Nice neighborhood park in upper Manhattan. Had a chance to check it out during my recent marathon long training run and ran around it for a few miles. Some nice views here. Tree lined walkways. Relaxing. read more

Highbridge Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

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Took a nice walk a week ago. We started in the northest tip, at Dyckman street, you first go up a hill, it's very woody, many squirrels and birds, not many people, reasonably clean, feels like you are far away from new york city. The harlem river drive is very far below and also, since you are north of the GWB, it is not so busy. Then there is a large pedestrian path going south, amazingly pleasant, until you get to the Washington Bridge, then you need to go out of the park, the park is not at all maintained there, so you cross the bridge just slightly west of the park, and re enters the park south of the bridge, where the water tower stands, and you can cross the highbridge itself to the bronx, which we did and I recommend it. We walked all the way down to 145th street, There is another park between 155th and 145th street, Jackie Robinson Park , we walked by it on Edgecombe avenue, it was very nice ! read more

A recommended park to visit, only if you are in the neighborhood! Highbridge park is a long stretch park (170 St - 177St) with different entrances along Amsterdam Ave. The best entrance is the 172nd St- it will lead to the pedestrian bridge that connects Manhattan and Bronx. It is nice how the NYc.gov designed it to be a relaxing and interesting spot to visit. You'll see a good view of Uptown , the Harlem River and the Hudson River from this bridge. it sits above the Metro Train rail tracks, the Harlem Driveway and the Cross Bronx Expressway. It has interesting historical information laid out for visitors. The bridge is open only till 8 PM but the park itself is until 11 PM. . There is the 173rd St entrance to the Olympic size pool. It currently open for the summer season. There are different entrances of the park that will lead to baseball fields, picnic areas, soccer/basketball courts, recreation center etc. There are 5 free rechargeable phone station installed within the park premises. It is difficult to find parking in the neighborhood. We found one about 5 blocks away. I'll recommend to take a public transportation to be here. read more

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This is a review of the mountain biking trails in Highbridge Park only. I have been getting back into mountain biking as of late and I wanted to go check out the only official mountain biking trail in the city. Highbridge Park would have easily become somewhere I could bike after work if I had a pleasant experience. Needless to say, I did not. Highbridge Park is situated on a large slope right by Dykeman. There are two different entrances, one on Dykeman and one on Fort George Ave. My friend and I started on the Dykeman entrance and it quickly became very sketchy. The trailhead map was there but no clear direction or posts near any of the trail breaks. The trail itself was littered with trash and needles all over the place. There was even just a filled travel luggage that looked like someone just threw it in the forest. Since none of the trails are really marked, it was really hard to tell what was a path and what wasn't. It looked like there used to be some cool log sections but those have all been burnt up by the homeless living in the forest. After getting confused a final time, my friend and I decided to make our way up the hill to the dirt jump track and the upper trails. The dirt jump track was a bit nicer and the trails nearby seemed a bit cleaner, but there was still some parts that had pieces of broken glass jutting out. There was a nice section of single track jumps that we were able to get some practice on. There was also a nice section of trails that seemed to lead to a great 4 foot drop, but I'm nowhere near that good to be making that kind of commitment. Plus if I crashed and fell, there would be the risk of getting pricked by some random needles in the ground. I think in general, I won't ever make my way back to Highbridge Park to go biking. I think that the risks are just too damn high. I think I could have dealt with the trails being short but I think that the hazards along the trail are not worth the risk. read more

It was a beautiful walkway with a very nice view. I had tried to go once before but they close it at dark so I had to try again earlier. Wish they kept it open all night. Had benches too - would be a nice place to sit and hang on a summer night read more

Highbridge Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Plenty of green in this vast park overlooking the Harlem River. You can walk along this green space through a lower trail closer to the water, and a higher path in the woods. The obvious highlight is the High Bridge, originally built in 1848 (35 years before the Brooklyn Bridge), and only recently reopened as a pedestrian walkway (2015). It's a pleasant stroll, with wide views over the Harlem River. The bridge connects the park with the Highbridge neighborhood in The Bronx. As you walk from east to west, you can see the dramatic High Bridge Water Tower in front of you. The bridge is very much worth a trip to this area. You won't be disappointed. read more

