Cranberry Lake Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: Kensico Dam Plaza Strauss Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cranberry Lake Preserve is a 190-acre nature preserve located in Westchester County, New York.
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Summary
It offers plenty of reasons to visit, including scenic hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and historical landmarks. The preserve is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the various ecosystems within the preserve, from wetlands and hardwood forests to grasslands and meadows.
Some specific points of interest to see include the Cranberry Lake Preserve Nature Center, the ruins of the Old Croton Aqueduct, and the scenic overlooks that provide stunning views of the Hudson River. The preserve also offers educational programs and events throughout the year, such as guided nature walks and birding expeditions.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Cranberry Lake is actually a man-made reservoir that was built in the late 1800s to supply New York City with water. The preserve also has a rich history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years.
The best time of year to visit Cranberry Lake Preserve is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers unique experiences in each season, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Overall, Cranberry Lake Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty and history of the Hudson Valley region.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Kensico Dam Plaza
Strauss Park
Travis Hill Park
Silver Lake Preserve
Gardella Park