Inwood Hill Park

This is a great park to walk around and hike. The park is clean and empty; the trails are also well kept. There are lots of scenic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey in the distance. I recommend this park if you want to go hiking in New York City.

Miles of mostly-shaded walking trails are available. Several of them are uphill and challenging, so a great workout may be achieved. The setting is beautiful, and stunning views of the Hudson, Henry Hudson Bridge, Columbia rock, the Palisades and Riverdale are along the way.

The recent reconstruction of the baseball field has resulted in a park that is now significantly more spacious, allowing ample room for everyone to enjoy and explore the area.

One of the RARE FEW places in the city that hasn't been touched by the noise or pollution and it's more of a forest than a park since the forest covers more distance. At the entrance to the park there's multiple entrances to get in which is a plus. The forest is perfect for running and hiking, also getting away from the city it's one of the best spots hands down right next to Prospect Park or Greenwood Cemetary. There's 3 different hiking trails I think at various levels, a view of the east river from one side and part of the city from another. Great spots!!

The only natural (and last) park of New York City. This is home, this is heaven!

A beautiful park to spend a relaxing day walking the trails or just admiring the views of nature and exploring the landscape of the park. Good to walk with someone else as the trails are very lonely. Cant wait until the fall to see all the beautiful trees changed their colors.

Beautiful space . Bring a blanket and find a spot. There are also lots of benches. It's close to the water so the views are stunning. There are porter potties. There is also a really nice playground - best for little kids up to about 10 I would say. There is a baseball field - but a large section of the park is undergoing renovations - hopefully they should be done by the time school lets out for the summer. On the other side there are tennis courts and another playground. They have events as well

Welcome to Inwood Hill Park, a unique gem in the city! This isn’t just any park; it’s a vibrant forest rich with history that dates back hundreds, even thousands of years. As you explore, keep an eye out for cultural landmarks that tell fascinating stories from the past. Plus, the Inwood Hill Nature Center has recently reopened—perfect for weekend visits and learning about the local environment! You’ll find plenty of activities here, from playgrounds to baseball and basketball courts, as well as a natural soccer field. It’s a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some outdoor fun! As you stroll through the beautiful wooded areas, you might enjoy a break from cell service—what a great way to connect with nature! Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning flowers and trees that add vibrant art to the landscape, making every corner of the park a visual delight! Just a heads up: it’s called Inwood Hill Park, not to be confused with Inwood Park in the Bronx! This one has the HILL! P.S. Don’t forget to study the map so you don’t get too lost in all this adventure!

Imagine walking along openly paved paths, and finding yourself in a modern day oasis, overlooking a beautiful river... This is Inwood Hills State Park, located in uptown Manhattan. There are hike-able paths, inclines and even a beautiful museum once you reach the top. The Mets Cloisters is housed beautifully in the center of the park. The stunning area features a beautiful view of the Hudson River and is the perfect backdrop of any picture. I enjoy coming here for my morning walks and runs. Inwood Park/Mets Cloisters

Went for a walk last weekend & the foliage was beautiful. A really good place to enjoy nature in the city.

I have been running consistently in this park for 23 years. It is hands down the best park to run in Manhattan. There are several trails that wind through the forest and over the hills. You can see where glaciers cut their way through the island thousands of years ago, and there are incredible views of the Hudson River and the NJ Palisades. It is home to the last native forest in Manhattan. Check out overlook meadow, the clove and the red and blue hiking trail. It's also a great spot for bird watching and for sports. Te best place to enter the park is 207th and Seaman Ave.

It's beautiful out here. Went there once, intending to come here when it's warmer. It outmatches Central Park and Riverside park by far. Trees and shrubbery grow naturally, which also arrange minor trails, undefiled by man-made method.

A nice park in the upper reaches of Manhattan near the Bronx. Inwood Hill Park is a bit out of the way from most of Manhattan. This does have a nearby MTA station. Beautiful scenery near the Hudson River. You can also find many athletic facilities and trails. All kinds of areas are here for athletics. It has baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts among just a few. The rest of the park is really nice to just walk around in. A playground here is in pretty good shape and has modern looking equipment. The park is quite large and takes up a large area along the Hudson River. It has many trails so you can get some good exercise. They often have some kind of bicycling or running event going on. It also is close to Columbia's football field. It's called Robert K. Kraft Field. There are no massage parlors.

On a day like today this is the place you would enjoy if you like a good hike. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Be prepared some days for mud. If you're not used to walking on hilly territory then you may have a problem. This park is reminiscent of my days walking in the foothills of Kentucky. There is wildlife and vegetation to dazzle the knowledgeable experts in those fields. I love the birds nesting in unlikely places. If you peer through the trees you will see buildings. That distracted from the feeling of getting away from it all. You're near the Henry Hudson Bridge. There's lots of history in this park. I zoomed in on the dedication of a rock in the park. Make sure you visit this spot. I could go on and on. I think if you're nearby you should plan a day and take a hike. Bring your backpack with water and snacks. Have fun and feel the escape from city life for a few hours.

