Yes, it’s cold and it’s tempting to stay home and warm. However, when you have kids bouncing off the walls and a desire to stretch those legs yourself, it’s necessary to bundle up and head outside.
We were eager to go for a walk, but didn’t want to venture to far to have do so in a nature filled environment. Luckily we are very close to what is New York City’s oldest and last natural park, Inwood Hill Park. Off the A train on 207 street (the last stop uptown) and you are in the neighborhood of Inwood, neighbor to Washington Heights.
A short walk leads you into the wooded area of the park. Walk even deeper and you find yourself surrounded by oak, hickory, maples trees, now dormant but waiting to come to life at the Spring’s first signs. Acres and acres of raw, natural land for bird watchers, hikers, and natural lovers to enjoy.
We walked a few miles into the park, slowly stopping to check out the fallen trees, and make snowballs, climb rocks. The most wonderful thing about this walk was the silence. For a moment we forgot we were still in Manhattan. Absolute silence, and the sight of nothing but wooded areas was enough to make this a peaceful excursion and fun adventure.
In the Summer this is the place for even longer walks and hikes, picnics and events, even visits to the nearby Cloisters. But for now, if you are looking for an adventure that will help you move and enjoy some of the beauty nature has to offer, you don’t have to look to far. Just head north of Manhattan and into Inwood Hill park. I guarantee you will feel as if you took a few minutes out in the country.
