North Riverdale residents that own dogs and take their pet for a daily walk will experience a variety of weather conditions in coastal New York. Summers are hot and humid and you may want to plan walks with your furry friend for later in the day. Winters can be chilly and wet with sleet and snow possible. Although temperatures in winter are not as severely cold as inland locations, waterproof outerwear is advised to keep you warm and dry. If your dog is short haired or chills easily, they may even benefit from a small sweater or coat as well.
The Hudson River borders North Riverdale on the westside and the neighborhood has a railroad running along the coastline which impedes pedestrian traffic to the river. North Riverdale homes are usually single-family dwellings or apartments. A seventeen-story retirement complex is located on Riverdale Avenue which is one of the taller buildings in the area where most apartments tend to be lower, multi-story structures.
The area has sidewalks throughout it providing separate pedestrian paths. Although this is a highly developed urban area, there are lots of mature trees on private properties, public properties, parks, and streets in the region making it 'greener' than surrounding areas.
Van Cortlandt Park also has multiple greenways that are shared by equestrians, cyclists, cross country runners, and pet owners who take their canine companions for a stroll. There are five major hiking trails and numerous smaller greenways in the park. The Putnam Trail is unpaved and rated as an easy hike while the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway is easy to moderate. There are several others to explore as well. Watch out for other users in the park and keep your dog leashed throughout. A freshwater lake, the largest in the Bronx, an old growth forest, and rocky outcrops make interesting sights on greenway hikes.
Located just southwest of North Riverdale and occupying 144 acres along the Hudson River is Riverdale Park. This park has a dog-friendly designated off-leash area on Palisade Avenue from West 232nd Street to West 254th Street. With plenty of beautiful trees, greenways, and views of the river, this park makes an ideal walking location.