Urban Hike: New Skyscrapers of Manhattan (NYC) (Rating: B, Fun)

*** New Trial Process - No More Signing In ***
Step 1: Read the Liability Disclaimer: https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf
Step 2: When prompted, type
"I Accept"/full name/contact number/emergency contact number
Example: "I accept/Monster/(240)604-5555/(301)562-6666"

This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes.

LENGTH: 10-11 mi. Elevation: Negligible PACE: 2.5 - 3.0 miles/hour

** Not suitable for fast paced hikers **

EXTERNAL RESERVATIONS: Amtrak tickets (see below) - about $70 return as of August 8, 2025. Book EARLY for reduced fares.

DESCRIPTION
Manhattan's Empire State Building and Chrysler Tower are of course legendary and indelible parts of the Manhattan skyline. However, the skyline has been changing with several new additions over the last few years. This hike covers the skyscrapers (from the outside) added this century. Along the way, we will cover many attractions.

PLAN
We will take Amtrak Sunday morning (Saturday's Amtrak fares were much higher) - see below for train details. In Manhattan, we will take the Subway to Brooklyn Cadman Plaza (this will be our only Subway ride for the day). Lunch will be in a restaurant at Cadman Plaza. We will then start our hike. First, we will walk the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. The first 21st Century skyscraper will be One World Trade Center, followed by the Jenga Tower, 125 Greenwich St., One Vanderbilt Tower, 432 Park Avenue, 111 West 57th St., and the Central Park Tower, in that order.

ATTRACTIONS
We will pass by several attractions along the way including Brooklyn Bridge with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other attractions in the NY Harbor, Wall Street, Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park, Madison Square Park, Grand Central Station, the southern tip of Central Park, and Times Square,

BREAKS
We will stop from time to time for coffee/tea, pastries, and maybe a Bellini at Cipriani's in Grand Central Station. Time permitting, we will dine before boarding the train. Restroom stops will include the Penn Station (Moynihan Terminal Departure Hall), restaurant at Cadman Plaza, Grand Central Station, Central Park, and back at Penn Station; we will add a stop (location to be determined) between lunch and Grand Central station.

AMTRAK RESERVATIONS
Please reserve as below. Note that the departure station is assumed to be BWI (where parking is convenient and relatively cheap); you may board at alternative locations (Union Station).

Adding the "flex" option (about 10% more) is recommended since it will allow you to cancel or re-schedule without penalty.

Outbound: Train 54 (Vermonter), departing BWI at 7:57 a.m.
Return: You have two options:
Option A (low fare): Train 165 (NE Regional) departing Penn at 8:01 p.m.
Option B (Accela): They have made some enhancements which I want to check out: Train 2259 departing Penn at 8:24 p.m.