Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse. CC license CPW View
Now is a great time to enjoy scenic walks along the waterways. One of the best that New York has to offer is through Fort Washington Park along the banks of the Hudson River in Washington Heights. Spectacular views of the river, well-kept lawns and gardens and several cultural attractions make it a perfect place to spend the day.
To experience the full length of the park, start at the southern tip of the Fort Washington Park Greenway at 158th St. You can bike or walk your way north using the path that runs along the Hudson*. As you progress, you will find yourself high above the rest of Manhattan on riverside cliffs that offer outstanding views across the river to the Palisades mountains, as well as a great vantage point to look south on the bustle of Manhattan. The enormous George Washington Bridge, built in 1931, is your constant companion on this route, allowing you to appreciate the amazing details of the steel-cable structure.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for some of the wildlife that lives or stops in Fort Washington park along their migratory routes. You might see a Peregrine falcon, the majestic bird of prey known for its speed that has made a triumphant return from the endangered list, or Monarch butterflies on their way back from wintering in Mexico.
As you approach the bridge at 178th Street and the Hudson, you will find the only lighthouse in Manhattan. The lighthouse was built in1880 and moved to the bank of the Hudson in 1921. It is officially called Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse, but is better know as the, “Little Red Lighthouse” since its feature in a Hildegarde Swift children’s book in 1942. By 1947 it was clear that the George Washington Bridge and its many lights made the Little Red Lighthouse obsolete and it was decomissioned. But its historical importance for New York City history continues. The lighthouse has been restored and is open to the public for tours led by Urban Park Rangers.
After you’ve paid homage to the Little Red Lighthouse, continue on the Hudson river path north past the bridge and you will soon find yourself in Fort Tryon Park. You will have to move inland to reach the central area of the park but it is well worth the hike. Once there, you will be taken with the colorful and well-maintained walking garden set against the silhouette of The Cloisters Museum, a medieval monastery replica constructed in the 1930’s which includes pieces from several authentic European medieval churches and monasteries. This architecturally impressive space is home to an outstanding collection of medieval art and antiquities from Europe and is a sister museum to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s hard to believe you’re still in Manhattan as you walk the grounds. An added bonus is that Suggested Admission includes same-day entrance to the main branch of the Met.
If you are feeling adventurous after you’ve appreciated the many splendors of the parks, lighthouse and Cloisters, you can head back down to the Hudson River to find the very end of Fort Washington Park at the Dyckman Marina, all the way west on Dyckman St. at the foot of the Hudson. The Dyckman Marina is a humble and fairly quiet place with great views and a place to park your boat. Although still relatively small, it was reconstructed and expanded in 1987 to include a fishing pier, docks and restaurant space. There were a couple of very lively Latin cafe-bars that occupied the restaurant space on the man-made beach, most notably the Tubby Hook Café, but sadly it is empty and run-down now. As you conclude your visit to Fort Washington Park, it’s a dramatic contrast to the privileged world of The Cloisters. But from either viewpoint, the Hudson River and Fort Washington Park have an undeniable natural beauty that always remains.
*Be sure to check the signs for detours as there were Winter closures on this route.
See some of Bianca's other NY articles
Waterfront restaurants for Mother's Day in every New York City borough
Go ahead and hate it: staying in New York City for your vacation
Free Tours of New York City's Wetlands Preserves
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