April 2013 Hike Sign-Up

The largest park in Westchester County, Ward Pound Ridge has areas where there are lots of people and places where few are encountered. Park facilities are concentrated along Reservation Road, which crosses the park east-west and parallels the Cross River. Most of the park's picnic areas, the Trailside Museum, and the park office are located along this road. The southern part of the park offers a more secluded atmosphere. It is reached most easily from the Michigan Road parking and picnic area, which also serves as the center for winter ski touring. Camping in CCC era lean-tos is available.

The low stone walls that crisscross the forest floor remind the visitor that more than thirty farms once existed within the park's boundaries. These farms were gradually purchased by Westchester County and the park was dedicated in 1938 as Pound Ridge Reservation. Later it was renamed to honor William Ward, former County Parks Commissioner, who was instrumental in creating the county's park system. The "Pound" in Pound Ridge refers to the enclosure or pound used by Native Americans to capture their prey. It is the largest park in Westchester County.