About Hike the Heights and Giraffe Path
Hike the Heights is an annual community hike and celebration in northern Manhattan parks. This family-friendly event invites New Yorkers to explore and celebrate the area’s natural treasures by combining physical activity, art, and fun!
Hike the Heights 21 is on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The day consists of hikes along the Giraffe Path and a community celebration in Highbridge Park. Check out the links below for more information!
Giraffe Path: The Giraffe Path is a trail that connects the Cloisters to Central Park through the cliffside parks of northern Manhattan. This giraffe-shaped trail is formed by connecting the existing trails of Fort Tryon Park, Highbridge Park, Jackie Robinson Park, St. Nicholas Park, Morningside Park, and Central Park via a few city blocks. The trail can be hiked in sections or for the entire 6 miles and can be accessed year round. Take a walk!
Celebration in Highbridge Park: The neighborhood party has arts, games, food, and fun! It 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! Plan the party!
Parade of Giraffes: Giraffe sculptures, created by hundreds of neighborhood youth will be exhibited on June 7th at the community party in Highbridge Park and will greet hikers at entrances to parks along the Hike the Heights route. Creative Arts Workshops for Kids coordinates the making and placing of the giraffes. Make a giraffe!
