• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

  • Home
  • Advertise
    • Advertise in One or All of our Magazines
    • Advertising Payment Form
  • Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Subscriber Login
  • Print Subscription
  • Contact Us

leaves

Exploring Wampus Pond: A Bucolic Beauty

May 31, 2019 by Christine Pasqueralle

One sunny spring day last month, my family and I packed a light lunch and set out to explore the bucolic beauty of Wampus Pond in Armonk. The expansive pond is certainly the focal point of the park and the first thing you see as you enter. It’s amazing to think that right off one of the busiest roads in the area, such a peaceful enclave of nature exists. Wampus Pond is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight gems that you don’t want to miss. If you’ve never been, may I suggest a visit in the near future–you won’t be disappointed.

Located right on Route 128 in the Town of New Castle and the Town of North Castle, Wampus Pond is a breathtaking jewel of a park. The park offers an array of activities for all–whether you want a bit of an adventure or you just want to sit peacefully with a good book while enjoying nature.

Wampus Pond was named after the Indian from whom the land was originally bought in 1696. The name Wampus means “opossum” and the natural pond was formerly known as Wampus Lake Reservoir. Wampus Pond was once part of the New York City water supply and in 1963, Westchester County bought Wampus Pond and 93 acres from the City of New York.

Recently, a cultural resources inventory was performed which unearthed several Native American artifacts as well as remnants of historically significant residential developments in or near the park. The rich history of the land makes for a truly thought-provoking visit through Wampus Pond. You never know what you may come across or who may have walked the same path hundreds of years ago.

Activities All Year Long

Throughout the year, there are many things for visitors to do at Wampus Pond including ice skating, fishing, boating and bird-watching. Dogs are welcome in the park but must be on a leash at all times and are not permitted in the picnic areas. One activity that many anticipate in the warmer months is the opening of the pond for row-boating. Take a few hours to enjoy a peaceful sail across the pond or pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.

Rowboat rentals are available on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitors may rent the boats in the building situated between the parking lot and the water. Boat rentals can be purchased hourly or daily and the fee is discounted for those with a Westchester County Park Pass. Visitors may also choose to bring their own car-top boats but must have a permit.

In addition to the rowboats, there are picnic tables set up throughout the park so visitors may be able to relax and enjoy the serenity of the park’s natural surroundings. Wampus Pond makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch-hour break, relaxing in its quiet serenity. Please note the park is a carry in/carry out facility.

As Westchester County Parks Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia says, “Wampus Pond is a fantastic spot for a picnic, to study nature or take a few turns in a rowboat on a beautiful summer day. Its location on Route 128 between Armonk and Mount Kisco make it an easy spot to visit when you’re visiting either or both towns.”

Take some time to visit Wampus Pond throughout the year. In the spring, the buds on the trees start to come alive, while in the fall all of the gorgeous autumnal colors of the leaves frame the pond. Kids and adults alike will enjoy ice skating in the winter while summertime is made for boating. Wampus Pond is one of Westchester’s loveliest spots and it’s right here in Armonk. Plan your visit soon and prepare to be amazed with its splendor.

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, Green, Lake, leaves, Nature, North Castle, Park, Wampus Pond, Westchester County Parks

Where to go When the Leaves Change

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

Photos Courtesy of Rockefeller Preserve
Photos Courtesy of Rockefeller Preserve

By Andrew Vitelli

For many of us, this writer included, the fall months are a little bittersweet. With summer over, we know that the refreshingly-moderate temperatures mean winter is just around the corner. But one saving grace is the beauty of this region’s fall foliage. People come from throughout the U.S. to see the beautiful colors of the Hudson Valley and nearby Catskill Mountains, but Armonk residents can enjoy it without leaving town, or going just a short drive away. Here are a few of the many spots to go this season (the second week of October until the end of the month is usually best) before the leaves fall.

Wampus Brook Park and Betsy Sluder Nature Preserve

These are two places you can see the beauty of autumn without leaving the Town of North Castle. At Wampus Brook Park, you can find a nice day to take advantage of the park’s gazebo and picnic grounds to relax and enjoy the scenery. At Betsy Sluder Nature Preserve, located off Old Route 22, you’ll be able to take a walk through the woods to take in the beauty which surrounds you.

