Cortlandt, NY, is a hidden gem located in New York. It has a lot of history and some great places to explore, both indoors and outdoors. There are many hidden places that you can explore around the area if you know where to look. Here are some fun hidden places you can visit around Cortlandt, New York, courtesy of Bill Volz Westchester.
Camp Smith Trail

Camp Smith Trail takes you through the Hudson Highlights State Park Preserve. The path is a rugged trail with many panoramic views along the route. This trail takes you on a lot of inclines, so be ready to hike up frequently.
The trail starts behind Bear Mountain Bridge at the toll house on Bear Mountain Road. You walk parallel to the road, and then it sends you up and down parts of Manitou Mountain. There are lots of ascents and switchbacks on this path. You eventually descend the mountain before heading back up to Anthony’s Nose hike.
The first half of the Anthony Nose hike is a staircase of rocks, but the second half is a flat road up to the overlook. When you reach the top, you have a beautiful view of the Hudson Valley and Bear Mountain Bridge.
You can choose to try the whole Camp Smith trail, which is about 4 miles and takes about three and a half hours, or you can opt to do only Anthony’s Nose hike, which is 2.6 miles and about two and a half hours. Both offer beautiful views and a really great workout.
Cortlandt Lanes
For a fun day out, you can head to Cortlandt Lanes. Guests can visit Monday through Sunday at various times. For a unique experience, you can head to Cortlandt Lanes on Saturday mornings between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and go bowling with breakfast. On Sundays, they serve lunch if you bowl between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Prices for games range between $3.50 and $5.50 per game per person. There is an additional $3.50 for shoe rentals, but children up to 10 years old get free shoe rentals.
Cortlandt Lanes is located at 2192 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor.
The Peekskill Museum
The Peekskill Museum has been around for 75 years. The museum is housed in The Herrick House, which was built around 1877. Originally part of the Filed Library, the Herrick House was acquired and turned into a museum in 1946.
There are various permanent collections in the museum and a few exhibits that rotate through the museum. The current exhibit that is featured in the front room is a look at the raid at Peekskill. The collection starts with Rycks Patent, an agreement between the native people of the area and European settlers in 1684. Then it moves to the raid at Peekskill with various artifacts and maps.
Some of the permanent collections in the Peekskill museum include a stove collection, map collection, a children’s room, and a Ladies’ Victorian bedroom.
The museum is located at 124 Union Avenue, Peekskill. Admission is $5, and you can visit on Saturday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Hudson Valley MOCA
The Hudson Valey MOCA is a non-profit art and education organization. It operates as a 12,000-square-foot exhibition space. There are constantly different exhibitions that rotate through the art gallery, and the current one is part two of the Exhibition How We Live. This exhibition explores artwork in the gallery’s archives that look at which pieces have had lasting meaning since the US has faced many disasters over the past year.
The gallery also has a live event that adds stories to the multimedia event weekly.
Admission to the gallery is currently by appointment only. Your appointment will allow you to have a personal in-depth tour of the art exhibit. To book your reservation, you must call or email the gallery. The price is $30 per visit for non-members and $20 for members. They also have discounts for Peekskill residents, veterans and active military, seniors, and students.
The Hudson Valley MOCA is located at 1701 Mainstreet, Peekskill.
That Nothing Be Lost Thrift and Antique Shop
If you want to check out a cute thrift and antique shop, be sure to visit St. Christopher’s Inn, which is home to this little shop. You can have fun exploring That Nothing Be Lost Thrift and Antique Shop Wednesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The shop is located in one of the oldest buildings on the grounds and was constructed in 1946. Four floors of shopping offer visitors the chance to browse through collectibles, necessities, antiques, everyday items, gently used clothing, furniture, glassware, linens, and sports equipment.
The shop is located at 21 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY.
Muscoot Farm
Muscoot Farm is a little outside of Cortlandt, but the farm gives visitors a chance to experience agriculture, wildlife, farm animals, and history. The farm was once a working dairy farm and is now open to the public from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. Admission to the farm is free, and there is a lot to do while you are on their 777-acre property.
At the farm, there are over 50 animals that you can visit. They have pigs, ducks, turkeys, chickens, goats, sheep, donkeys, horses, and cows. Muscoot farm also has historic buildings such as a carriage house, milk house, brooder house, and ice house that you can visit. If you enjoy hiking, there are over six miles of paths and scenic trails that you can explore.
Muscoot Farm is located at 51 Rt 100 Katonah.
There are lots of hidden gems around Cortlandt where you can find some fun, hidden places. Whether you are looking to head outdoors for an adventure, explore the area’s history, enjoy some art, or do a little shopping, there is something for everyone in the area. Do you have any little hidden places you like to head for a fun day out? We at Bill Volz Westchester would love to hear about your favorite hidden place!


