Walking the High Bridge

The oldest standing bridge in New York City was built to carry water, not people. The High Bridge opened in 1848 to bring the Old Croton Aqueduct across the Harlem River, part of the first reliable water supply the city ever had, after fire and disease in the 1830s exposed the old wells and cisterns. It was closed for more than forty years before a community campaign won its reopening in June 2015, and it is now a pedestrian and bike path between Manhattan and the Bronx.

Start in Highbridge Park in Washington Heights, beside the granite water tower that has stood over the valley since 1872, and walk out over the river on the restored brick deck, with the old steel arch beneath you and the Harlem River Drive far below. Plaques along the way tell the aqueduct's story. Cross to the Bronx side, then come back for the view south. It is free. The park around it is steep and wooded, with cliffs and rock outcrops, so wear comfortable shoes.