Tibbetts Brook Park
Location- Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
Trail- Loop Trail
Trail Length- 2.2 miles
Duration- 45 minutes
Our first urban hike trail that I’ll cover is called Tibbetts Brook Park. Situated in Yonkers, just above the Bronx, Tibbetts Brook Park seems like any other urban park, albeit with some interesting features, such as water rides, a huge pool, brand new sports field, and the Tudor style bathhouse building. But our focus in this post will be on the loop trail and the history of the park itself.
The Tale of Tibbetts Brook Park:
Originally called Mosholu, which means smooth stones, by the Lenape tribe that inhabited the region, Tibbetts Brook Park, as it is now called, was named after George Tippett, a loyalist who purchased land near Riverdale in the Bronx and Van Cortlandt Park from Elias Doughty in 1668. The Tippetts were loyal to the British crown. The land was confiscated from the Tippetts because of their allegiance to Great Britain.
Another section of the land was sold by Doughty to Frederick Philipse (who held a huge portion of land in Westchester County). When Philipse’s daughter Eva married Jacobus Van Cortlandt in 169, the land was gifted to her. After New York City acquired that tract of land in 1888, that section would become Van Cortlandt Park.
The Battle of Tibbetts Brook: AKA Battle of Kingsbridge
In 1778, Tibbetts Brook, within the vicinity of Van Cortlandt Park, was the site of a battle during the American Revolution. There, Captain Nimham, Sachem of the Wappinger Tribe, fought against the Queen’s Rangers. The site would be the final resting place of the last Sachem of the Wappingers and some 70 others of his tribe.
Tibbetts Brook Park: History of an Aqueduct
Tibbetts Brook is not the only water source running through the park. Bordering its eastern edge is a remnant of an old aqueduct. In 1837, construction began on the Old Croton Aqueduct which would bring water from the Croton Reservoir to New York City, after the City had experienced outbreaks of cholera. In 1842, the aqueduct was completed. The aqueduct supplied New York City with water until the 1960s, but a section was reopened in 1987 to supply the Town of Ossining with water.
Tibbetts Brook Park: A Rail Trail
Running along the western edge of Tibbetts Brook Park, is a paved path that follows a historical rail line. The “Old Put,” as it was once called, was part of the Putnam Division of the New York Central Railroad. “Old Put” was in service from 1881 to 1958. There is only one station left on the line which is in Elmsford, NY.
The trail following the rail path is now called the South County Trailway and is part of the greater Empire State Trail. North of Elmsford and just east of the Tarrytown Reservoir, the South County Trailway gives way to the North County Trailwaywhich continues the route north for the Empire State Trail. A dirt path leads from Tibbetts Brook Park to the Trailway in which runners, walkers, hikers, and bikers share the path.
Constructing a pool at Tibbetts Brook Park:
Tibbetts Brook Park was once a dumping ground for the City of Yonkers. But to relieve themselves from the heat, children swam in the brook which was polluted. Because of this, the large pool was constructed so that people could have a cleaner place to swim.
The Trail at Tibbetts Brook Park:
The trail around Tibbetts Brook Park is a loop. There are a few parking lots after the entrance booth. Usually, I drive toward the north side to where the athletic fields are and park there.
The Tibbetts Brook Trail begins:
Parking at the north side, the Tibbetts Brook Park Trail begins around an open field area. In this section there is ample space to picnic and enjoy other field activities. At times, the field can become saturated, and some pools of water may form.
Near the Tibbetts Brook Bathhouse:
As you walk parallel to the South County Trailway, you come closer to the Tudor style bathhouse. Next to the bathhouse is a small jungle gym and park for kids. Following the path up and around the kid’s park, you start to see the pool and water rides. There is an outdoor gym with bodyweight machines, good for doing a mid-hike workout, or you can opt for a No Gym Needed routine as well. Finally, before entering the loop and next to the first pond, which is a flooded section of the Tibbetts Brook, there are tennis courts to your right.
The Nature Area of Tibbetts Brook Park:
After going past all the amenities of Tibbetts Brook Park, you enter a more nature centered area. The paved trail goes past a bridge then a small marsh like section of the second pond where you happen upon a gazebo. The gazebo is from the 1920s, in which the gazebo would have been used as a band area near the large pond.
After the gazebo area, the loop continues toward the south until it veers toward the left. From here, you can see parts of Van Cortlandt park where the Tibbetts Brook continues to flow above ground until it reaches Van Cortlandt lake. Following along the south edge of the large pond you walk over a bridge and rolling water. There is a section to you right with pavilions and tables.
Heading North on the Tibbetts Brook Loop:
Heading back north on the Tibbetts Brook Park Loop, there is a section of more secluded woods. Here is where I saw the Mute Swan, an invasive species which I wrote about in my other post. The woods shade you from the heat if you are hiking in the summer and add a more forest appeal to the trail.
Continuing north, you come across a platform area, which to me looks as though it was part of the viewing area overlooking the gazebo.
Another Jungle Gym at Tibbetts Brook Park:
As you head up a short incline, the trees become impressive. There are more jungle gym equipment and kids parks in this area as well as sections for picnicking. The large pool and bathhouse comes into view as well. The path leads around the bathhouse and you have to cross the road to where the open fields section is from the first section of this hike. You follow the paved loop next to Tibbetts Brook until you’ve reached the northern edge by the athletic fields.
Species seen at Tibbetts Brook Park:
This paved loop is great for birders to view some impressive species. Not only did I see the Mute Swan, but the park is abundant in Canadian Geese, Mallard Ducks, and Robins. The most impressive species I saw on my hike was when an Osprey delighted me in a show of their impressive flight and dive into the second large pond.
Conclusion of the Urban Hike at Tibbetts Brook Park:
Tibbetts Brook Park offers an abundance of history, wildlife, and recreational activities. The trail is great for urban hikers and nature enthusiasts looking for a nice getaway from city life without going too far. With its pool, shaded pavilion, and connection to the larger South County Trailway; Tibbetts Brook Park is a gem of a trail hidden between two great metropolises.