Cranberry Lake Preserve, Old Orchard St

Named after the cranberries that grow here, Cranberry Lake Preserve is a beautiful park with a Nature Center. You can learn about this area's past by following the history trail to the remains of a 19th-century farmhouse and early 20th-century stone-mining operation. [1]

"Formed by glaciers approximately 18,000 years ago, Cranberry Lake is an ancient natural lake, fed by an underground spring." [2] Many of the stones used to build Kensico Dam came from here. You can see relics from trains used to cart the stones. A stone chamber can also be seen.

Here is a link to the History Trail Map

Rules

• Cranberry Lake Preserve is a designated Biodiversity Reserve Area. Please keep this park a special place for wildlife by observing the following rules:
• Take nothing but photos -all plants, animals and minerals are protected.
• Service animals welcome.
• Bicycles are not allowed on any of the trails- we recommend Graham Hills park.
• Fishing is prohibited- we recommend Kensico Reservoir and Wampus Pond.
• Stay on designated hiking trails.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• If you see areas in the preserve that need maintenance, please report them to the nature center.
• Report any violation of these rules.[1]

[1] “Department of Parks.” Cranberry Lake Preserve. Accessed November 9, 2024. https://parks.westchestergov.com/cranberry-lake.

[2] Westchestergov. Accessed November 9, 2024. https://parks.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/CranberryLakeHistoryTrail.pdf.