Jun 4, 2025

High Rock Park New York

Yes, there is hiking in NYC!

""High Rock Park" is a magical place in NYC where you can hear the sounds of birds calling rather than car horns & see tree branches instead of tel. poles."

What if I told you there is a spot in New York City where you can hear the sound of birds calling rather than car horns, and see tree branches reaching to the sky instead of telephone wires? Yes, a place like this exists, and it is called High Rock Park. Here, even in one of the largest cities in the world, you can be completely surrounded by nature.

High Rock Park is part of Staten Island's Greenbelt, a chain of parks and forest area that extends nearly 3,000 acres across Staten Island. The Greenbelt Headquarters are located in High Rock Park. I recommend stopping by to meet the urban park rangers and pick up a trail map. 

The great thing about High Rock Park is that there are so many trails, giving you so many ways to enjoy the park. For families with kids, I recommend the asphalt-paved path to the right of the parking lot. The path loops around some beautiful wooded areas and leads to a family visitor center.

My personal favorite trail goes around the large central pond. The peaceful views and gradual hills provide enough of a challenge, while keeping me in a peaceful mood so I can look out for interesting wildlife like deer, owls and blue herons. 

If you're looking for even more of a challenge, I recommend taking the climb to the top of Mt. Moses. From the top of the 260-ft hill, you'll see panoramic views above the treetops. 

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Nevada Avenue 200

US$

free

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Monumental Women

Central Park Monument Representing Real Women

"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 14, 2025

Der Krung

Best Thai spot in town

"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Christian

Neely

Jul 14, 2025

Apthorp Cleaners

Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 13, 2025

Taco Mix

Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Dinastia

Cuban - Chinese

"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem

Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

NYC Pride March

The Greatest Show on Earth!

This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite New York

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Filters