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New York City, New York / Parks and outdoors

Inwood Hill Park

A 196-acre wilderness sanctuary in Northern Manhattan, featuring the borough's last natural old-growth forest, glacial caves, and diverse birdlife along the Hudson River.

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What is Inwood Hill Park known for?

It is known for containing Manhattan's last natural forest and salt marsh, as well as the only old-growth forest in Manhattan. The park is also a prime spot for birdwatching, attracting over 150 species of birds, including bald eagles.

Where is the park located?

Inwood Hill Park is a 196-acre public park located in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan, situated at Dyckman Street by the Hudson River and Harlem River South.

Is the park currently open?

The site is currently closed for reconstruction, with an anticipated reopening in 2028.

What activities can I do there?

Visitors can use the hiking trail and the Hudson River Bike Trail. The park also features athletic fields, playgrounds, dog runs, and a barbecue area.

What is the history of the park?

Officially opened on May 8, 1926, the park contains traces of pre-Revolutionary European colonies and Native American encampments. During the Depression, WPA workers built its roads and trails.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Inwood Hill Park is a 196-acre public park located in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan, situated between the Hudson River and the Harlem River South. It is officially operated by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and officially opened on May 8, 1926. During the Great Depression, WPA workers expanded the park's accessibility by building roads and trails. The park is renowned for containing Manhattan's last natural forest and salt marsh, which serves as a critical habitat for over 150 species of birds. Visitors can explore a landscape shaped by shifting glaciers, which left behind dramatic caves, valleys, and ridges. This rugged terrain provides an enduring glimpse of Manhattan's ancient past, offering a stark contrast to the urban environment of the surrounding city. Beyond its natural beauty, the park preserves historical traces of Native American encampments and pre-Revolutionary European colonies. It also integrates modern recreational facilities, including the Hudson River Bike Trail, athletic fields, playgrounds, dog runs, and a barbecue area. The park also hosts cultural events, such as free summer theater performances by the Shakespeare Sports Theatre Company on Pats Lawn.

Visitor tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the park attracts over 150 species of birds.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the trails and exploring the glacial caves and ridges.
  • Check for current closures, as some sites within the park are closed for reconstruction until 2028.

Nearby context

Located at the northernmost tip of Manhattan, Inwood Hill Park serves as a sprawling natural buffer between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, providing a wilder, more secluded atmosphere than the typical Manhattan park.

Sources

Evidence and links