If you're looking for a secluded green space, thick wooded grounds, beautiful panoramic views of the Hudson River, well maintained (but not manicured) pathways/trails and without a doubt the most grueling training course for runners in the city, you've come to the right place. The highest point in Manhattan is located on its northernmost area, and it's an underrated gem. I had come to Inwood Hill Park a few times in the past, but just as an occasional visitor. Only now that I moved to this area, I realize the wealth that this place represents for the neighborhood (and beyond). Since I'm off for the summer, I come here to run every couple of days. The incline kills me, but no matter how hot the day is, every path/trail is under the shade of tall trees. The park is so extensive you can run for an hour without having to retrace your steps. It's a gorgeous, peaceful, never crowded, battery-charging place I feel very fortunate to have at my doorstep. Go and have a blast.

My favorite park i been coming here since a little girl. This park its my favorite not because im bias thats in my neighborhood but because of the natural beauty this park is. The park is huge it has the coolest playgrounds for every age. My nephew & niece never wants to leave. They have everything slides, swings and even a wheel that spins. Also in the summer time they have the frog in the main first park which is a sprinkler. In the second park there is a sand box as well as other swings/ slides ropes to climb is hard to describe but i will post pictures soon. The trees are beautiful here even in the fall, spring, and winter. This is a great area for perfect outdoor photography and bird watching. They also have a section for BBQ in the summer and picnics and even a baseball field. It gets better there's a center with like cool animals i remember me and my brother attended one and he was able to hold a falcon and feed it. They have also have a large pond that has swans and ducks people go over there to feed them bread. There's also a muddy section where i watch crabs pop there heads out of holes. I love this park as you can see lol i have many memories going hiking here as well they have alot of trails that you can walk through however i wouldn't recommend going alone just for precaution reasons. You can also run laps and exercise around the park. For the doggy lovers they have a nice area to let your dog of the leash.They have bathrooms, water fountains and basket ball / tennis courts. Seriously this parks has it all i'm so happy to have this very close to me as it was so convenient for me growing up and now i can take my nephew and niece something every kid should enjoy once a week . I think this park its very unique and interesting as i have visited many parks and they are rather small or lack resources for sports etc... which is disappointing to the youth today no wonder they are not as involve as much in sports.

Easily the BEST large scale park with the most dynamic landscape left in NYC. It's perfect for running, exploring, hiking, playing and can easily be experienced anytime of day -- for all day. Treat yourself and escape to what feels like the middle of nowhere. That's hard to find in NYC...

Beautiful park. 1) One of the best park in NYC. 2) The view of the bridges from the park is fantastic. 3) Must visit park in NYC.

Used to run here. It was never real fun. After dark it is empty, not enough lights, and general feeling of something that about to happen. But the day time is different, together or solo, always liked the park. And one thing I remember and hope they did something about that, some areas need immediate care, otherwise someone can fall and get hurt. The view: Worth everything. The view of buildings and nature amaze me time and time again.

I came here for a hike and it was nice to walk on an actual trail inside Manhattan! It's not very steep and it's not too special but there are a lot of trees. The trails are really well-marked, and there's a map online to understand what the trails mean. I tried visiting all the points labeled on the map, but they were a bit difficult to find since most of them weren't marked. I'm pretty sure I hit all of them but I wasn't sure what was what when I saw it. Anyway, nice and quiet place to walk around, but it's not super interesting or different.

This is a huge park that's quite hilly with many trails, both paced and dirt. People are absolutely right in that this does not feel like New York City. It reminds me of upstate New York hiking trails. However this one is in Manhattan, which makes it unique by definition. In terms of "attractions," I wouldn't say there are many. There are large rock faces and if you wander through there supposedly are shallow caves. I personally could not find any. In terms of views, you can definitely see the river, but much of it is obstructed by trees. In any case, a great place and jog and walk the dog. The hills will give you a good workout.

A nice place to bring your children, lover, friends, whoever. There are alot of things can do here. They have baseball, tennis, water views, barbecue areas. They have a real nice playground inside of the park that is great for children you just need to go inside to find it. It's about two parks inside one big gigantic park, lol. My kids got to see some ducks, go over a lil bridge, My oldest even decided to roll down a hill. I'm the summer they have movies in the park you can come and just relax with whoever. It's definitely gonna be my kids go to park, when I can't make it to central park. Today we went and had a really good time there.

Beautiful beautiful park. Very leafy and forest-like. You will see birds and squirrels and broken streetlights/branches. I loved my visit to this park. Didn't know where I was most of the time and couldn't find the trail I wanted to go on but every pathway is full of nature and nice so I didn't care. Would go again. It is next to a highway so you can hear cars swooshing by as you are surrounded by trees and covered by their foliage. It's an interesting experience.

A nice park for a Sunday stroll by the river. There is a small dog run at one end too. Not too crowded. Good view of the FDR Bridge too. My photos speak for itself.

