Our North – North Salem

North Salem is a town that will take you back to the simple life. A rural paradise located 55 minutes from Manhattan, there’s no better place in New York to find that country charm that draws city dwellers out from their cramped apartments and into wide, open land. Whether you’re strolling through the Hammond Museum’s Japanese garden, riding the trails, fishing in the reservoir, or tackling the peaks of Mountain Lakes Park, North Salem is one of the best spots to fully immerse yourself in nature.

To many North Salem is known as “horse country”, a fitting description aligned with its beautiful rural landscape. The North Salem Bridle Trails Association maintains and develops the historic system of trails, which connects more than one hundred linear miles of trails throughout North Salem and its neighbor Ridgefield, Connecticut.

If you are looking to visit North Salem from NYC or vice versa, you can find easy access via Metro North from either Purdy’s or Croton Falls.

The North Salem Central School District is a model public school district,whose drive is to engage students to continuously learn, question, define and solve problems through critical and creative thinking. Learn more about each of the Schools in North Salem.

The Hamlets

Croton Falls

Croton Falls is one of the two most densely populated Hamlets in North Salem, located in the northwestern corner of the town. Alongside some of the more modern homes and apartments are historical landmarks, encapsulating the beauty of the past, and its effect on modern times. Intimate and close-knit, Croton falls also hosts The Schoolhouse Theater. This historic, 90 seat theatre, is home to some of the most thought-provoking, comedic, and enjoyable plays in all of Northern Westchester County. With live theatre, live music, and classes for children, and a rotating gallery located inside, The Schoolhouse has made Croton Falls a hot spot for art-loving, entertainment seeking community members.

Purdys

As the other densely populated Hamlet, Croton Fall’s counterpart to the south is home to some of the most finger-licking good food in the area, and also conveniently one of the most well-preserved historical sites in the area. Neighboring the Titicus Reservoir, this is a perfect area for those who love fishing, especially ice fishing. With bike trails, walking trails, and some of the best waters in the state, there’s always something active, and enjoyable, to do. Not to mention, after that long day of fishing, you can head over to Purdy’s Homestead, better known as “Purdy’s Farmer & The Fish”. Built in 1776 and added on to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, there’s no better place to encapsulate the early American spirit, while eating some phenomenal food.

Salem Center and North Salem

The final two Hamlets are a little bit more spread out. Here, in one of the least populated areas of the state, you can really immerse yourself in the country life. From the mysterious balanced rock, to the stunning peaks of the Mountain Lakes Park, this is where the line between nature and civilization become blurred, and there’s always something new and excited to see outside. Or, if you’re looking for something a little closer to home, experience 60 years of culture by wandering the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll garden. Regardless of where you end up, these two Hamlets are perfect for the explorer, who’s not afraid to get a little dirty in their quest to see the most beautiful nature in all of New York.

Town Links

Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden     Mountain Lakes Park

Purdy’s Farmer and The Fish     The Schoolhouse   Titicus Reservoir