Exploring Rockland: Croton Gorge Park

By Idy Perl

Croton Gorge Park is a gorgeous 97-acre park around 45 minutes from Monsey that features the Old Croton Dam. 

The Old Croton Dam was built in 1842 to supply New York City with water and was the first large stone dam in the United States. However, the city’s needs soon outgrew the Croton Dam’s water supply, and the New Croton Dam, also known as the Cornell Dam, was completed in 1907. 

The Croton Gorge Park sits at the base of the dam and is a popular spot for picnicking and fishing. There is also a bridge that spans the Croton River and has beautiful views of the dam and the spillway. In addition, there is a trail that goes straight up to the top of the dam, where you can find gorgeous views of the reservoir and the surrounding park.   

The road at the top of the dam used to be an open road for vehicles to cross the Croton River, but after 9/11 the road was permanently closed and is now only open to pedestrians and bicyclists.