By Cindy Schwall
The parkway behind this path opened in 1925, and the trail alongside it is still part of daily life in Scarsdale. I am Cindy Schwall, and I love pointing clients to a paved route that runs through the village and beyond. Westchester County describes the completed path as a continuous 11.2-mile route, with more links in the works.
Here are five things worth knowing before you lace up your sneakers or clip into your pedals.
Key Takeaways
- Link length: Westchester County says the completed link between Scarsdale and Hartsdale runs 1.6 miles and cost $6.7 million.
- Path length: The county describes the full path as a continuous 11.2-mile route.
- Segments: A county brochure lists a 4.6-mile section from Palmer Road in Bronxville to Crane Road in Scarsdale and a 5-mile section from Greenacres Avenue in Hartsdale to Kensico Dam Plaza.
- History: The same brochure says the parkway opened in 1925 and was the first parkway in the nation.
Start With the 1.6-Mile Scarsdale-to-Hartsdale Link
The newest piece of the pathway ties Scarsdale Village to Hartsdale. Westchester County describes the link as 1.6 miles, built as a $6.7 million capital project that began construction in 2019.
Link Details From Westchester County
- Walls and plantings: The county cites native stone retaining walls and more than 110 trees, 450 shrubs, and 14,000 perennials.
- Meadow area: The county also lists over 5,000 square yards of meadow.
- Next project: The county says another capital project is in the works to link the one-mile Oak Street Loop.
The county release I read gave no completion date, so check current conditions with Westchester County Parks. The brochure lists (914) 864-PARK as the parks department number.
Know the Three Paved Segments From Bronxville to Valhalla
A county brochure describes the pathway as three paved segments. Two of them run to either side of Scarsdale, from Palmer Road in Bronxville to Crane Road and from Greenacres Avenue in Hartsdale to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
Segments in the Brochure
- Oak Street Loop: One mile in Mount Vernon.
- Palmer Road to Crane Road: 4.6 miles from Bronxville north to Scarsdale.
- Greenacres Avenue to Kensico Dam Plaza: 5 miles from Hartsdale to Valhalla.
The brochure is marked Rev 4/09, so it predates the newer 1.6-mile link. The two longer segments plus the 1.6-mile link come to 11.2 miles, which matches the county’s total.
Picture the Route Beneath the Crane Road and Fenimore Road Bridges
The Scarsdale Inquirer described in 2019 how the planned link would pass beneath the Crane Road Bridge and then the Fenimore Road Bridge. It would then reach the Greenacres Avenue Bridge, where a ramp would rise to a sidewalk.
Route Notes From the 2019 Report
- West side route: The Inquirer reported that the path would stay on the parkway’s west side, because some residents objected to an east-side route through Fox Meadow.
- Church and courts: The report said the path would meet the existing route opposite Hitchcock Church and continue past the County Tennis Courts.
- Before the link: Riders previously had to use Fox Meadow Road, according to the same report.
That report was published before construction finished, so the final alignment may differ in details. Confirm the route with the county before you plan a long ride.
Appreciate the Pathway’s 1925 Parkway Roots
The Bronx River Reservation is an 807-acre linear park created alongside the Bronx River Parkway, which the county brochure says opened in 1925. The brochure adds that it was the first parkway in the nation and extends 13.2 miles from the New York City line to Kensico Dam Plaza.
Landmarks Labeled on the County Map
- Parks: Malcolm Wilson Park, Cranberry Lake Preserve, and Clove Road Park appear on the map.
- Historic sites: Woodlands Viaduct, Miller House, and the Battle of White Plains Monument are labeled.
- Water landmark: Kensico Reservoir and Kensico Dam Plaza mark the northern end.
The map labels show what sits near the route, though they do not give distances from the path. Use a current county map for trip planning.
Follow the Rules and Watch for Bike and Skate Sundays
The brochure lists three rules for users of the pathway. It also says that on Sundays in spring and autumn, a portion of the parkway closes to vehicles for the county’s Bike & Skate Sundays program.
Brochure Reminders
- Keep right: Users are asked to keep to the right.
- No motors: Motorized vehicles are not allowed.
- Dusk closing: The pathway closes at dusk.
The brochure dates from 2009, so confirm program details with Westchester County Parks. Rules and schedules can change.
FAQs
Is the Bronx River pathway Scarsdale NY route paved?
The county brochure describes three paved segments, including a 4.6-mile section ending at Crane Road in Scarsdale. The newer link from Scarsdale to Hartsdale is described as part of a continuous path. Check surface details with the county before a long ride.
Where does the path go north of Scarsdale?
The brochure lists a 5-mile section from Greenacres Avenue in Hartsdale to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. It also labels Cranberry Lake Preserve and Kensico Reservoir on the map. Distances between points vary, so use a current map.
When does the pathway close each day?
The county brochure says the pathway closes at dusk. It also lists keeping right and avoiding motorized vehicles as rules. Confirm current rules with Westchester County Parks.
Contact Cindy Schwall Today
If you would like a home within reach of the path, contact Cindy Schwall today to begin your Scarsdale search.
