2 min walk)
West 42nd Street & 5th Avenue • Lines: M42 (3 min walk)

Train

Grand Central Terminal (8 min walk)
New York Penn Station (15 min walk)

Ferry

Midtown/West 39th Street (32 min walk)