Teatown Lake Reservation photo
ParkNew York, US

Teatown Lake Reservation

Teatown Lake Reservation is a cherished nature preserve and environmental education center in the Lower Hudson Valley.

About

Teatown Lake Reservation is a cherished nature preserve and environmental education center in the Lower Hudson Valley. This accredited land trust protects a thousand acres of diverse habitats, inspiring lifelong environmental stewardship through education and conservation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of New York's Westchester County, exploring varied landscapes and learning about local ecology.

The reservation boasts fifteen miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through fields, forests, swamps, and meadows, encircling three picturesque lakes: Teatown Lake, Shadow Lake, and Vernay Lake. Key attractions include Wildflower Island, a two-acre sanctuary showcasing over 230 native and endangered wildflower species, and the Wildflower Woods, a restoration project demonstrating healthy forest ecosystems. Although the Nature Center is currently undergoing renovations, its beloved animal ambassadors—including opossums, snakes, turtles, and various birds of prey like bald eagles, screech owls, and hawks—are still featured in select educational programs.

Teatown Lake Reservation offers a unique blend of recreational opportunities and educational experiences, making it a memorable destination for all ages. Whether you're seeking a tranquil hike, a chance to observe local wildlife, or engaging programs on environmental science, Teatown fosters a deep connection with nature. Its commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological understanding ensures that every visit contributes to a greater appreciation for our natural world. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The name "Teatown" itself carries a piece of local history, dating back to 1776, when a man named John Arthur attempted to profit from tea scarcity during British taxation, leading to a legendary confrontation with a group of women known as the Daughters of Eve. The Teatown Lake Reservation began its life as a preserve in 1962, officially forming in 1963 with an initial donation of 245 acres from the Gerard Swope Sr. family to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Teatown was established to conserve open space and educate the public on environmental resources, becoming a separate legal entity in 1971. In 2018, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden formally transferred ownership of the property to Teatown, further solidifying its mission of land preservation and environmental education.

What to do here

Go hiking, birdwatching, participate in environmental education programs, visit specialty gardens, and attend seasonal events.

Seasonal info

Winter: Excellent for spotting bald eagles during EagleFest, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Spring: Wildflowers begin to bloom, amphibian activity increases, and the annual Plant Sale takes place.

Summer: Trails are lush, gardens are in full bloom, and summer camps are offered.

Fall: Enjoy vibrant fall foliage on the trails and attend the "A Night in the Woods Gala."

Accessibility

Teatown provides multiple ADA-accessible parking spaces. While trails are currently not ADA compliant, plans are underway to create an accessible Raptor Loop, playscape, and a trail to the Boathouse along the Lakeside Trail. An accessible portable restroom is available during Nature Center renovations.

Don't miss

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Hiking Trails

Explore the Three Lakes Loop, which connects Vernay, Shadow, and Teatown Lakes, and experience the unique Bergmann Boardwalk over Teatown Lake. Other trails like the Waterfall Trail, Hidden Valley Loop, and Overlook Loop offer varied terrain and scenery.

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Wildflower Island

Take a guided tour (April-September) to discover over 230 species of native and endangered wildflowers.

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Wildflower Woods

An outdoor classroom and restoration area, demonstrating forest health and native plant protection from deer browsing.

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Animal Ambassadors

While the Nature Center undergoes renovation, special public programs feature resident animals such as opossums, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, screech owls, and hawks.

Wildlife you might spot

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Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check Teatown's official website for the latest updates on the Nature Center renovation and schedules for animal ambassador viewing programs.

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for hiking on varied terrain, as many trails include uneven surfaces, roots, and rocks.

Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months or for longer hikes, as facilities may be limited along the trails.

Non-members should be prepared to pay a parking fee (currently $7) using exact change or a credit card at the kiosk.

Plan your visit to Wildflower Island during its open season from April to September to witness its spectacular array of native and endangered wildflowers.

Consult the events calendar for seasonal highlights such as the Hudson River EagleFest in February or the annual Plant Sale in spring.

Frequently asked questions

Visitors can encounter Teatown's animal ambassadors, which include non-releasable opossums, snakes, turtles, bald eagles, screech owls, and various hawks, typically seen during select educational programs while the Nature Center is under renovation. The preserve's diverse habitats are also home to wild white-tailed deer, red foxes, river otters, various bird species like swallows, herons, owls, and warblers, as well as amphibians and reptiles such as spotted salamanders, tree frogs, ringneck snakes, and spotted turtles.
Teatown Lake Reservation offers nearly 15 miles of trails, with popular options including the Three Lakes Loop, which provides views of Teatown, Shadow, and Vernay Lakes, and features the picturesque Bergmann Boardwalk. Other notable trails include the Lakeside Loop, Waterfall Trail, Hidden Valley Loop, and Overlook Loop, catering to various difficulty levels from easy to moderately difficult.
Teatown Lake Reservation offers ADA-accessible parking spaces and an accessible portable restroom. While many of its natural trails are currently not ADA compliant due to varied terrain, Teatown has active plans to develop an accessible Raptor Loop, a playscape, and an accessible trail leading to the Boathouse along the Lakeside Trail in the future.

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