Hudson Highlands Gateway Park
Directions
From Route 9 at the Annsville Circle, just north of Peekskill, go north 0.6 mile and turn right onto Roa Hook Road at a traffic light. When Roa Hook Road ends at Highland Avenue, turn right and take an immediate left onto Sprout Brook Road. Go 0.3 mile to parking to the right, just past the parking lot for the athletic fields in Sprain Brook Park 41.313854, -73.924137. The entrance to the park is through a gap in the guardrail on the opposite side of the road.
To reach parking on Doris Lee Drive, follow the directions from Annsville Circle. But instead of turning right, cross Highland Avenue and turn left onto Old Albany Post Road, which parallels Highland Avenue. Turn right onto Doris Lee Drive to end at the parking lot 41.312298, -73.927311W
Park Overview
Once a Revolutionary War lookout site, Hudson HIghlands Gateway park was preserved in 2000 for hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, fishing and snowshoeing.
Trail Overview
The trail system in Gateway was designed to minimize its impact on wildlife. The trails utilize existing woods roads and avoid going too close to vernal pools. The four trails pass through a meadow, wetlands, succession forest, and uplands.
Park Description
In 1998, a coalition of 35 groups representing homeowners, the community, government agencies and several environmental organizations gathered to preserve this site, which had twice been threatened by development. Scenic Hudson Land Trust and Westchester County raised $6 million in 2000 to buy the parcel, with the Town of Cortlandt managing it. In 2016, the Town of Cortlandt became the sole owner, with Scenic Hudson holding a permanent conservation easement.
The ecology at Hudson Highlands Gateway Park makes it one of the most diverse properties in the county. Ridges, rock outcroppings, slopes, and vales form a variety of habitats. Bordered by Annsville Creek and Sprout Brook, the park also contains meadows, wetlands, and minor and seasonal streams.
Two revolutionary war lookouts provide a limited view south towards Peekskill Bay.