Croton Gorge Unique Area
In an effort to protect the natural resource, Croton Gorge Unique Area is closed to the public until further notice. For more information, please contact DEC Lands and Forest at 845-256-3076.
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3000; R3admin@dec.ny.gov
- Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
- Location: Town of Cortlandt, Westchester County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 3S
- Maps: Croton Gorge Unique Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 21-acre Croton Gorge Unique Area is sandwiched between the Croton River and the scenic path of the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park (leaves DEC website).
Featured Activities
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Shore fishing is allowed on the Croton River. The first mile of the river, below the dam on New Croton Reservoir, is stocked annually with rainbow and brook trout.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Due largely to the undisturbed forest, an abundance of wildlife can be seen ranging from white tail deer and turkey to much smaller animals, including waterfowl, rabbits and squirrels.
Directions
- Croton Gorge is located between Quaker Bridge Road and the Croton River on the east side of the river in the town of Cortlandt.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
All users of Croton Gorge Unique Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Specific Rules
- No hunting is allowed here due to the proximity to residential areas.
- No camping.
- Public use is limited to from sunrise to sunset only.
- The use of any type of fire is prohibited including the use of charcoal or gas grills.
- No possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- No person shall play a musical instrument or audio device, including, but not limited to radios, tape players, compact disc or digital players, unless the noise is rendered inaudible to the public by personal noise-damping devices such as headphones or earbuds.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r3.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Montrose Point State Forest
- Salt Hill State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Montrose, Peekskill, Croton-on-Hudson and Ossining.
- Dining opportunities may be found in the nearby communities of Peekskill, Verplanck, Montrose and Ossining.
- Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Croton-on-Hudson and Peekskill.
Westchester County Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
