Inwood Hill natural area

Dyckman St, Hudson River, Harlem River S

The 153 acres of natural areas within Inwood Hill Park contain old-growth forests, one of the few remaining salt marshes in Manhattan, and unique glacial geological formations. The majority of the park is thick, deciduous forest, with hiking and nature trails curving up the hill. The forest is home to impressive geological features, such as potholes (geologic depressions formed in rock as a result of glacial melting). In 2024, the Shorakapok Preserve within Inwood Hill Park was designated as part of the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Inwood Hill Park's forests contain mature red oak (Quercus rubra) and some of the largest tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) in the city. Much of the park stretches along dry hills whose slopes support a diversity of trees and an herbaceous understory. There is also a rich, moist valley between two rock ridges called The Clove. During the early spring, the valley is covered in wildflowers including downy yellow violet (Viola pubescens), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). The forest is also home to more than 150 species of birds, including hairy woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus villosus) and black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). The salt marsh is a good location for viewing wetland birds, such as great blue herons (Ardea herodias), great and snowy egrets (Ardea alba and Egretta thula), and belted kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon).

Inwood Hill Park is also special because it provides the opportunity to see evidence of Indigenous Peoples’ historical use. Humans have been present and actively engaging in the natural areas of New York City for at least 8,000 years. Along the eastern edge of the park, remains of dwellings have been found belonging to Indigenous Peoples which likely include ancestors of Lenape and Algonquian Peoples. A shell midden can also be found in the park, illustrating traditions of people eating shellfish at large collective summer gatherings after a winter of foraging within smaller groups. The Lenape and Algonquian Peoples relied upon and maintained areas along both the Hudson and Harlem Rivers as sources for food and artifacts. Archeological evidence of historical campfires were found in Inwood’s rock shelters, suggesting their use for shelter and temporary living quarters. In an effort to recognize and celebrate the cultural history and value of this park, NYC Parks is working with Lenape, Algonquian, and other Indigenous collaborators to co-host walks, plantings, and other events.