Brinton Brook Sanctuary is a great place to escape into nature for hikes of varying difficulties and a bit of quiet. 

Part of Saw Mill River Audubon, Brinton Brook Sanctuary spans 156 acres with more than four miles of hiking trails — through a variety of habitats — to explore. Parts of the path are rocky with a few small hills, but overall this spot is good for new or young hikers.

The Pond Loop, marked with yellow flashes, is a great length and the right amount of challenge for younger kids and, as the name implies, it’ll lead you past a small pond perfect for viewing waterfowl and wildlife! For those looking for longer walks, Brinton Brook Sanctuary connects to Highland Trail, Croton-on-Hudson village's trail system. This path follows a wooded route around the Hudson National Golf Course and reaches one of Croton’s highest peaks. From here you’ll find panoramic views of the Hudson River. 

Currently, the park leads free, guided walks on the second Saturday of the month at 9 am. These are a great option for families looking to learn more about the area’s plants and wildlife, as well as the sanctuary’s history. We recommend checking the website for the most up-to-date information.

Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed at all times. (Coyotes do roam these parks, so keeping your dogs leashed is safer for everyone.) It can get buggy here, so we recommend packing the bug spray and reapplying often. 

If you’re looking for a laid-back bite to eat before or after visiting the sanctuary, check out Yuka's Latin Fusion for a delicious and inexpensive meal. Open for lunch and dinner, Yuka’s has a kid’s menu, but the adult menu has kid-friendly dishes too.