Looking for the best parks and outdoor spots in Yonkers? Perched above the Hudson River, Yonkers pairs a revitalized riverfront with spectacular gardens and one of the region’s great greenway trails. This local guide covers Yonkers’s marquee parks and green spaces, its trails and outdoor recreation, neighborhood gems, and how to find where locals actually go to get outside.
Yonkers’s best parks & green spaces
Untermyer Park and Gardens — a breathtaking restored walled garden with Hudson River views, often called one of America’s greatest gardens — is Yonkers’ crown jewel. The revitalized Yonkers Waterfront and Pier, Tibbetts Brook Park (a large county park with a pool and lake), and Trevor Park anchor the outdoor scene.
Trails, waterfronts & outdoor recreation in Yonkers
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail runs through Yonkers for miles of scenic walking and biking above the Hudson, and the South County Trailway (a paved rail-trail) offers long-distance riding. The revitalized riverfront and pier offer Hudson-side strolling, and Tibbetts Brook supports paddling and swimming.
Neighborhood parks & hidden gems
The Lenoir Preserve (a nature center with trails and river views), the Hudson River Museum grounds, and the JFK Memorial Marina reward exploration along the waterfront. To see how the areas connect, check our guide to the best neighborhoods in Yonkers.
What to know about Yonkers parks
The waterfront and gardens are the highlights, with Metro-North connecting to NYC. Untermyer Gardens is free and stunning — a must-see. The aqueduct and rail-trails connect widely. Most parks are free; Tibbetts Brook pool charges.
Where Yonkers locals actually go outdoors
The best-kept outdoor secrets — the quiet trailhead, the uncrowded picnic spot, the park that’s perfect right now — usually come from locals, not brochures. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Yonkers community, real Yonkers neighbors share their favorite outdoor spots and what’s worth visiting this season. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Yonkers. Join your Yonkers neighbors free and discover the best local outdoor spots →
Fitting it into a day in Yonkers
The parks and trails here are where neighbors actually spend their weekends, each with its own character. What sets Yonkers apart is how close everything sits together. Start near the free Untermyer Gardens, work in one of the spots from this guide, and you are minutes from the Yonkers waterfront and pier if you want to keep going. Locals often round out time outdoors with a detour to the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail or a quieter stop at the Lenoir Preserve. Because the distances are short, you can improvise as you go rather than lock the whole day down in advance.
More Yonkers guides
Yonkers rewards people who dig a little deeper. These related guides map the same neighborhoods from different starting points: Dog-friendly Yonkers, Things to do in Yonkers, Free things to do in Yonkers — enough to plan a whole day or two.
Get a local’s take
Guides are a starting point; the current, on-the-ground details come from people who live in Yonkers. Hours shift, favorites change, and residents always know what is genuinely worth it now. Ask Yonkers neighbors directly or join your town community free to hear from real locals.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best parks in Yonkers?
Untermyer Park and Gardens, the revitalized Yonkers Waterfront, Tibbetts Brook Park, and the Lenoir Preserve.
Is Untermyer Gardens worth visiting?
Yes — Untermyer Park and Gardens is a breathtaking restored walled garden with Hudson River views, often called one of America’s greatest gardens, and it’s free.
Where do locals go outdoors in Yonkers?
Locals favor Untermyer Gardens, the waterfront, and the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail — Yonkers neighbors share their favorite spots in our community.