Kensico Dam Plaza — Attraction in Town of North Castle

Kensico Dam Plaza is a beautiful park located in Valhalla, New York. The park is home to a 9/11 memorial, a scenic overlook of the Kensico Dam, and a variety of walking trails. The park is also a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching.

The 9/11 memorial is a moving tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The memorial consists of two large steel beams that were recovered from the World Trade Center. The beams are arranged in the shape of a triangle, which represents the strength and resilience of the American people.

The overlook of the Kensico Dam offers stunning views of the dam and the surrounding area. The dam is a massive structure that was built in the early 1900s. The dam provides water to New York City and Westchester County.

The park has a variety of walking trails that wind through the woods and along the shoreline of the Kensico Reservoir. The trails are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

The park is also a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching. There are several picnic areas in the park, and fishing is permitted in the Kensico Reservoir. The park is home to a variety of birds, including herons, ducks, and geese.

Kensico Dam Plaza is a beautiful and well-maintained park that offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. Whether you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, or you're looking for a place to get some exercise, Kensico Dam Plaza is a great option.

Here are some pros and cons of Kensico Dam Plaza:

Pros:

Beautiful scenery

9/11 memorial

Scenic overlook of the Kensico Dam

Variety of walking trails

Popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching

Well-maintained

Cons:

Can be crowded on weekends

No parking fees, but parking can be limited

Some trails...

Kensico dam is just such an enjoyable place to go. The dam is beautifully built with multiple kinds of stone. You can just check it out from the bottom, you can take the trek up the stairs, or they have a slightly longer trail that's a little less intense to get up. (Actually I think there is a way to the top by car as well but I'm not super familiar with the road). On the top you can look over into the reservoir where the NYC drinking water comes from! On the other side you can see the park area with a great lawn where people are often playing with their kids, dogs, (hooray dog friendly!), or having a picnic. Often times there are people running/walking along the outer part of the lawn. They have a picnic area with tables/benches, kids play area, restrooms, and benches throughout the park to have a seat on.

They also have a 9/11 memorial which is really nice.

It truly feels like this is a place for anyone! And is open year round. l've seen/gotten food from food trucks but I'm not exactly sure what their schedule is. (I'll be sure to follow up when I know!)

During Christmas time they have a holiday light show in the winter, but it's pretty pricy per car in my opinion. They also have a big tree and reindeer. They do a night out for the kids with the local police where they have gifts/games.

There is a parking area (typically free except around the holidays) which is pretty large but when it's nice out it's hard to find a spot!

Hope...

Kensico Dam is truly a hidden gem! I've visited this peaceful oasis a few times now, and each visit leaves me more impressed than the last. It's the perfect spot for a tranquil picnic, a game of catch, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk amidst nature's beauty.

One of the highlights for me is the serene atmosphere. The park is remarkably quiet and offers plenty of shady spots thanks to the abundance of trees. The walking routes are well-maintained and offer picturesque views at every turn. And let's not forget about the breathtaking climb to the top of those stairs – while they may be steep, the stunning vistas from the summit make it all worth it.

What's truly remarkable is the history behind the dam's construction, dating back to 1917. Learning about the incredible effort and engineering that went into its creation adds an extra layer of appreciation to the experience.

In my opinion, Kensico Dam surpasses even Central Park in terms of tranquility and natural beauty. It's a true haven for anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a serene retreat, Kensico Dam is definitely worth a visit. I can't wait to return and explore more of its...