When I was a little girl, my father went away for a time to work on the Alaska Pipeline. He came back months later with a straggley mustache and a wild look in his eye. I understand now, me being isolated from every living being up here in the Northern wilds of Inwood, mere steps away from the subway, but oh so far away, conceptually, from downtown. What do I do, sitting wild eyed and clean shaven in my humble abode, where the winter wind whistles through the gaps in the window frame and the pre-war drywall births a new crack every day, threatening to cave in on me and my overpriced prefab BedStuy warehouse furniture? I browse the internets, Gentle Reader, and write nonsense on Yelp...I overuse commas and write run on sentences, I read old tales of my environs*, of Tubby Hook, of Dyckman Pier, of Indians and Dutchmen, of ghosts and madmen.... Inwood Park. Fairly inocuous, you say? But here, covered by time and dirt, resides some interesting history. You have heard tale of the prehistoric forest and Indian caves, I will now lead you up the old Bolton Road, which in present day roughly coincides with one of the paths through the park. Several houses and large homes once existed at the edges of Bolton Road, now since grown over, one of the most notable being the House of Rest for Consumptives. This was a home for the dreaded TB, the white plague that slowly drained, it whitened formerly ruddy faces, and so threatened the hale and hearty that they exiled the afflicted to this shady spot. Many delicate handkerchiefs were bloodied here, my friends, so tip your hat as you pass the fragile birch trees that house the spirits of these dear departed gentlefolk. Slightly more northerly on Bolton Road stood the dark and imposing House of Mercy, fitted with barred windows. This rather forbidding exterior was even more forbidding inside, it was essentially a Victorian era dumping ground for unruly teens, philandering wives and other women who did not conform to the social norms of the time. Lock her up, Mr. Rochester, so you can have your little Jane Eyre! Mwahahaha! According to some old yellowed newspaper clippings, the conditions in this place were horrible, there was starvation both figurative and literal, the shaving of heads, and various punishments administered by sadistic nuns...ah I can still hear their screams now, carried by the western winds, and I hear in the distance the rattling of the bars, and their cries for revenge... Later, through some sort of cosmic karma, or deliberate act, the entire place burned to the ground and only the foundation remains. Who is to say that the tormented souls of the long dead do not return here on a crisp winter night and voice their disapproval, wraiths who fly at intruders and scratch and bite, banshees that wail their sorrow and send a chill to the heart of man...dare ye visit this place? The map shows an approximate area in extension of 207th street that I think can be still be seen as a small U shaped mark on google satellite maps of the area. As we flee in terror back down towards Dyckman, note the little row of houses across from the southeastern end of the park, one of which was the residence of Mrs. Houdini after the famed magician's death. The Houdini House looks not at all spooky or magical, but perhaps that is only illusion....behind the rather commonplace little door may lie a secret entrance to the underworld, or another dimension...something nasty and Lovecraftian, or gentle and kind witchery, depending on your taste and worldview. Or perhaps it is only a house after all, and the spirits prefer to fly through the sky above it. Look sharply now, for Mr. Houdini might fling a lock pick down on your head, or a tarot card, as he was a notorious showman in life and in the afterlife might be unable to resist putting a bit of a scare into a midnight passerby... Do not go here at night alone, as the park is rather shady (seriously), as evidenced by numerous empty drug bags. Other nasties of present day have also happened in other parts of the park, so be aware. I much prefer the distant tales of woe, as they are slight and harmless melodrama, and would welcome any pictures of the old houses' foundation, or precise locations if you can find them...someone with a compass and an eye for old maps should be able to pinpoint the site... * cudos to the webmaster at MyInwood.net, chock full of Inwood history

Since my first visit, I've been drawn here, and to this neighborhood, on the northernmost tip of Manhattan. This park has the distinction of being the only "natural" park (undesigned) in Manhattan. Of all the spots in Manhattan, this area is the closest to what Manhattan looked like prior to Henry Hudson's arrival (OK, you have to imagine that the paved paths aren't there). It has the only remaining salt marsh in Manhattan. This is simply a beautiful park. While it is not the largest park in NYC, there are plenty of winding paths to follow if you wish to walk or jog. If you choose to walk up Inwood Hill, I'd recommend that you go in the winter. There are some great views from the top of the hill, but in spring, summer and fall, these views are obstructed by the foliage. You could also walk along the river. The park is a great place to bring kids. I would recommend bringing children to the Nature Center, which is geared towards them and is fun and educational. The rangers that work there are friendly and informative. There is also a recreation of a Lanape hut. There are also playgrounds. The park can be crowded in the weekends, especially around the baseball diamonds, but it never seems to be as chaotic as other parks. The drawback, and potential draw, of this park is its location. Being on the northernmost tip of the Manhattan, it often seems more isolated than the outer boroughs. If you take the train on the weekends, the ride seems to take forever, even from Midtown. If you drive, however, the parking situation, while not great, isn't that bad on the weekends. If you are done with the park, I'd suggest walking around the neighborhood. Inwood is a unique area. On Broadway, you could find the Dykeman Farmhouse, which is now a museum. Some of the streets have lovely houses (not brownstones or townhouses, but actual houses) and make you feel like you've gotten lost and wandered into one of the outer boroughs.

Spectacular! If someone were to see photos of this park, I think its pretty safe to say that their LAST guess as to the location would be "Manhattan". Inwood Hill Park is the only natural part of the island left. Before being developed, New York City was full of rolling hills and swamps. Most of that has been done away with to construct skyscrapers or pristine landscapes of central park, but Inwood hill provides us with a little lasting peak into what used to be. Absolutely gorgeous escape into nature, still accessible by the subway.

