Hike the Heights 2024
A Celebration in High Bridge Park
Hike the Heights 20 will take place on June 1, 2024, which is National Trails day. Each year, the day is composed of hiking on the Giraffe Path followed by a community celebration in Highbridge Park. We are calling on everyone to promote the use of the Giraffe Path by organizing or joining a hike, joining us at the potluck in the park, and sharing it with us on social media! Together, let's revitalize our public spaces, strengthen community, spread joy, and hike toward a more equitable future!
How to join us:
Invite your friends and neighbors to walk together to your favorite park or public space in your neighborhood that brings you joy. If you're in New York City, we encourage you to hike along the Giraffe Path!
As you explore and celebrate your area's natural treasures, pay attention to how you feel, what you see, and what you hear walking through your neighborhood
Along the walk share stories and thank the people and places in your community that bring you joy and strength
Share your stories, photos, videos of your hike with us on social media and tag us in your posts
Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors, and invite them to join you or follow us on social media
When: Saturday June 1st, 2024 10am-3pm.
Where: Through your own neighborhood to your favorite park. If you're in our hood, join us on the Giraffe Path!
Why:
Foster a sense of pride among youth as they see the beauty in their communities
Build a deeper sense of connection to the neighborhood and public parks and create a sense of neighborhood and park ownership
Promote healthy living by encouraging residents to walk together and
Strengthen the bonds between communities and their beautiful public spaces
Provide residents with an opportunity to meet new people
Increase community investment in neighborhood and park stewardship
Our Annual Community Potluck and Celebration
As hikers arrive in the Sunken Playground of Highbridge Park, they are welcomed by cheers, applause, and a community party with arts, games, food, and fun! The volunteer-planned event to celebrate northern Manhattan parks and the vibrant community that uses them serves as a neighborhood “potluck,” meaning each individual, group, or organization participating in the event contributes something to the day: arts and craft stations, sport clinics, music and dancing, and – of course – their time, energy, and donations. The community flavor of the event makes it feel like a family picnic, even though many of the participants are meeting for the first time! In 2012, more than 1,500 people participated in Hike the Heights.
To get to the party, we recommend that you walk. Join a hike along the giraffe path that meets your abilities. Hikes will depart starting at 10am from parks along the trail. At the end of the hike, your achievements will be celebrated at the community party (11-3pm).
True to the theme, we ask that each participant bring something: your company, an activity, leadership, friends, funds or supplies.
To get a flavor of Hike the Heights watch these videos from previous years!