Unbelievable park. 1) The best entrance is at 172nd street. It will take you to the heart of the park. 2) The Highbridge Park is home to the Highbridge, the oldest bridge in NYC; built in 1848 to serve horse carriages. Also home to Highbridge Tower, which supplied water to the people of early NYC. 3) Shocked this park is not more popular. read more

Highbridge Park - Highbridge and Tower - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

A great park! You have to enter from 172nd Street to be able to see the tower up close and access the Bridge that crosses over to the Bronx. This bridge used to be where the Croton Aqueduct brought fresh water from upstate into the City. There are a few existing manhole covers that pays homage to the city's history with Croton. In any case, the pedestrian bridge itself looks like an aqueduct, with small arches underneath. You have a fantastic, albeit far away view of Midtown. The best view is about 2/3 of the way toward the Bronx side. You have the train yard and express ways below you. Directly ahead of you is Midtown in the distance. read more

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This park Blew. My. Mind. It's an urban hiking trail in upper Manhattan. I learned a lot of things about how NYC got water supplied yo it before modern piping. read more

It's basically all in the name. It feels like you're in ancient Roman territories with giant aqueducts towering over everything else. Probably one of the more picture worthy things north of Central Park. read more

Amazing huge outdoor pool! Great for tanning and swimming. Come early before the neighborhood teenagers show up and its gets really packed. Make sure to bring a lock for the lockers. However, later on in the day the pool water does get contaminated with large amounts of hair which is kind of gross. Also the paint on the bottom of the pool cracks off so I would not suggest walking on it. The reason I like the pool is mostly for its size and its location outdoors which I am used to being from California and it allows me to gain some color while exercising :D read more

Cool park that will be helped immensely given the reopening of the namesake bridge to pedestrians. FYI featured on PBS city concealed read more

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This is, well was, my neighborhood park. Growing up in Washington Heights was a lot of fun and very dangerous. Being a child of the late 80's and early 90's meant that I was just in time for the crack epidemic AND the influx of Dominican immigrants to the neighborhood and Highbridge pool is where we all came together. It used to be total chaos, being the only respite from a NYC Summer, people would stand in line for nearly an hour trying to get in. Hooligans would break into your lockers to steal your sneakers so some carried their clothes out to the pool area. Some people would walk right into the pool area w/ all of their clothes on and jump in w/ sneakers and all. There would be floating diapers in the children's pool and fights would break out while waiting to use the diving board in the 10 feet area. People would have radios blasting the latest rap song or Salsa. But that was then... now the park is all cleaned up, the pool is opened only in sessions: morning and afternoon. It is still very popular with the local teenagers but the bathrooms are clean, the lockers are secure, everyone has to wear bathing suits (they check to make sure there is a lining in all suits). People picnic, play and smoke blunts in the park. A good time is had by all. Behind the pool there's this area where teenagers can be found puffing an L, making out and you can too, all while enjoying the view of the East River and the Highbridge Tower (which my mom said is haunted by the ghost of a woman who killed herself by jumping off the bridge and if you look closely you can see her looking at you... spooooky.) It's come a long way but that's a testament to the neighborhood, it's come a loooooooong way from what it once was and while some people like to talk smack about it being ghetto... in comparison to what it used to be... it's almost suburb like! read more