I have lived in 3 different cities in my lifetime ( Manhattan, Houston, and Miami) and no place has had a park that compares to Inwood. I love when I talk about going to the park in the city and everyone automatically assumes I mean Central Park. Not to hate on Central Park, but it's got nothing on the beauty and history of Inwood. Growing up a block or so away on Cooper St- the park was and still is the be place to be in the summer for picnics, activities, sports. The hills are gorgeous, but alas, not safe at night. Pair your trip with a stop at John's DooWop Deli for a sandwich and you're pretty much set for happiness in an afternoon. Im still a big kid at heart and love that this park still has swings I can happily swing as when I take want to take my nephews to the playground. There's so much new that has sprung up around Inwood, but the park is a piece of the city that is still Old New York, and takes me back to a time when you knew your neighbors, and the park was the place to build those lasting bonds and friendships.

So many things to do in this park. Whenever I go here for my jogs, I get to do a little side activity like hiking or bird watching. There are so many trails and there's even a cave. Just make sure it isn't dark when you take those trails. Love the view of the Hudson and Palisades. They also have a number of fields where you could choose to chill.

Many years ago I didn't feel comfortable walking through Inwood Hill Park. The situation eventually improved tremendously, and I remember a wonderful Christmas Day walk with a group of people in 1999. I took another long walk there with my husband, on a gorgeous late-fall day in 2002. Inwood Hill Park is a treasure, and its location at the tip of Manhattan seems light-years away from the "hustle and bustle". It's hilly, overgrown, beautiful and peaceful (or at least the latter is true for most parts of the park). We look forward to spending more time there in the future. The city parks' chief naturalist gives guided nature walks at this park from 8-10 a.m. on Sundays, from April or May through mid-November.

I been coming to this park since i was a little kid. This is one of the biggest parks i known and whats really cool about it many movies have filmed in this park. This park has it all Tennis courts, Basketball courts, Baseball fields, Kids Park, Soccer fields etc.... One of my favorite things to do in this huge park is go for a run or even ride my bicycle threw the hills and curves of this park, which you can easily get lost since it has so many entrances. Once you know your way around that wont happen. I also like coming with my friends to the basketball courts or taking my dogs to the dog run which they love going their. Every dog from the area goes in their and people follow the rules on how to clean after their dogs most important thing. Sometimes i go just to take a nice long walk or hike threw the long hills. If your in NYC check this park out so many activities go on on this park. Specially free yoga classes. Theirs posters all around the park letting you know about the activities they have and you should always grab one and check out the activities they have. You can sign up or pass it on to some one that likes that kind of stuff.

Nature stands proudly at the ends of Manhattan. I came to Inwood with a clear and overdue purpose in mind; to gaze at the purported spot where Peter Minuit purchased Manhattan Island on 1626 and ponder on perhaps, the most incredible barter in all history; the acquisition of what was soon to become New Amsterdam and one day New York, for the mere price of a few beads and trinkets valued at 6 guilders at the time, our inflation equivalent of 24 bucks. So yeah, New Yawk idiosyncrasy was born on the premise of this transaction: "I'll make ya an offer that you can't refuse, capicce?" Nature stands proudly at the ends, but in between, blocks and blocks of projects and slums dominate the landscape; I braced the 1 train towards 215th St. were Inwood Park is; last Manhattan stop, then you are off to Bronxland. Admittedly never having ventured this far, I didn't know what to expect; I asked for directions to the park and made a left turn at 218 street, and at the very end lied the Park and a view of the Henry Hudson Bridge. The foliage was beautiful in its shades of red, yellow and green; I quickly sidestepped the last human landscaped vestiges of this once proud forest, and soon enough I was in between tall trees and strange rock formations, which distinctive, sloppy arrangement, betrays them as having being formed in the last ice age, or so I read. All this brought me to the very same sight that the Dutchmen saw upon touching land. Nature in the raw, away from the buildings and busy streets, a mirage of things to come. Eerie. The Rock states the legend of the famed transaction, and I remember the thoughts of Peter of Amsterdam upon seeing the bizarre bronze skinned humans that curiously smiled upon them: "Now although the land was goodly and fair to look upon, a veritable garden of pleasure, to those who had come from a long voyage on the angry waters, as had we of the Sea Mew, yet there came into my mind the fear that these brown men who wandered here and there, giving little heed to us who were so lately arrived, and who were the owners of this New World, might come at some future time to say to themselves that it were better the Dutch had never landed in their midst. If that day ever did arrive, woe unto us whose skins were white!" The low humdrum of an irreversible moment in history; the clash of two worlds and everything that was to happen. I stroll in the cement paths totally covered by falling yellow leaves and I lose myself on those echoes of history; the fear and emotion of the seaman, touching dry land after months and months of wicked tides and the expectation of death; the terror at the sight of unknown vegetation and unknown things; naive and unsure but with the secret and growing realization that this land is their ultimate prize. A word creeps into this tired and rugged sailor's unconscious: plunder. And the indigenous; observing the vessel from this very same promontory where I stand; the strange ships which make their long wooden canoes pale in comparison. The bizarre clothing, the big beards, the ivory skin and the long metal furlongs that they carry. And the calfskin bags full of powder. A fire is lit, Dutchman and Indian lie in peace, still examining their distinctive features, and in the smoke of this first fire, violent shapes and sounds seem to gather, of terrible man made skyscrapers done with glass and ironwork, of immense Grey balloons lazily floating in the skies, of sloppy smoking metal monsters scaring off the horses as they valiantly take to the streets. And the cheers; the celebrations of independence amidst stars and stripes, the roaring of crowds gathered on the shipyards as the immense crates of a puddled iron cast statue of a lady pulls into the harbor, and 1,000 derby hats into the air as the war to end all wars comes to an end. And of tragedy. The screams of thousands as the modern towers of Jericho collapse in themselves, the sordid cry as a metal & hydrogen mammoth bearing the symbol of the swastika crashes in an unprecedented inferno: "Oh, The Humanity!" A jogger grazes me and my thoughts are redirected to the incontrovertible present. I give one furtive look to the rock formations I mentioned before and a sense of fear is ignited. One day nature will once again reclaim this island and leave again it's immemorial mark like it did in the Ice Age; and the jogger, the bum sleeping over that rock, and the lambasting cynics that live outside this last bastion, will be all gone. I walk away. The bum stammers; "C-can you spare a quarter" I give him a dollar, the bum shows me his horrid teeth in a smile. Why not? This is, after all, the place where we commemorate a deal...

