New York City, NY: John Kieran Nature Trail Loop
Connect quiet forests, wetlands, and an 18th century landmark on this 2.1-mile loop in Van Cortlandt Park.
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It’s easy to escape the hustle of the city on this scenic, 2.1-miler in Van Cortlandt Park. The picturesque loop skirts the park’s namesake lake and links wetlands, woods, meadows, and the Van Cortlandt House Museum, a national landmark built in 1748. From the clubhouse next to the Van Cortlandt Lake, the route starts off with a trip to Tibbetts Wetlands. Head-high grasses and reeds provide a stark contrast with the surrounding woodland areas.
Next, walk northeast toward the forest, turning under a shaded, green canopy to explore the 13 stone pillars left by the New York Central Railroad. (The pillars were used to determine which type of stone would be the most durable for the Grand Central Terminal.) After passing the pillars, walk back to the four-way junction at the bridge (mile 0.6) and follow the dirt pathway that traces the lake; look for blue jays and red-winged blackbirds.
At the northern tip of the lake (mile 0.9), the route continues north for 500 feet before curving south toward the Parade Ground and ball fields. Half a mile later, bear right at the Y-junction to visit the Nature Center and Van Cortlandt House Museum, the Bronx’s oldest building. Backtrack to the Y-junction and turn right to return to the parking lot.
-Mapped by MacKenzie Ryan




Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.4
Waypoints
JOH001
Location: 40.887964, -73.894223
From the free parking lot, walk along the west side of the road toward the clubhouse.
JOH002
Location: 40.889075, -73.892983
From the clubhouse and golf course parking lot, turn left onto the wood chip path along the west side of Van Cortlandt Lake.
JOH003
Location: 40.889429, -73.893238
Go straight at 4-way junction, following the sign to Tibbetts Wetland.
JOH004
Location: 40.889845, -73.893789
Turn left at the T-junction. An arrow on the left side of the multi-use path points to Tibbett’s Wetland.
JOH005
Location: 40.889382, -73.894199
After checking out the wetlands, turn around, return to JOH004, and continue straight at the junction.
JOH006
Location: 40.891101, -73.891634
Turn right onto the thin pathway that enters the woods. Pass 13 large stone pillars; New York Central Railroad placed them here to figure out which type would be the most durable for Grand Central Terminal. After exploring the stones, turn right and head back to the 4-way junction by the lake.
JOH007
Location: 40.889445, -73.893201
Make a hard left at this junction and walk northeast along Van Cortlandt Lake.
JOH008
Location: 40.890268, -73.891854
Bear right onto the spur trail through the fence.
JOH009
Location: 40.890276, -73.890932
After tracing the shore through an intimate wooded area, bear right at the Y-junction and walk toward the water.
JOH010
Location: 40.890473, -73.890617
Bear right @ Y-junction.
JOH011
Location: 40.891919, -73.889957
Walk through the fence. Bear right at the T-junction and cross over the bridge.
JOH012
Location: 40.893978, -73.888823
Turn left at Y-junction. Continuing straight leads to the Putnam Trail.
JOH013
Location: 40.894461, -73.890653
Bear left at Y-junction with bridge.
JOH014
Location: 40.893954, -73.891125
Go straight at Y-junction.
JOH015
Location: 40.893775, -73.89142
Go left at T-junction near Parade Ground and ball fields. Walk around the grounds with the woods to the left.
JOH016
Location: 40.891306, -73.891538
Bear right at Y-junction, heading toward the Nature Center and Van Cortlandt House Museum.
JOH017
Location: 40.891188, -73.893871
Van Cortlandt Nature Center: There are bathrooms and park maps here. When finished, continue west to the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
JOH018
Location: 40.891227, -73.895033
Turn left into the grounds of the Van Cortlandt House Museum. When finished, retrace steps back to JOH016 and turn right.
JOH019
Location: 40.889871, -73.893764
Turn left at the 3-way junction and return to the parking lot.
Tibbetts Wetlands
Location: 40.889384, -73.894176
Van Cortlandt Lake
Location: 40.889445, -73.893179
Van Cortlandt Mansion
Location: 40.891239, -73.894998
Quagmire
Location: 40.889546, -73.893372