***REVIEW FOR SWIMMING POOL*** It's August. And even though the days are still long and hotter than ever, there's a feeling of time catapulting towards the end of the season just as sure as a dried leaf falls towards the ground. This inevitability puts a nostalgic and romantic sepia filter over everything...the perfect conditions under which to visit this park and pool. Any outsider to the Washington Heights area will notice a general feeling of quiet and safety that might not always have graced the streets. The only neighborhood-specific novelties a visitor may find 'round these parts are slow stares from stoops, Latin music blaring from boomboxes that never went out of style, and busted fire hydrants blasting thick arcs of water over, down, and across the hot city streets. As you head East, the flat grids of gum-spotted concrete yield to rolling green hills of an historic and aristocratic air. But planted on the uphill entrance of Highbridge Park is one of the most egalitarian institutions of New York City: the public pool. The castle-like building is essentially a facade. Pool goers are admitted via gender segregated lines (probably more because of the location of the locker facilities than because of any bias, but still surprising). The path then leads not into the castle, but to an annex that has the classic shoebox sized metal lockers (but magically fits an LL Bean Backpack with a 15.4 inch laptop in it), and then two giant, shaded changing areas with hooks on the walls and absolutely nowhere to lay your stuff or your ass down on anything other than a dry gravel floor. This design is actually genius, because it means there's no conflict over space whatsoever. People just line up by the walls, wriggle out of their clothes and into suits, spray or slather their babies with sunblock, and hightail it towards the lockers rather than sitting around, talking, or spreading out their wet or dirty possessions, swimgear, or other miscellaneous human residue all over the place. Since no one wants to set anything on the dusty ass ground, that surface is whistle clean, and psychologically soothing. People pretty much use the indoor space only to take their requisite shower in the dank, tiled area and then rapidly advance towards the two giant pools with concrete bleachers of Roman proportions off to the side. A park employee was cleaning the first pool, but the second pool was in full swing. As the 5th WPA pool built by Robert Moses and company in 1936, this one is appropriately gigantic. What makes it really stand out, though, other than a bird's eye view over North Manhattan and the presence of a fancy tower overhead, is the magnificent DEEP END. This deep end is 10 or more feet deep, and is as long and wide as an Olympic sized pool...or larger. I couldn't get over the fact that there was this humumgous deep end, and that anyone and everyone was allowed to cannonball into it...with no one stopping them, which means less shrieking of the lifeguards' redundant (but oh-so-necessary) whistles. I'm not sure this exists anywhere, let alone in a public facility. The metal rail around the perimeter of the deep section was probably put up there to deter running approaches by kids wanting to get more air before plunging in over people's heads. But everyone jumps anyway. Somehow, kids, teens, and even adults of all shapes and sizes find ways to sit on the tiny space between the metal rail and the pool's edge, spectating, socializing, and sporadically jumping in as the fancy strikes. Underwater, one can escape from virtually all sound and heat, observing other kids doing the same thing (see, kids aren't ALL loud...), suspended in the liquid at neutral buoyancy as if in a stasis. Far overhead, packs of boys spontaneously race like teams of fish across the width of the pool while onlookers cheer. Of course, collisions happened a couple times, but it wasn't until I found a couple bruises and scratches later that I even really noticed. Compared to other pools, there weren't many people in the water at all; most of the attendees chose to dwell in the even larger roped off shallow session, wading with toddlers, chickenfighting, and pushing off the reassurance provided by the solid pool floor four feet below the surface. Additional things to note about this pool are the clearness of the water and, judging by an accidental taste, low salt and chlorine content. Huge plus, even if you don't plan on sipping the water. I went to this pool as a part of my "go to every pool - and I mean every pool" project...but unlike the case with many others, I would gladly go out of my way on the surprisingly fast A-train to just escape into the fantasmagorical deep end again in this ideal public pool in an idyllic setting. From what I could see, the park would also be worth checking out when the pool shuts and the weather cools. read more

Might be a nice park but there's no real maintenance on the trails. Garbage, syringes, and homeless encampments all over the place. If you're a woman, don't come out here alone. The trails are winding and isolated and there's no map or call/assist booth. Always be safe and travel with a buddy. Jog at the riverside park by the Hudson River, where it's more open and more people around. read more

This park is very dangerous! Was walking along the path behind the playground from 187th to 190th streets taking pics of the view from the 'rock' on the Washington Heights show. When I I left heading up path I stumbled upon a crowd of guys(dealers or a gang), teenagers to about early 20's who were doing drugs on a lower path that connects there, I hurried as they yelled and one of them picked up a big stick and chased me out of the park! No one was around and when I called the police they never showed up in time. I was really scared, I'd be really careful, this park hasn't changed much. It was always really bad when we lived on 172nd & Amsterdam, I'm glad we moved up to Inwood. read more

