Discover Croton On Hudson
12 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze: Hudson Valley
Seasonal night event staging thousands of carved, lit pumpkins in themed vignettes — ideal for dramatic low‑light compositions, textures and crowd‑filled storytelling. Best after dusk when designs glow; arrive at opening or late evening to avoid peak crowds. Tickets required (buy online), ample parking and ADA access. Expect cool fall weather and family-friendly atmosphere; new exhibits each year keep compositions fresh.
Van Cortlandt Manor
Revolutionary War–era stone manor, period interiors, formal gardens and riverside views — excellent for architectural detail, living-history portraits and seasonal events (notably the Pumpkin Blaze). Visit golden hour for warm masonry tones, or after dusk in October for thousands of lit pumpkins. On-site parking and paid admission/timed tickets for special events; weekdays and early mornings mean fewer visitors.
Croton Point Park
Hudson River-facing 508-acre park with sandy beaches, an isthmus trail, open meadows and wooded campgrounds—ideal for wide river vistas, dramatic sunsets, fall foliage and intimate wildlife shots. Accessible by car (parking at main lot) or Metro-North (station at park entrance). Best at golden hour and blue hour for reflections and pictorial skies; weekdays and mornings reduce crowds. No gate fees for day use; watch for raccoons/coyotes and leash rules.
Croton Point Nature Center
Croton Point Nature Center sits on a peninsula of the Hudson River with sandy shoreline, marshes, wooded trails and a high hill used for RC planes — great for river sunsets, migratory birds, wide landscapes and candid park life. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and at high tide for reflective waters. Park charges a small entry fee and has parking, picnic areas, campground access and mostly easy walking trails; expect more visitors at sunset and weekends. Drone use popular on the bl
Croton Landing Park
Small riverside park with wide, unobstructed views of the Hudson and Rockland shore—ideal for sunset and blue-hour reflections. Paved promenade, benches, gazebo, playground and 9/11 memorial offer varied foregrounds. Free parking, restrooms, wheelchair-accessible paths; can be busy evenings and weekends.
Brinton Brook Sanctuary
Small Hudson Valley preserve with shaded woodlands, a meandering brook, boardwalks and wetland pools — ideal for intimate nature, macro and long-exposure waterscape shots. Best at golden hours for warm side light and reflections; spring migration and fall foliage offer peak color and bird activity. Easy, mostly flat trails; small parking lot on Albany Post Rd. No entry fee; expect mud after rain and ticks — wear boots. Weekday mornings are quiet.
Senasqua Park
Small riverfront park with sweeping Hudson River vistas, a paved riverwalk, picnic lawns and a stage for summer concerts and movies. Best for sunrise/sunset reflections, evening concert atmospheres and intimate waterfront landscapes. Note: summer access and events favor Croton residents with park ID; parking is limited during popular events—arrive early or visit weekdays/off‑season. Lighting is richest at golden hour and blue hour over the river; weather can produce dramatic skies and misty dawn
Dobbs Park
Small riverside preserve with winding trails, marsh boardwalks and Hudson River glimpses — great for intimate nature, wetland and bird photography. Best at golden hour and during spring/fall migrations or autumn foliage. Easy, mostly flat walking trails; small parking lot off Maple St (no gate fees). Expect limited facilities and seasonal mud; visit weekdays or early morning to avoid local walkers.
Jane E. Lytle Memorial Croton Arboretum
Small community arboretum with trails, specimen trees, wildflower meadows and wetland edges — great for seasonal close-ups, tree studies, intimate landscapes and fall color. Best at spring bloom and golden hours of sunrise/sunset for soft light; fall foliage offers rich color. Weekday mornings are quieter. Easy roadside parking on Fox Rd; no entry fee. Trails are mostly flat but may be muddy after rain—wear appropriate shoes. Respect plantings and local wildlife.
Gouveia Park
Small, quiet riverside park with framed Hudson River views, mid-century modern landscape elements, winding paths and benches. Ideal for intimate landscapes, golden-hour sunsets and minimalist compositions. No entry fee; roadside parking on Albany Post Rd. Best light at sunrise or just after sunset; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Paths are mostly flat and accessible.
9/11 Memorial
A solemn local 9/11 memorial with engraved names, flag display, and landscaped plaza — ideal for intimate memorial portraits, detail shots of inscriptions, and quiet architectural compositions. Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors; weekdays are best. Small site with accessible paths and roadside parking; respect the memorial space and any ceremonies. Weather adds mood — overcast enhances texture, golden hour warms stone.
Vassallo Park
Small riverside park on the Hudson offering wide water vistas, shoreline textures, and Catskill/Taconic ridgeline backdrops. Ideal for sunrise and sunset color, long exposures of river reflections, and intimate shore compositions. Easy access from Riverside Ave with limited parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings have few people; weather changes bring dramatic skies.