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Just a 20-minute drive from Armonk, Rockefeller features 1,600 acres of woodlands, wetlands and waterways, made even more beautiful in the fall. Originally purchased by John D. Rockefeller in 1893, the park was deeded to New York State 33 years ago. You can walk along the 55 miles of carriage roads and enjoy the nature all around. The park is open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset, with a $6 parking fee.

Hiking in Cold Spring

So this requires a little bit of a drive –about 45 minutes. But if you’re the hiking type, a trip up to the Hudson Highlands is a must. One of our favorite hikes, Anthony’s Nose, offers a great view of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Hudson River and the highlands surrounding it. A slightly tougher hike is Breakneck Ridge, a few miles north, which will also give you breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.

Kensico Dam Plaza and Cranberry Lake Preserve

A county park, Valhalla’s Kensico Dam Plaza offers not just views of the dam but of the reservoir and the nature around it. The plaza is also perfect for picnicking or anything else requiring large, open spaces. If you want to get a little bit into the woods, the plaza is a short drive from Cranberry Lake Preserve, another county park where trees line the edge of the water above the Kensico Reservoir.

Westmoreland Sanctuary

In our last issue, we ran an article on Westmoreland Sanctuary, a 640-acre preserve located on the border of three towns including North Castle. If you didn’t get a chance to make it over there this summer, make sure to get there this fall. Especially beautiful this season is the “Lost Pond,” with the leaves reflecting off the water.

Andrew Vitelli is a Westchester native and editor of Inside Armonk Magazine.

Photos Courtesy of Rockefeller Preserve
Photos Courtesy of Rockefeller Preserve

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk, fall foliage, fall preview, foliage, leaves, Rockefeller Preserve, Rockefeller State Park, Wampus Pond

Primary Sidebar

Please Visit

William Raveis – Armonk
William Raveis – Chappaqua
White Plains Hospital
Houlihan Lawrence – Armonk
Houlihan Lawrence – Briarcliff
Houlihan Lawrence – Chappaqua
NYOMIS – Dr. Andrew Horowitz
Raveis: Lisa Koh and Allison Coviello
Purple Plains
Compass: Miller-Goldenberg Team
Korth & Shannahan
Douglas Elliman: Chappaqua
Congregation B’nai Yisrael
Play Nice Together
Terra Tile & Marble
Compass: Aurora Banaszek
New Castle Physical Therapy
Houlihan: Kile Boga-Ibric
Dr. Briones Medical Weight Loss Center
David Visconti Painting & Contracting

Follow our Social Media

The Inside Press

Our Latest Issues

For a full reading of our current edition, or to obtain a copy or subscription, please contact us.

Inside Armonk Inside Chappaqua and Millwood Inside Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor

Join Our Mailing List


Search Inside Press

Links

  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Digital Subscription
  • Print Subscription

Publisher’s Note Regarding Our Valued Sponsors

Inside Press is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse or not endorse any advertisers, products or resources referenced in either sponsor-driven stories or in advertisements appearing in this publication. The Inside Press shall not be liable to any party as a result of any information, services or resources made available through this publication.The Inside Press is published in good faith and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertising or sponsor driven stories that appear in this publication. The views of advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher’s.

Opinions and information presented in all Inside Press articles, such as in the arena of health and medicine, strictly reflect the experiences, expertise and/or views of those interviewed, and are not necessarily recommended or endorsed by the Inside Press. Please consult your own doctor for diagnosis and/or treatment.

Footer

Support The Inside Press

Advertising

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Did you know you can subscribe anytime to our print editions?

Voluntary subscriptions are most welcome, if you've moved outside the area, or a subscription is a great present idea for an elderly parent, for a neighbor who is moving or for your graduating high school student or any college student who may enjoy keeping up with hometown stories.

Subscribe Today

Copyright © 2025 The Inside Press, Inc. · Log in