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After hearing (and seeing) such good reviews and photos for the newly re-opened high bridge park, I knew I had to visit. We went on the late morning of a nice Saturday. Getting there was straight forward. There are a few entrances to the park, but the main one is about 173rd street and Amsterdam avenue. Parking there is an absolute nightmare. Lots of apartment buildings in the area, so all of the street parking spots are gone. I would imagine this is the case throughout the day, no matter what time you decide to visit. We were lucky and park on a "No Parking M-F" street, after circling around for about 10 minutes or so. There were some events going on at the park on the day we went. I think it was sponsored by some insurance company who were promoting healthcare insurance options for NYC residents. The park itself has a few play areas as well as a large pool. We did not get to enjoy the pool, from from what it looks like, the pool seemed very well kept and clean. To get the high bridge itself, you go behind the park and down quite a few steep stairs. It took a while for people to get up and down, especially children and older people. The steps were quite steep, but had two 6x8' ish landings. I also saw that bikers took a path with a hill which makes you avoid the steps all together, but the path a good distance. At the bottom of the steps you walk a bit to the left and there you see the bridge. It was a beautiful site. High bridge tower um....towers over you. Lovely views of the east river both looking north and south. Looking north you can see the highways including 95, harlem river drive on the left and the Metro North railroad tracks to the right. There are fences along the full length of the bridge, which was god to see. Midway through the bridge it a sign that reads "Welcome To.." either Manhattan or The Bronx. The other side of the bridge of course was The Bronx which seemed to be like a small park, though I didn't explore too much on that side. I would highly recommend anyone to visit the park and the bridge. Breathtaking views and no fees. Public transportation might be a good option though due to the parking difficulty. I know the A, C, and 1 trains stop at 168th street at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, which is about 6-8 blocks from the entrance to the park. Lastly be careful, the park is lovely, but the area is not the best at times. I was pretty comfortable in the middle of the day on Saturday, surrounded by police (probably for the events taking place there that day), but I would not feel comfortable returning in the dark. I mean my camera screams "steal me", so as much as I would love to return for some evening photos of the beautiful city light reflecting off the water, I would very very hesitant. Having a finance who was raised in the area who also gave me a heads up on the dangers. Don't be deterred, just cautious and use a little common sense. read more

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This is my spot for a great run! I love the idea of running from The Bronx to Manhattan in less than 5 min and vice versa. read more

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Amazing bridge and tower but surrounding neighborhood depressing and meh! No open restrooms in winter! We spoke to Parks Dept Security and they said nearest restroom Van Cortland Park! Ve ry far walk if you have to go! read more

The pedestrian bridge for which the park is named is now reopened, offering amazing views, cool breezes, and a geeky outing for all you civil engineers and local history buffs. Highbridge was an engineering marvel when it opened in the 19th century, part of a system designed to bring much-needed fresh water into a growing Manhattan. Those pipes are no longer part of our water supply, but the paved walkway above them remains, just as much of a draw for shoppers, bikers, skateboarders, joggers, and tourists as it once was for genteel folks in their hoop skirts and top hats. The reno comes complete with accessible ramps at both ends, benches, and round markers embedded in the bricks illustrating Highbridge's history. The view is half gritty transportation network (the GWB, the Deegan, a MetroNorth train yard, a spaghetti bowl of interlocking on- and off-ramps) and half placid Harlem River boat traffic (the Circle Line, mostly). It's not lovely, but it sure is interesting. The approach from the Bronx side is via 170th Street (an uphill walk from the 4 train); the entrance is right in front of Samaritan Village, through a small park. There's much more to see on the Manhattan side: the (locked-tight) water tower and a steep staircase to the park above (there's also a pathway that takes longer but is easier on the legs). Close to the 1, A, and C trains, that park is somewhat bedraggled, but features a massive Robert Moses-built public pool (the repurposed 19th-century reservoir!), a couple of benches, and some (mostly) baffling modern sculpture. read more

Mountain bike trails need severe help. Broken glass, syringe tops, basic homeless encampments are all around the lower trails. Run flat pedals. Huge help. read more

