Ward Pound Ridge Reservation


The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is a county park located in the towns of Pound Ridge and Lewisboro in Westchester County, New York. It is the largest park in the county and offers diverse terrain, extensive hiking trails, nature programs, and recreational facilities.

History

Originally part of the Cortlandt Manor land grant, the area began as farmland in the early 1700s.
In 1925, Westchester County acquired over to form Pound Ridge Reservation. It was renamed in 1938 to honor William L. Ward, the county park supervisor and key parks advocate.
From 1933 to 1940, it hosted a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, where workers constructed trails, picnic shelters, bridges, and the Trailside Museum.

Geography and ecology

Spanning nearly, the reservation includes mixed hardwood forests, streams, wetlands, and sandstone ridges. It contains over 35 miles of marked trails used for hiking, cross‑country skiing, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Landmarks include:
  • Trailside Nature Museum: a nature education center built by the CCC, showcasing native wildlife.
  • Boutonville Oak: an ancient oak tree of local legend and ecological significance.

    Recreation and facilities

The park supports year-round activities:
  • over of multi-use trails
  • Cross‑country skiing and snow‑shoeing in winter
  • Camping with lean‑tos and vintage CCC-era shelters
  • Fishing, picnicking, and educational programming at the Trailside Museum
It is also host to several organized events and athletic competitions, including the annual Leatherman's Loop, a trail race.

Ecological importance

A large and contiguous wildland buffer near suburban areas, the reservation provides habitat for various wildlife species and helps preserve region-wide ecological connectivity.

In popular culture

  • Scenes from the 1976 film Marathon Man and the 1997 HBO movie, In the Gloaming, were filmed within its grounds.
  • Local folklore includes legends such as the Boutonville Oak haunting.