You ever drive so far north in Westchester that you start seeing signs for Connecticut and wonder if you've accidentally crossed the border? That’s usually when you hit North Salem. Nestled right in that upper corner is Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park. Most locals just call it "Mountain Lakes," but that’s a bit of an understatement.
It’s 1,082 acres of rugged, messy, beautiful terrain.
Honestly, it doesn’t feel like Westchester. When you think of Westchester parks, you probably think of manicured grass, paved bike paths, and maybe a nice gazebo. This place is different. It’s got this weird, wild Adirondack energy that catches you off guard. Rock outcroppings, dark hemlock forests, and hills that actually make your calves burn.
The Tuxedo Park That Never Was
The history here is kinda wild. Back in the early 1900s, a wealthy attorney named Henry Anderson had this grand vision. He wanted to build a luxury development to rival Tuxedo Park. He poured money into it. He built ten miles of roads, dug wells, and even put in a sewer system.
He called it "The Port of Missing Men."
He even converted a barn into a restaurant with massive glass porches so people could stare at the rolling hills. It worked for a while. Over 20,000 people visited every year until the 1930s. But World War I and then the Depression basically nuked the project. His dream of a "Tuxedo Park East" just died.
After World War II, things got even weirder. There was serious talk about putting the United Nations headquarters right here. Imagine that. Instead of the East River in Manhattan, the UN could have been tucked away in the woods of North Salem.
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Eventually, Westchester County bought the land in 1961 for about $1.8 million. They turned it into a park and, much later in 2009, renamed it after Sal J. Prezioso, a guy who basically dedicated his life to the county’s recreation scene.
What You’re Actually Getting Into
If you go to Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park expecting a leisurely stroll, you’re gonna have a bad time. The terrain is "rugged." That’s park-speak for "bring real boots."
The big draw is Bailey Mountain. It’s the highest point in Westchester County, sitting at 982 feet. Now, don’t get too excited. The summit (reached via the Green Trail) is actually a bit of a letdown because there’s no view. It’s just a patch of woods with a marker.
But the Lookout? That’s the real deal. It’s about a 20-minute hike from the main road. From there, you get this massive, panoramic view of Lake Waccabuc and the north end of the county. On a clear day, it’s easily one of the best views in the Hudson Valley.
The park has five lakes (well, ponds, really):
- Hemlock Lake
- Spruce Lake
- Pine Lake
- Larch Lake
- Cedar Lake
They aren't massive, but they are peaceful. You can rent canoes at Hemlock Lake on weekends, usually between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., for about $10 an hour. They don’t let you bring your own boats, though. No private kayaks. Sorta annoying, I know, but it keeps the water quiet.
Camping Without the Crowds
Camping here is primitive. You won’t find RV hookups or paved pads. Instead, you get lean-tos. They’re these three-sided wooden shelters scattered through the woods. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to real backpacking without leaving the county.
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They also have a Yurt Village.
If you haven't seen a yurt, it’s basically a big, circular tent with a wooden frame. They have ten of them, and each can sleep about 12 people. It’s popular for scout troops and big family reunions. If you want something a bit more solid, there’s the Director’s Cabin, but you usually have to book that well in advance.
One thing to keep in mind: Camp Morty takes over the Spruce Lake campus in July and August. It’s a great program for kids in the foster system or from underserved communities, but it means some areas of the park are restricted during the summer. If you want the run of the place, aim for May, June, or late September.
Real Talk on Fishing and Trails
The fishing is... okay. It’s mostly largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish. If you’re a serious angler, you might find it a bit frustrating because the banks are pretty overgrown. A local secret? Most people strike out because they stay near the main docks. If you’re willing to bushwhack a bit to the far side of Spruce Lake, you’ll have better luck.
Trail-wise, the Orange Trail is the backbone. It’s about 3.6 miles and loops around the whole property. Most of it is on old woods roads (thanks, Henry Anderson!), so it’s wide but can get incredibly muddy after a rain.
The Old Sib Trail is the "new" one. It’s about 1.9 miles and takes you through some cool areas with old stone walls that make you realize how much this land was once farmed before the forest reclaimed it.
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Things You Should Actually Know Before Going
- Cell Service: It’s spotty. Don't rely on your phone for navigation. Download an offline map or grab a paper one at the office.
- Parking: It’s free. You don’t need a Westchester County Park Pass just to enter, which is a rare win.
- The "Cold" Factor: Because of the elevation and the tree cover, this park is consistently 5-10 degrees cooler than White Plains or Yonkers. Great in July, freezing in October. Dress accordingly.
- Bugs: The ticks are no joke. This is prime deer territory. Wear Permethrin or check yourself like a maniac when you get home.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: If it's July or August, call ahead to see which trails are closed for Camp Morty.
- Pack for Mud: Even if it hasn't rained in three days, the low-lying areas near the lakes stay soft. Hiking boots are better than sneakers here.
- Target the Lookout: Don't waste your energy on the Bailey Mountain summit if you want a photo. Head straight for the White Trail to get the south-facing view over the lakes.
- Book Lean-tos Early: If you want to camp on a Saturday, you need to call the office (914-864-7312) weeks in advance. They only take reservations on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
- Bring Water: There aren't many spots to refill once you leave the main office area.
The park is located at 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. until dusk. If you're looking for a place that feels a thousand miles away from the suburbs without actually leaving them, this is the spot.