There is a solid pool scene in this park. The entrance to pool is on 173rd street. There is someone that checks your bag before you can enter. No food or beverages other than water is allowed in. Once you've cleared bag check there is an outdoor locker area when you must lock up EVERYTHING except your towel. No cellphones, tablets, magazines allowed in the pool area. Then you're asked to "rinse off" in the showers before entered the pool. There are two Olympic sized pools and concrete step seating along the north side for laying out. What the pool is lacking is chaise lounge chairs. In summary it's a good place to cool off on a cool day, but they run a tight ship. read more

I'm going to walk there today to check it out. A couple in my building recommended it last year but I never ventured out to find it, being too busy moving in and getting acclimated to the new area. I live in Washington Heights -- it definitely seemed like a ghetto when I moved here, having moved from Maine, and my boyfriend from a prestigious neighborhood. But, I have not had a bit of trouble while living here, and new stores and restaurants are moving in all the time. The buildings near me have been getting facelifts, showing off the gorgeous architecture this are was once known for, staging is being removed, making a huge difference in the appearance of the neighborhood, and trees have been planted all along my street. The realtor said it was an up and coming area, and I have already seen that to be true. I love all the parks nearby and hope this pool will be an even greater plus. We were planning on only living here a year or so, but are now thinking about renewing our lease when it comes up. I will let you know how it goes! (I had to rate it in order to submit, so I'm going to give it a four -- site unseen) read more

This park was a gem in a urban concrete jungle. It had graffiti in the skate park but it was not just graffiti. It was street art which i loved. They told stories and were pieces of art. Its a great place for the locals to hang out in. The downside is that its too dark and no security! read more

I came to this park early on Easter Sunday for a little stroll/exercise, and it was empty except for one person and a forest full of creatures. Among the blossoming trees and flowers were cardinals, woodpeckers, hawks, little bright yellow birds, snakes, snails and squirrels. It really was a beautiful day. read more

This park has seen a lot of improvements in the last couple of years, but it still has got no bathrooms. They used to at least have porta potties but they took those out. People pee and poop all over this place and there is all kinds of gross stuff in the woods. If you stay on the path you should be okay except for the occasional used condom or broken bottle. If you venture off the path though, all bets are off. Don't step on a needle, the place is still loaded with them. I give it three stars anyway because it is never really crowded and it really is a beautiful park with beautiful views. read more

A small hidden gem of a park in Washington Heights. You can catch several free Summerstage concerts here featuring Latin artists and enjoy a night of singing and dancing. It's not quite the setup in Central Park, but there are vendors on site selling foods popular in the neighborhood. Coming here for a show is great way to get a sense of the neighborhood and its people! read more

This is a review for the pool at Highbridge. Last time I went there was around 2012. I can say that I am amazed at the improvement that they have made to the pool and pool area. It looks amazing. They converted the old pools into 2 Olympic sized outdoor pools. You come in and they check your bags. You are required to bring a lock in order to get in. Admission to the pool is free. You can not bring beverages or food except for water. Once you are in, you are required to place all of your belongings except for your beach towel inside of the locker which is located outdoors. You have to change in their outdoor cabana style changing area before placing your belongings in the locker. Then you have to shower before entering pool area. There is some outdoor seating by the Northside but not enough lounge chairs by pool. I actually love what they have done. The staff is courteous & respectful. They had plenty of lifeguards on duty also park security. Everything is much more organized than it was years past. Also the people who attend this pool are very decent and not as rowdy as they used to be in the past. Pools are clean there is no trash. Will try to come here more often. This place is a hidden gem & makes me proud to be from the heights. read more

The Highbridge Tower is a New York gem. Find out when it is open to climb to the top, and GO!! The views are just magnificent! Go, be a real New Yorker, climb the Highbridge Tower!! And soon we will be able to walk the Highbridge!! read more