Inwood Hill Park is the only place in Manhattan where you might actually get lost in the woods and get poison ivy. And in a city overcrowded with everyone from hustlers to tourists, nothing could sound sweeter. The forest trails are almost completely devoid of people, and you can even find a couple of amazing rock outcroppings overlooking the Hudson that would be great for a picnick. The park encompasses a large wooded hilly area, a small park around a lagoon on the Harlem river, and a large park with feilds along the hudson river side. The forrest here is terrifically overgrown with paved paths snaking throughout, some smooth, some less maintained. I rode my bike here on a Sunday from Brooklyn and it was some of the most fun I've had in a long time. Since all of the trails are paved, you can ride them all on a road bike - though I'm sure you're not supposed to - and there are some nice long downhills. And eventhough it was the weekend, I only saw 4 people total on the trails. It was quiet, clean, green, and completely rejuvinating. The ball feilds to the west were jam packed with Mexican Americans playing and watching soccer, cooking, dancing, drinking beers, and just generally partying. It was awesome, i bought a huarache from what could have been a family cookout and sat back and watched the soccer game.

This park is the only park in Manhattan that is original and was not created or designed. http://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/geology There are actual geology tours here. http://nyctransported.com/2011/03/geology-tour-inwood-hill-park/ It is hard to believe it is in Manhattan. We ended up here by accident. We had actually planned on going to Indian Road cafe. http://www.yelp.com/biz/indian-road-cafe-new-yorkhttp://www.yelp.com/biz/indian-road-cafe-new-york But they were pretty rude and sent us away. I said we came here from another neighborhood we rarely venture this far uptown. In fact I rarely ever go further than Harlem. If I do it is for the Bronx or Bronxville or something. In fact past Harlem I always call it upstate. It isn't accurate but anyone who has been in NY for at least a few decades or grew up here knows everything outside of the main areas of the city are refereed to by New Yorkers as upstate. Its not accurate just what we call it. It just means it is far and not what we think of as the city. I said I have to use the bathroom really bad and I came here especially for Indian Road Cafe and they said use the one in the park. We went to the park the bathroom was closed. We went back and someone else was asking to use the bathroom. They said we are closed for a special event. I told them the bathroom in the park was closed which they must have known since it was across the street and I reminded them I made a special trip to go to the cafe and they just said go find another bathroom. The door was not closed at Indian Road cafe. Needless to say we won't be back there. Oh about the park-Within the 196-acre park is the last remaining primeval forest in Manhattan, not to mention the fact of it's waterfront, archaeological relics, recreational fields, ornithological study areas, and jogging and pedestrian paths. We were happy to find Urban camping but you do not feel you are in an Urban Park at all! We saw mostly New York residents there but there was a group across the street from Indian Road Cafe. They looked so out of place. The ladies were wearing heels the men wearing suits and they were drinking wine. They had an attitude which projected that they were not from NY. Perhaps Greenwich CT. They were annoying and out of place. Everyone else was a resident and they were just enjoying their day in the park. There are signs all over the park saying the USDA kills Geese and save the geese. I saw a lady writing it with chalk and asked her what it was about. She said the Government is euthanizing geese all over the city. Apparently it has been on the news here. I try not to watch too much bad news since 911. http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Protesters-Cry-Foul-Over-Inwood-Geese-Round-up-124842174.html Anyway so that is a big issue in the park. The park is quite lovely. We were there until after dark and there were so many events going on in the park. I loved the walking paths. There were a few bikes but New Yorkers were riding them. Not silly transplants riding out of control with cow bells on their bikes expecting you to move out of their way since they refuse to learn to ride well or properly. There were good bikers from New York here. To me that is important since my health has declined and I have been falling and can't walk unassisted any more. I need to walk in a park where the bikers know how to ride and don't have a license to kill. Just look around the city and you will see many memorials to dead bikers. That is not the real NY! From a site called Washingtonheights.Us. According to local legend, the Dutch purchased Manhattan from the Indians for $24 worth of trinkets on November 5, 1626, near the knoll on the shore of the Spuyten Duyvil Creek. To commemorate the occasion, the Indians planted a tulip tree, which had grown for 300 years. Its dimensions were 165 feet in height and 6 and 1/2 feet in diameter. The tree, now long dead, has been replaced with a plaque honoring the location and event. The cove in the Spuyten Duyvil Creek was the reputed landing site of a long boat of Henry Hudson's ship Half Moon. The legendary purchase of Manhattan from the Lenape presumably occurred in what is now Inwood Hill Park. Some of the oldest trees in Manhattan are the tulip trees of Inwood. At present there is a Copper Beech that is not native to the park. Experts have dated the tree at least 140 years old. Other trees found in the park are Dogwood, Oak, Gingko and Hickory. During the American Revolution, Inwood Hill, then known as Cox's Hill, saw many skirmishes. The fortification was known as Fort Cock Hill, whose name was derived from its location. The fort was a redoubt that mounted two cannon. After the Fall of Fort Washington on November 26, 1776, the Hessians occupied the area.-http://www.washington-heights.us/ Here is a link about the neighborhood Inwood. http://myinwood.net/where-cobwebs-thrive-on-manhattan-isle/ It looks like Bronxville, it has the same hills and look to it

