The High Bridge

Bridge · New York County

The High Bridge

Bridge · New York County

1

Harlem River Dr, New York, NY 10033, USA

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The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The High Bridge by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The High Bridge by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The High Bridge by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The High Bridge by Avoiding Regret (Sandi Hemmerlein)
The High Bridge by http://www.nycgovparks.org/
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null
The High Bridge by null

Highlights

High Bridge, New York City’s oldest bridge, is a stunning steel arch walk connecting Manhattan and the Bronx, boasting breathtaking views of the Harlem River.  

Harlem River Dr, New York, NY 10033, USA Get directions

nycgovparks.org

Information

Static Map

Harlem River Dr, New York, NY 10033, USA Get directions

+1 212 639 9675
nycgovparks.org

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Last updated

Jul 7, 2025

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@atlasobscura

"High Bridge is a steel arch bridge that spans the Harlem River, connecting New York City’s Manhattan and The Bronx. The bridge was completed in 1848, nearly 11 years after construction began, and stands 140 feet high and over 2,000 feet long. The height of the bridge was a decision of the New York Legislature, who worried that a low bridge would obstruct boat traffic, so they ultimately decided that a higher, more expensive bridge was necessary. High Bridge was built in 1848 as part of the Croton Aqueduct, New York City’s first reliable and plentiful water supply system, which carried water 10 miles south of the Croton River. The aqueduct had to cross the Harlem River at some point along its route south, so the Water Commission decided it best to utilize a bridge to do so. In 1928, most of the historic masonry arches that spanned the river were demolished and replaced with a single steel arch of about 450 feet in length, to create space under the bridge for easier boat navigation. However, several of the arches still remain on each side - one on the Manhattan side and ten on the Bronx side. City officials considered closing the bridge in the mid-1960s, nearly 120 years after its initial construction, because of disrepair. However, the bridge was not closed until 1970, when a pedestrian threw a rock from the bridge and damaged a tour boat. In 2009, the city began preliminary planning to restore the High Bridge as a pedestrian and bicycle greenway. After years of restoration efforts, costing over $60 million, the bridge was reopened to the public in June of 2015. The fresh new bridge walk is modern and inviting, although the same can only somewhat be said of the sprawling park land beneath the span. Highbridge Park continues to be an unwieldy and often neglected urban nature spot with illegal dumping and overgrowth, and homelessness still an issue. However, efforts are underway to restore the park itself, with invasive species being slowly (and literally) weeded out and new facilities such as a skate park being installed. With luck, it won’t take decades for the park to catch up with the bridge above it." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

New York City's Most Accessible Abandoned Ruins
View Postcard for The High Bridge

Nils Paellmann

SerpAPI
One of New York City's grandest bridges built as an aqueduct in 1848. Usage to deliver water to Manhattan ceased in 1949. It is now an amazing foot and bicycle bridge with fantastic views of the Harlem River and the city beyond.

yahaira franco

SerpAPI
I can always say is amazing how peaceful and beautiful is this place. Highbridge is hidden paraside in the Bronx that everyone must come and enjoy. I just love Highbridge!

jose zero

SerpAPI
lots of history to research. great views. nice park surrounding the tower. lots of stairs on the bronx side.

Joan sosa

SerpAPI
It use to be a nice trail, the entrance of the bridge was vandalized with grafity, people throwing garbage, broken glass, high speed motorcycle almost running over anyone trying to enjoy the walk, history being ruined by a bunch of ignorants, bild in 1884 ruined in 2022

darren mcnelis

SerpAPI
Great 1836 restored high foot bridge from Bronx to Manhattan. Beautiful water tower in Manhattan side. Bronx side covered in trash and people smoking crack in their cars. Didn’t used to be as sketchy. Watch the motorized bikes zipping by as you walk over the river.

gabriel rosado

SerpAPI
I used to drive in the highway or freeway and could see that this place was attractive view but I never stop by standing and watch there. But finally, i was walking on the high bridge and could see many highways or freeways and a lot of trees, Harlem River, nice big sky with clouds within this area, historic bridge and two buildings.

Davis D. Janowski

SerpAPI
I've paddled under the High Bridge many times, it reminds me of old Roman aqueducts found in Europe. With the exception of the steel replacement middle span for accommodating ships passing under it and transiting the Harlem Ship Canal, its stone arches remain intact from 1848 when it was completed (construction began in 1837). The steel span was erected in 1927.

Yao Konswadasal

SerpAPI
Of all the old bridges around New York, it's hard to pick one being better than the other. But this, this bridge is close to being one of the best. You certainly won't find as many tourists here as you probably would at other spots. Come visit, it's a nice bridge.