New York County High Point Trip Report

Date: November 11, 2001
Author: Fred Lobdell

The northern area, listed in Andy Martin's book as "1000 feet south of The Cloisters", is better known as Fort Tryon Park. Dan Case feels that the highest area is manmade. Mike Schwartz feels it may well be natural. After careful consideration, I umm, uh, well, agree. Regardless of whether it is natural or manmade, it is well worth a visit. It is in a good neighborhood and the views are great. There is a good view of the Palisades across the Hudson, the Tappan Zee Bridge can be seen north up the Hudson River, and the Bronx Whitestone Bridge can be seen to the east.

The southern area is in Bennett Park, which contains a small outcrop of bedrock that sports a plaque proclaiming it to be the highest natural ground in Manhattan. A recent addition is a 4-foot high chain link fence that prevents easy access to the grassy center area and the rock outcrop. A sign informed us that the area will be closed for "several seasons" in order to permit the grass to regenerate. The outcrop is along the west side of this fence. If you hop the fence here, you will be able to step directly onto the rock, walk around on it, and return to the sidewalk without damaging a single blade of grass.