Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site is pleased to offer a new edition of our First Day Hike focused on the industrial history of the Saw Mill River, which was for centuries the main hub of life in Yonkers. On this special 2.5-mile, 2.5 hour urban hike, explore the Saw Mill River over 400 years of history, from its days as a fishing tributary called Nepperhan, through its earliest uses for water power, to its industrial heyday, burial, and daylighting. We’ll learn about historic mills, from Adriaen Van Der Donck’s sawmill to the Alexander Smith Carpet Mills, why it’s called Chicken Island, the influence of the Old Croton Aqueduct, and how the river shaped Yonkers’ working life.
The hike is scheduled for Thursday, January 1, from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM and will commence at Philipse Manor Hall. It is one of many First Day Hikes taking place across New York State, coordinated by The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Canal Corporation for the 15th year in a row. This year’s hikes connect with Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, and Get Outside” wellness initiative. To keep the event affordable for families in the holiday season, the normal parking fee at state parks and sites will be waived on January 1.
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “First Day Hikes offer a welcome break from the holiday rush and a chance to reconnect with nature and one another. This annual event encourages you to refocus on your mental and physical well-being and start the New Year on a healthy, positive note. Ring in 2026 by getting offline, getting outside, and exploring New York’s state parks and historic sites on January 1.”
Pre-registration for Philipse Manor Hall’s First Day Hike is strongly recommended. To register, call 914-965-4027 or email philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov. To learn more about the hike, what to wear, and where to go, visit https://www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events/2026-yonkers-first-day-hike-saw-mill-river-history