This is my favorite park in NYC. It's not as big as Central Park (but really, not much is) and not as manicured as Fort Tryon, but that's why I love it so much. The park has two parts. The lower park with places for basketball, tennis, baseball, and other sports. There's the inlet with beautiful views of the river and the Palisades, some lawns which make a great place for a picnic, and a track for exercising. Everything a park needs. The second part is Inwood Hill itself. This is the last 'natural' forest in Manhattan. Though it's smaller than a forest should be and has concrete paths, there is a movement afoot to return it to its wild nature. That's why the streetlamps don't work and the benches have been left to the elements. That's great, though, because it gives the place a wonderful aura. Though not terribly big, you don't have to go too deep into the trees before you lose all sound of the outside world (evemn the cars on the highway). Treat yourself by walking to the top to look out over the GW Bridge, river, and Palisades from an even better vantage point. The only caution I would give is to not visit the park too close to dark. The streetlamps don't work and since it's semi-isolated, it's not exactly safe. During the day I've never ever felt unsafe or had a problem. I just wouldn't go running here at night. (Fort Tryon is great for night walking).

I was pleasantly shocked when I first visited this park. I had no idea a place like this existed in New York, let alone Manhattan. I wouldn't call myself a nature person, but it's so refreshing to find such a natural space right off a subway stop. Like others pointed out, it's easy to get lost in here. You will constantly hear squirrels and birds rummaging through the surrounding forest. I grew up in Colorado, and this place reminds me of hiking in the mountains. A must-see if you live in New York.

Amazing little gem of a park in the northernmost tip of Manhattan. Visited here last week. Since it's still winter here, we felt that we had the whole park to ourselves. Very serene, quiet, and nature all around. We even found a feral cat (I am cat-obsessed). Can't wait to come back in the Spring.

Inwood Hill Park is completely different than any other park you're likely to go to in NYC (especially Manhattan) in that the majority of the park is completely natural and not at all landscaped or designed by anyone (unless we're counting God as a landscape architect). Its serene and dense woods only have several paved paths winding through them (there aren't any benches and unpaved paths are hard to come by). The park, as it's name suggests, is on a very steep hill so there are good opportunities for exercise here. In addition to the wooded area Inwood park also has a field area, courts of every kind, and playgrounds. Overall the 196.4 acre park is something to be treasured and is worth a visit. It's worth noting the history of this place as it's quite interesting. It's estimated that humans inhabited the area since prehistoric times. There has been documented proof of Native Americans living in the area who used the surrounding rivers for food and the natural rock formations as shelter. Some maps have this labeled as caves but it's not that grand. The few "caves" are just big enough to fit 2-4 people laying down in. I went to explore them (toward the northern side of the park) a little and one was inhabited by a homeless guy, and another also had evidence of someone staying there as indicated by the blankets and empty box of the plan B pill. I digress. There once was a tulip tree at the northern side of the park that lived for hundreds of years, it was under this tree that Peter Minuit traded the island of Manhattan with the Native Americans for essentially a small amount of goods. The tree actually survived until 1933 where a storm too it down. In its place stands a stone with a plaque marking the spot.

Breathtaking views of the Hudson; well-maintained park and they are making improvements; surprising wildlife; plenty of places to do your yoga or tai chi routines, or sit, sunbathe, jog, walk, meditate, frisby, etc. baseball diamonds, soccer fields, place to run your dogs, picnics. Only downside is the walk to this park. next to an off-ramp; isolated block leading to park.

Love this place. I visited this park a few years ago and the area has definitely changed. Lots of smaller (hipsterish) cafes and stores have been opening. Parking is just as tough though, since there are tons of apartment buildings. I was lucky enough to snag a spot about a block away from the park's entrance point at 218th Street and Indian Road. There was a party or two going on there as well as a baseball game. Lovely views of Columbia, and Henry Hudson Bridge. The main path of the park is fairly small. There are paths though that lead into the "woods". The one we took was the path you take if you stay to the far right until you reach a hill hat you climbs. Along the right side of the that entire path is a steep drop so be careful. That path goes directly under the Henry Hudson bridge and leads toward Fort Tryon Park and the waterside there along the Hudson. It is a good walk with hills, so the casual walker may be sore the following day, but the view along the way are beautiful. From there, you can head to Dyckman, which leads to the street. You can choose to stay int he park and waIk south toward the GWB, where again there are beautiful views and the little red lighthouse. I would recommend anyone spend a few hours there navigating the paths. It is nice having a forest-like path but being only a few blocks away from "civilization". Lots of biking and dog walking by the way. Also, you may want to bring along some water, since the path, depending on which ones you take, can take a while to navigate. On a fall day, it should be okay, but on a humid, hot, summer day, you will get tired and thirsty.

