Riverdale Park Hiking Trails

Riverdale Park, found on the western edge of the Bronx, is a natural wonder in a busy city. With about 50 acres of forest, the park is a haven for dozens of species of birds, including the screech owl. The trails always offer spectacular views, and are at their most magical just before sunset, as light fades over the Hudson River.

Red Trail: The red trail loop is easily accessible from the parking lot at Spaulding Lane and the entrance into the park at West 254th Street. At just under a mile long, it offers hikers views of the Hudson River through the shading mature canopy trees along the western ridge of this Forever Wild Preserve while also passing through a small pine grove and mature oak-hickory forest.

Blue Trail: The blue trail is a short 0.6 miles hike through a red oak-, tulip tree-dominated forest with varying sloping terrain. Beginning just north of West 232nd Street, a scenic viewpoint is located 0.20 miles down the trail. A semi-enclosed viewing platform was erected here in 2016, creating a space to overlook the Hudson River and the steep cliffs of the Palisades on the opposite side.

Interactive Map

Download the Riverdale Park Trail Guide.

Points of Interest

Monument Alder Brook

The Alderbrook stream and surrounding wetland are located just south of the Spaulding Lane Parking lot.

View Monument Alder Brook on the map

Scenic Viewing Platform

A semi-enclosed viewing platform was erected here in 2016, creating a space to overlook the Hudson River and the steep cliffs of the Palisades on the opposite side.

View Scenic Viewing Platform on the map