The actual pool here is quite nice, as is the park. However, the staff at the pool were very rough. They seem to assume that everyone coming in is trying to make trouble or break one of their many rules. Moreover, the new layout the other reviewers mention is such that it is impossible for families to stay in contact while entering (women enter two blocks away from men). I had a bottle for my baby, which they wouldn't let me bring in without proof of the baby (who went in with my wife). Before I could go and get her, though, I was forced to strip down and remove my underwear (YES, they check!), lock my shirt and bag and phone, take a shower, etc. All of that to walk to the side where the women come in. In the end, they refused to let my wife in at all--she had a pair of men's trunks and a sports bra instead of a "women's" swimsuit. She had no way of finding me or letting me know, short of yelling through the fence and hoping that I would see/hear her. Needless to say, we decided to just pack up and go home without swimming. Some of the silly rules are common to the NYC pool system...like the no underwear rule, which they tried to convince me was because of dye in cotton clothes (as if the dye in polyester swimming suits never runs!). I can live with that kind of silliness. My lasting memory of THIS pool, however, will be staff members yelling at everyone passing by, getting up in my face as I tried to find my family, and generally being unpleasant. I felt like I was in boot camp, or in junior high gym class. From the other reviews, I gather that there are historical reasons for them being so strict, but that isn't an excuse to treat everybody like a criminal. I won't step foot here again, which is a shame, since it's five minutes from our new place. I never had problems back down the road at Jackie Robinson Park pool. At least they treat you like an adult there, and make an effort to accommodate families. read more

I read the other reviews more as a reminiscence of days gone by. We left the Heights in the mid 60's and I have many memories of days in HIghbridge pool.. I can still hear the clink clink of my elastic-band locker tag around my ankle. This place was a saving grace for us city kids in those days before A.C. was a given. Lots of good memories --- enhanced recently by a wonderful movie called "Mad Hot Ballroom" ---following 5 grade dancers in a city wide ballroom competition. I won't say who won but I was thrilled. I remember the carillons playing from Highbridge Tower in the afternoon...apparently a bequest from someone. I don't know if that continues but it is yet another fond memory. I live far from NYC now but those days are always with me. read more

It's a nice neighborhood park, perfect for recreation, and it makes for a very nice walk up or down Edgecombe.

This is a review for the pool, not the park. The pool is great! It's huge, which means there's lots more space to stretch out or swim. Pros: huge plenty of shade if you don't want to sunbathe plenty of lockers a few lounge chairs if you're lucky enough to get one! we got in for free, for some reason Cons: there aren't actual locker rooms... just a changing area no grass-- must lay on concrete, which is not particularly comfy read more

A native manhattanite here and visited this park for the first time today. BEAUTIFUL!!!

I moved here two years ago and live down the street from the pool. This is the nicest neighborhood I've ever lived in for the 45 years I've been here. The Dominicans are warm, friendly people and the pool is now meticulously cared for, as is the whole park. They just installed two canopies for shade and renovated the whole exterior. Next year they will begin renovations on High Bridge itself - to the tune of $65 million. The whole neighborhood will change even more. I don't know what white folks have against Dominicans -- you couldn't ask for better neighbors! read more

great memories growing up in washington heights and sledding in the park, would love to visit soon

I love the park! It is very beautiful and you will see a lot of greenery. Not crowded . So if you want peace of mind go there and take a walk. It has a running track also, if you want to exercise. There is pool facility too. read more

My earliest memories include the morning I found out that Michael Farmer will stabbed to death by the Egyptian Kings. I lived right across the street on 174th and Amsterdam Avel. The park at one time was magnificant. Great hills for sledding. The pool had to be one of the biggest in the city. We use to sneak in at night and go swimming on one end. By the time someone noticed us they had to run around the pool which gave us plenty of time to hop the fence. I played baseball almost every day in the spring summer and fall in that park, mostly with the Puerto Rican men. I was the only kid allowed to play with them because I could hold my own. It was a great time and a great upbringing. Looking back I learned so much about diversity at an early age. Maybe 30% of my friends were Irish, maybe 15% of my friends were black, 25% were Puerto Rican, then there were the Greeks whose family owned the Greek diner and the Chinese kids whose family owned the Chinese Laundry. We slept with our doors unlocked. Then came the heroin epidemic of the 60's and things changed. Lots of great memories. I understand soon we will be able to walk the footbrige again( we always walked it as kids). I remember we would get down into the underground of the bridge and walk to the Bronx. We were never able to get into the tower but I understand that is soon going to be open. I went back to visit a few years back and everything looked so much smaller than I remember but the funny thing is, as white as I am I didn't feel at all threatened walking around and in some cases chatting it up with people. I will forever be greatful of all the lessons that neighborhood taught me. read more