Highland Park Hiking Trails

Highland Park sits on a high plateau on the Brooklyn-Queens border, part of a ridge formed by the Wisconsin ice sheet’s terminal moraine. This elevation made the plateau a perfect site for providing water to the growing population of Brooklyn via the Ridgewood Reservoir from 1858 until the last basin was phased out in 1989. Today, much like in the nearby Forest Park, the elevation provides views of the nearby cemeteries and neighborhoods of the Jamaica Plains and as far as the Atlantic Ocean, especially when leaves are off the trees. The abandoned reservoir basins have also become natural areas, and the elevated bike path surrounding them provides a unique vantage point into growing forests from above.

Brooklyn Queens Greenway: This route is suitable on foot or bicycle. Beginning from the parking lot on Vermont Place, cross the street and ascend the stairs or ramp. Continue right along the Brooklyn Queens Greenway. To your left, you can look into the native forests growing in Basin 3. If you are travelling on foot, after a half mile, you have the option to turn left and walk on the path between the basins, allowing a closer look at the remaining pond. Otherwise, the full loop is about 1.6 miles long.

Basin Walk: From the southwest corner of the parking lot on Vermont Place, head west, deeper into the park. Continue straight into the more natural area of the park. After about a quarter mile, you will pass over the old stone bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right, then stay left to reach an overlook with several benches. This is a beautiful spot to pause and take in the wetland below. As you continue your walk, turn left and then right to finish the loop, or you can continue straight ahead and proceed down the stairs to walk in the lower sections of the basin. Otherwise, the full loop is approximately half a mile long.

Interactive Map

Points of Interest

Old Stone Bridge

The Old Stone Bridge was built as part of the original landscaping of Highland Park in 1902. Locals referred to it by many names, including “Boulder Bridge”, “Stone Bridge”, and “Cobblestone Bridge”. By any name, it immediately became a popular place to visit and photograph. The bridge was resurfaced and rehabilitated in 2016-2017.

View Old Stone Bridge on the map

Reservoir Overlook

The Ridgewood Reservoir was an important water source for the growing population of Brooklyn from 1858-1959. Some infrastructure, including gate houses and sealed pipes remain visible from various points around the path. The outer basins were drained, and they have become a unique opportunity to watch forest succession. The central basin still contains water. The area has become an important part of the Atlantic Flyway, the spring and fall migratory path for birds. Over 151 species have been spotted in the park. In 2013, the walkway, historic fencing, and overlooks, along the west causeway were restored and the path was seeded with native grasses and wildflowers.

View Reservoir Overlook on the map

Dawn of Glory Statue

The Dawn of Glory Statue, created by Italian-American sculptor Pietro Montana (1890–1978) was unveiled on July 13, 1924. The sculpture depicts a larger than life, half-clothed male figure with face turned skyward as he disrobes. It is meant to act as the physical embodiment of the spirit of local community members who served in World War I in 1917-1918 as well as the glory in the hereafter. The sculpture’s unveiling was witnessed by a reported 10,000 people, with a salute from the 106th Infantry. The sculpture underwent renovation in 1936, and again in the summer of 2001, when it was repainted, waxed, and the base was cleaned.

View Dawn of Glory Statue on the map

Highland Park Children's Garden

This .9-acre community garden, located at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Ashford Street, is over 100 years old. A children’s farm managed by the Board of Education operated on the site from 1907 until the 1960s. In 1989 local students, volunteers, and members of the Cornell Cooperative Extension pitched in to clean up the site, which was overgrown with weeds and littered with trash. The first harvest came in the summer of 1990. Today, the garden holds 30 plots, compost and rain harvesting areas, and hosts educational programs and events.

View Highland Park Children's Garden on the map

Hiking in NYC Parks

Visit our Hiking in NYC Parks page to find more nature trails in parks across New York City.