Jerome Park Reservoir
A historic NYC reservoir offering a peaceful 3-mile loop for walking, jogging, and enjoying nature, with a dedicated park area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Jerome Park Reservoir
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic NYC reservoir offering a peaceful 3-mile loop for walking, jogging, and enjoying nature, with a dedicated park area.
"A great place to walk or jog, never crowded and pretty peaceful."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The nearly 3-mile loop is great for exercise, but wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
The Sedgwick side is often less crowded and preferred for a quieter experience. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reservoir Loop Walk
Circumference of the reservoir
Nearly 3 miles of peaceful paths perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Enjoy the open space and fresh air.
Historic Retaining Walls
Along the reservoir perimeter
Marvel at the massive retaining walls that once held millions of gallons of water, a testament to 19th-century engineering.
Northwest Park Amenities
Northwest end of the reservoir
Discover a well-equipped park area with a dog run, handball courts, and swings for family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Best Footwear for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The nearly 3-mile loop is great for exercise, but wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
The Sedgwick side is often less crowded and preferred for a quieter experience. :walking:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
The northwest end has a dedicated dog run for your furry friends. :dog:
💧 Hydration Station
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as amenities can be spread out. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
The nearly 3-mile loop is great for exercise, but wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks
The Sedgwick side is often less crowded and preferred for a quieter experience. :walking:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
The northwest end has a dedicated dog run for your furry friends. :dog:
💧 Hydration Station
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as amenities can be spread out. :droplet:
📸 Sunset Views
Catch stunning sunset views over the water for beautiful photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jerome Park Reservoir for its peaceful atmosphere, ample space for walking and jogging, and the convenient amenities at the northwest park, including a dog run. It's seen as a great spot for exercise and enjoying nature without large crowds. However, some find the reservoir itself less aesthetically pleasing than others and express disappointment over the lack of modern conveniences like WiFi.
"Love to take a nice walk around the Reservoir. Especially when the weather is nice. Sedgwick side preferred due to less traffic and congestion."
Chrystal Tyler
"This is is a great place to walk it jog, if your knees can take it. I measured the circumference and it is about 3 miles. Never crowded and pretty peaceful. The Northwest end has a beautiful park built in with a dog run and some handball courts and swings. There's a couple supermarkets along the way in case you need to pick anything up before heading home, too."
S Cruz
"What a great place to run. Nearly 2 miles. Has a path. Close to parks and fields. Near bathroom on west side. Lots of parking."
Evan Rival
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Jerome Park Reservoir via the Bx1, Bx2, Bx10, Bx22, Bx28, Bx30, Bx32, and Bx34 buses. The closest subway stations are the Bedford Park Boulevard station (4 train) and the Kingsbridge Road station (4 train), both requiring a bus connection or a walk.
Yes, there is parking available, particularly on the west side of the reservoir, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Biking is a popular option, with routes available from various parts of the Bronx. Some commuters use University Avenue and the High Bridge for access.
Access points are available from multiple sides, including near Fort Independence Park and along Sedgwick Avenue. The northwest end offers a particularly pleasant park area.
While the main paths are generally good for walking and jogging, some areas might be more challenging. It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Jerome Park Reservoir is a public park and is free to enter and explore.
As a public park, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific closing times may vary, but it's typically open from dawn until dusk.
No advance booking is required as it's a public space. You can visit anytime during park hours.
Yes, events like stargazing sessions have been hosted here, offering unique community experiences.
Yes, dogs are welcome, and there's a dedicated dog run on the northwest end of the reservoir.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The northwest end features a dog run, handball courts, and swings.
The circumference is approximately 3 miles, so a leisurely walk can take about an hour, while a brisk jog might take around 30-40 minutes.
Restrooms are available, particularly on the west side of the reservoir, which is convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! The reservoir offers scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a great spot for photographers.
Originally built in 1887, it was a crucial part of the Bronx's water supply system, capable of holding 120 million gallons. It's a significant historical landmark.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the reservoir park itself. However, there are supermarkets nearby for picking up snacks or picnic items.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. You can bring your own food and enjoy it in the park's open spaces.
The surrounding neighborhoods, like University Heights, offer various dining options, from delis to diverse eateries. +1
While not a permanent fixture, occasional food trucks or vendors might be present, especially during community events.
Given the limited dining options on-site, it's a good idea to bring your own food and drinks for a comfortable visit, especially if you plan to spend several hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoons for golden hour light and evenings for sunset views offer stunning photographic opportunities.
The reservoir's expansive water, historic retaining walls, surrounding parkland, and city skyline views are popular subjects. 
Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, it's always wise to be mindful of private property and any posted park rules.
Drone usage in NYC parks is typically restricted or requires special permits. It's best to check with the NYC Parks Department for current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no on-site cafes, bringing a picnic is a fantastic way to make a day of it. There are supermarkets nearby to stock up on snacks and drinks.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Cyclists also find the reservoir appealing for training rides. The open space and the dedicated path make it a safe and enjoyable place to cycle. Remember to be mindful of other park users, especially during busier times.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Jerome Park Reservoir's Past
Originally known as the Williamsbridge Reservoir, its primary function was to ensure a consistent water supply for the growing Bronx borough. While it's no longer actively used for water storage, its historical importance is undeniable. The surrounding parkland has transformed the area into a recreational space, but the reservoir's past as a critical utility underscores its enduring significance.
Visitors can appreciate the sheer scale of the original construction by walking along the perimeter. The engineering feats involved in building such a structure over a century ago are truly remarkable and add a layer of historical depth to the visitor experience. It's a place where nature meets industrial history.
Recreational Paradise: Activities at the Reservoir
The northwest end of the reservoir is particularly noteworthy, featuring a well-equipped park area. This section includes a dog run, providing a safe space for pets to play, as well as handball courts and swings, making it a family-friendly destination. It's a place where the community gathers for both individual pursuits and shared activities.
Many visitors appreciate the reservoir for its peaceful atmosphere and lack of overwhelming crowds, especially on weekdays. It offers a refreshing break from the urban hustle, allowing people to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities in a spacious setting.
Community Hub: Events and Local Life
The surrounding areas also contribute to the vibrant local life. For instance, a unique school bus converted into a cafeteria was noted on Jerome Avenue, showcasing local entrepreneurship and creativity.
Educational initiatives, such as sustainability trips for students, also utilize the reservoir to teach about its role in the borough's water system and infrastructure. This demonstrates the reservoir's ongoing relevance in educating the community about vital city services.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit