From Peaks to River: Exploring Northern Manhattan's Best-Kept Secrets

Distance: 9 miles (3 + 3 +3)
Difficulty: Lots of stairs. Best for those comfortable maintaining a steady pace (~2.5 mph). Not ideal for slower walkers.
Meet Point 1 (11:00 AM): Inside Penn Station, Manhattan — at the red wall gate to the LIRR Services & Waiting Area (see Photo 1).
Meet Point 2: (for those joining after the group arrives via the A train from Penn Station) — Entrance of J. Hood Wright Park, between W 175th and W 174th Streets on Fort Washington Avenue (next to the 175th St A train station).
3-mile drop-off option: 181st Street Station (A train)
6-mile drop-off option: Amsterdam Ave & W 176th St (M101 bus stop), about a half-mile walk to A/C trains at 168th St or the 1 train at 181st St.
8.7-mile END: Roberto Clemente State Park/ Metro North Morris Heights Station

Join us for a one-of-a-kind urban hike through northern Manhattan’s most dramatic terrain.
Starting from the J. Hood Wright Park for views of the Hudson River and the iconic bridge. From there, we’ll explore some lesser-known trails in Fort Washington Park, making our way to the charming Little Red Lighthouse.
Next, we’ll climb up to Bennett Park, home of Manhattan’s highest natural point. From there, we’ll pass through the quirky 181st Street subway station — yes, the one with the elevator! — and continue into Highbridge Park, where we’ll weave through hidden gems like an skating rink and an abandoned gatehouse, forested paths and rocky bluffs, with sweeping views of the Harlem River.
If time and weather allow, we’ll cross the Washington Bridge into the Bronx, descend the Grand Staircase to the Harlem River, walk through Bronx Bridge Park, and end at Roberto Clemente State Park.