The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed)
5.0
(5)
147
hikers
16
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed) traverse an undeveloped landscape characterized by continuous forests, open meadows, and several large wetlands. The area serves as headwaters for French Hill Brook and Dogwood Creek, contributing to its natural features. Hikers can explore footpaths and woods roads, encountering varied terrain and historical elements like stone ruins. This park offers a tranquil setting for low-impact activities within the New York City Watershed Area.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed)
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is North County Trailway, a 7.2 miles (11.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours to complete. This moderate route offers varied scenery and connects to broader trail networks.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View from bridge – Tunnel under Kitchawan Road loop from Kitchawan Nature Preserve, an easy 2.7 miles (4.3 km) path. This loop features a mix of natural landscapes and can be completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Local hikers also love the Lakeside Loop, a 1.7 miles (2.8 km) trail leading through natural parkland, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Hiking in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed) is defined by continuous forests, open meadows, and wetlands, with unmarked trails and woods roads for exploration. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate paths.
- The routes in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed) are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 175 hikers have used komoot to explore Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed)'s varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
2
hikers
11.5km
03:00
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.78km
00:45
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
5.99km
01:40
110m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great boardwalk that takes you over the southern edge of Teatown Lake. From it, you get a great view of the water and the surrounding hills. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that lives in the pond.
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The North County Trailway is a 20-mile rail trail from Baldwin Place to Sleepy Hollow. The section around Yorktown Heights is particularly scenic. It passes several Revolutionary War monuments and an old railway depot. The section ends at a beautiful old railway trestle bridge.
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This bronze statue is a memorial to the Battle of Pines Bridge, a battle in the Revolutionary War. The monument is made to reflect the diversity of the soldiers in the war. The monument is located in Railroad Park, which has benches and a cafe.
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As you cross over an old rail trestle bridge, you are treated to great views of the New Croton Reservoir. The bridge is not open for car traffic, so you can stop on the path for a quick break to take in the views.
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Interesting tunnel under Kitchawan Road. The tunnel was constructed when this trail was still a railroad, but it has been adapted for hikers and cyclists. It is a fairly short tunnel, so you are able to walk through it without a light.
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This peaceful spot invites visitors to pause, unpack a picnic lunch, and immerse themselves in nature's splendor.
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Great views of Croton reservoir and the red bridge itself is worth a stop. That said watch out for stopped cyclist and pedestrians if you're biking through.
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Nice little park with benches by an old little railroad station. The cafe on the south side of the park is a good place to stop as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit)?
There are 19 family-friendly hiking trails in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) that you can explore. These routes range from easy to moderate difficulty, ensuring options for various family fitness levels.
What makes the trails in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) suitable for families?
The park offers a tranquil, undeveloped setting with a mix of continuous forests, open meadows, and gentle footpaths. Many routes are considered easy, like the View from bridge – Tunnel under Kitchawan Road loop or the Lakeside Loop, making them ideal for families looking for a peaceful outdoor experience away from crowds.
What should I know about the "closed" status of Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit)?
While officially 'closed' since 2010 and not listed on the New York State Parks website, the park remains accessible for passive recreation. This means it's managed as an undeveloped, quiet space, offering a rustic hiking experience without official amenities or marked trails. It's perfect for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
Are the trails in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) well-marked?
No, the park features unmarked footpaths and woods roads rather than officially marked trails. This contributes to its undeveloped character and quiet atmosphere. Hikers should be prepared for a more natural navigation experience, though a main woods road does run north-south.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. For instance, the View from bridge – Tunnel under Kitchawan Road loop is an easy option, as is the Lakeside Loop. Another popular choice is the Teatown Lake Boardwalk – Teatown Lake loop, which offers a pleasant walk around the lake.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see while hiking?
The park boasts diverse natural landscapes, including continuous forests, open meadows, and several large wetlands. It's also the headwaters for French Hill Brook and Dogwood Creek, adding to its natural beauty. The entire park is within the New York City Watershed Area, contributing to its pristine environment.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest to explore?
Yes, the area holds historical significance. You can discover interesting stone ruins within the park. Historically, the French Army encamped on and around French Hill during the American Revolutionary War. A plaque dedicated to William Delavan Baldwin also overlooks the Taconic State Parkway nearby.
Can we expect to see wildlife during our hike?
Absolutely! The park is known for its natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Birdwatching is a recommended activity, with bald eagles occasionally spotted in the area. Its undeveloped nature provides a rich habitat for various species.
Is Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) dog-friendly?
Given its undeveloped and passive recreation status, the park is generally welcoming to dogs, provided they are kept under control. It's a great place for your furry family members to enjoy the outdoors alongside you.
What are the parking options for families visiting the park?
While the park is undeveloped and lacks official facilities, there are typically informal parking areas or roadside spots available near common access points. Since it's not officially promoted, parking is usually straightforward, but always ensure you are parking legally and safely.
Are there any amenities like restrooms or picnic areas?
As an undeveloped, passive park, Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) does not offer official amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, or visitor centers. Visitors should plan accordingly, bringing their own supplies and practicing Leave No Trace principles.
What do other hikers say about their experience in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit)?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the park's quiet and solitary atmosphere, its untouched woods, and the chance to explore diverse natural habitats away from crowded trails.
Most popular routes in Donald J. Trump State Park (French Hill Unit) (Closed)
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