I love Inwood Park. Its hard not to consider Central Park as one's favorite park in Manhattan, but Id have to say that we have a tie. Its almost surreal to be in certain parts of this park. If you took someone, blindfolded them and set them in the middle of Inwood park (aside from facing kidnapping charges) that person would not believe that they were in Manhattan. You can literally get lost in the woods here. There are certain areas that you can hike through, that make you feel like you are in a forgotten world. Streetlights broken and covered in live growth. The pathways cracked and barely visible through all the plant life. Or you can go off the path and make your own. You can see the Bronx, and New Jersey (sometimes simultaneously) in this park. You can see the Hudson and Harlem Rivers (again, simultaneously). There's always an abundance of clearings free of people (especially tourists) for you to lay out, throw a frisbee, football, kick a soccer ball etc. which is either unheard of or not allowed in Central Park. To top it all off, you can go rock climbing here. Im not talking BS rock hiking, Im talking Sylvester Stallone, cliffhanging, life's on the line (if you so choose it to be) rock climbing. Its exhilarating, beautiful, and unbelievably fun. If youve never been to Inwood Park, you are not a New Yorker. Thats that.

Came here late night for a run. I regret it. Very dark and no one else was out. This is a great place to be during day time hours. There are bike trails, views of the Hudson and a great place to bring family or a date or go on a solo stroll. I like it.

This is a great park up at the tip of Manhattan. I love that it's hilly and more naturally landscaped than the other Manhattan parks. The park has genuine hills and trails in the woods which makes for a good "hike". Being in the woods can really make you forget that you're in Manhattan. I would not recommend it for running as i did the first time I visited simply because of the many hills (unless you're working for a hill workout). There are a few flatter areas of the park which would work for running but I think the beauty of this park is in the hills and woods. We brought my in laws here last Sunday and they were really impressed that there was such a place in Manhattan.

You gotta love these glorious little, well known gems of Manhattan. The cliffs, views, and dense shrubbery is so impressive.

This park is so beautiful. A great place to unwind, jog, play and...uh, other stuff :) It's home to a good patch of natural forest and lots of historical native American stuff. This is the park where Peter Minuit bought Manhattan for 14 bucks (there's even a rock commemorating it).

IHP gets 5 stars, but this is conditional on timing and exact location. You have to know what you want out of the park and be in the right place at the right time to get it. If you do so, you will be richly rewarded. The park is vast and requires a little knowledge in order to get the most out of it. If you are looking for nature, you will want to stick to the trails in the hills and avoid the massive and endless birthday parties / family cookouts on the north peninsula. Ballplayers crowd the fields west of the highway or along Seaman Ave at 207th, while bikers and joggers skirt the outer trails circumventing the fringes of the park. Kids can take part in fantastic programs from Rangers at the Parks Center, and those looking to just sit or stroll have ample waterfront paths at the northern end. The park has been better maintained in recent years though the sheer volume of users can be hard on it at times, and to be frank some of the park users are not terribly well-mannered when it comes to litter or noise. Go at a peaceful time for maximum enjoyment of this huge resource. All in all a true flagship park

With so much stress from the day to day work... on a Monday night! lol I decided to go for a walk around the block from my GF apt to burn some steam outside and not on her. I walked up on cooper and then turned left on Isham checking out what was there next to Isham park. While all i wanted was some peace and quiet and Isham park looked quiet, i didn't feel in the mood for a walk up the hill as it is. Down the street i see basketball courts and tennis courts and then going north the sound of baseball. Not as peaceful and quiet as i wanted but alluring none the less as it was early at night and the sun was still up. This walk took me deeper and deeper down the fields of Inwood Hill Park. I didn't know what it was called then as i had not been there, but have been in this area for the best part of a year. As i walked down the well kept grassy hill, i noticed how smooth it all looked between the sparse large trees that would bring shade on a sunny day. Families of all sizes gathered here and there on the grass. Some trying to fly kites other playing ball. Some baseball games were taking place in adjoining baseball fields. All the way down the hill, the water... Understanding NYC water, i still found it extremely calming to see. The sun was not directly coming down on the water. It was just some light remaining for the late afternoon. It looked beautiful at that moment and it did to me what i needed. It calmed me down and helped me relax. Even little ducklings swam around the shore! How much more of a soothing image did i need? Not much more. It is nice to know that such places are still available to us here in the city. Sometimes we seem to forget that they are there for us to enjoy a bit of nature inside this concrete and steel jungle we live in. As most of us tend to look for enclosed venues to drown our stress in. As it is, i am currently envisioning a longer visit to this park to do something active or relaxing. Maybe play some sport, ride a bike or just a picnic. Actually, maybe one of these nights after work. Stop at the super market and get a few simple goodies and relax under a tree with my sweetheart. Some wine might not be a bad idea. On a side note. There are some nature related activities available for children there. I will be checking on them later on, my daughter might like some of them. Canoing, hiking and the like... Be active...

For my 100th review I want to share with you why Inwood Hill Park is one of the best and prettiest parks in New York! - 5 stars alone because it has the only natural, wild woods in all of Manhattan (which are great to hike in). - Aforementioned woods has caves (!) - Lots of wildlife, including woodpeckers, herons, snakes, etc. - Fantastic for picnicking, on the northeastern portion. Grassy knolls overlook the body of water where the Columbia crew team trains and you can see into Marble Hill/Riverdale. - The knolls are great for sledding on too! - Very family friendly - lots of baseball fields, makeshift soccer fields, handball courts (on the southern end), etc. - In the summer they have free Shakespeare in the park (no theater, just on the grass). - Great for jogging (on the perimeter). - You can grab a snack at Indian Road Cafe when you're done frolicking! What are you waiting for? Check it out if you're in the area!

Great park in the City! Good for jogging and foraging- check out Wildman Bill and his foraging tours throughout City parks. It just has a different feel to it compared to Central Park or even Riverside. This park is real (no Starbucks cups or open cookouts here). They also have tons of activities all year round. I also love going to Ft. Tryon. River views and quiet corners make this a great spot to bring lunch and just chill. Plus the Medieval Festival is here and well that just takes me back to my Ohio summers!

Great park to wander around. How many places in Manhattan can you pick raspberries? Damn few. This is one of them. You can also get a great view of the Hudson. Good luck finding that in Central Park. And beyond the playing fields and courts, this place is pretty empty. Highly recommend wandering through the park if you need to relax and get away from it all for a little bit.

Good for jogging, especially in the dawn hours of the morning. The joggers are content to let you go buy in companionable silence. The woods are gorgeous, and those who're social can sign up with Wild Man Steve Brlll for a foraging tour. There's some work going on to renovate a terraced area in the middle of the woods - stone benches that were falling apart were removed, and the pavement was broken up. The park still has woodsy parts to it - contrast to Fort Tryon Park which is the part of this area separated by Dykman street, and the home of The Cloisters Museum - Fort Tryon is manicured and posh. Inwood Hill is somewhat primal. Don't miss the salt marsh/tidal pond during cherry blossom season - there's great cherry tree with a wood bench looking out over the water. Perfect for sitting and holding hands with a loved one.

And don't forget the annual Drums Along the Hudson festival takes place in Inwood Hill Park. It's a officila NYC event. Usually the first Sunday in June - It's Free! And from 11am to 6pm one can attend a Pow Wow and performances of Drummers and Dancers from all over the world. There are also crafts and food vendors and special guests.

This is really a great park, and it's also pretty huge. I've not ventured much into the trails; I usually stick around the open areas. It can get packed, and VERY loud around the baseball fields. There's usually small teams of all ages playing there and the audience really gets into it. There's a small area called the "Island" or the "Peninsula" and you can barbecue there which is pretty cool. The Park Rangers there by the way are very friendly. The park can get crowded on the weekends but I've never had a hard time finding a spot to lay down and relax. One thing that I don't like is that they close most bathrooms by 4pm, even though the park remains open till' late so i guess they want you to get creative with your bathroom needs. By the way this park also had tennis courts that unfortunately are still under construction even though we're almost have way through the summer.

This park is fantastic. Probably the only place in Manhattan where you can find *real* nature...not some urban planning squareish park. During the day it's fantastic and it's not so bad dusk time either. Biggest complaint about going after dark would be those people who go there at night to drink and smash bottles. One of the best parts about Inwood Hill Park is the dog run. Homer's run (what it's called) is where we are the most (with our dog) Great dogs and great people!

Inwood Hill seems like a forgotten park, both by people and time. The forest here is overgrown with brambles at points and there are some very large trees. This is not a manicured park, and that's part of its charm. At one point there is a small fence with a break in it. This leads to a large rock, an observation point of sorts, where you have a sweeping view of the Hudson. It's beautiful, even if the cars whooshing down the West Side Highway below detract a bit from the bucolic scene. Three stars. I've seen better parks, but Inwood gets points for maintaining its natural aura while staying within Manhattan's bounds. That said, Fort Tryon probably pulls this off better.

I absolutely love this park. Growing up in Inwood I spent countless hours in this park, playing little league here, basketball, and riding my bicycle through rather challenging trails for a 12 year old. I am so glad that this park has been cleaned up, and I dfeel proud to be a strong supporter of this process. In the last week of June 2009, my organization will be hosting River Week 2009, a celebration of conservation and environmental awareness and progress. Naturally, the even will be taking place in the heart of Upper Manhattan parks, Inwood Hill. I can hardly help myself from jumping around in excitement as we continue the planning phase of the event. I hope to see everyone there!

March and April and great times to visit this park--all the bulbs and trees are blooming. Lots of paved walkways, usually lots of people and families so you feel safe. At 218th entrance you can see the tidal pools from the Harlem River, (Sometimes you get to see the Colombia athletes during their crew practice) and visit the Park Nature Center (bathrooms are here too) for information on local wildlife, some Saturday programs are available and occasionally free canoeing lessons. The highlight is the ongoing summer plays in the park-- Information is posted at Park Entrance.