The Mountaineering Misconception: How Many Mountains Can You Actually Climb in New York City?
Ah, New York City. The Big Apple. A concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and apparently mountains exist? That's right, folks, there seems to be a misconception flying around thicker than pigeons in Times Square about the mountainous terrain of NYC. Let's clear the Everest-sized air, shall we?
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| How Many Mountains Are In New York City |
NYC: City of Skyscrapers, Not Summits
Now, don't get us wrong. NYC has its fair share of impressive heights. The Empire State Building might not be technically a mountain, but scaling those 1,050 feet sure feels like it after battling rush hour crowds. But those are man-made marvels, not the kind with hiking trails and majestic views (unless you count the fire escape fire drills with a side of pigeon coos).
The Real Mountain Ranges of New York State (Wait, New York State?)
New York City? Not mountainous. New York State? That's a different story. Upstate New York boasts some beautiful mountain ranges, like the Adirondacks and the Catskills. These bad boys have some legit peaks, including the state's highest, Mount Marcy, reaching a cool 5,344 feet.
So, if you're looking to channel your inner mountain goat, you'll need to head a few hours north of the city that never sleeps. Think of it as a scenic escape with a side of fresh air (minus the hot dog aroma).
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But Wait! Can't I Find a Tiny Hill in Central Park?
Hold your horses, intrepid explorer! Central Park, for all its sprawling glory, doesn't quite qualify as mountainous. Belvedere Castle, a charming little structure perched on a slight rise, might be the closest you get. Hey, it's a nice spot for a picnic with a slightly elevated view – baby steps, right?
Remember: Central Park is more for strolling, not scaling. Unless you're attempting the daring feat of conquering that particularly steep hill after a slice of extra-large cheesecake. In that case, we salute your adventurous spirit (and recommend bringing Tums).
How To FAQs: Your NYC (Non-Existent) Mountain Guide
1. How to actually climb a mountain near NYC?
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Head north! The Adirondacks and Catskills offer plenty of hiking trails for all skill levels. Research and choose a route that suits your experience, pack essentials like water and snacks, and don't forget the selfie stick for those epic summit shots.
2. How to pretend you climbed a mountain in NYC?
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Strap on your virtual reality headset and lose yourself in a digital mountain adventure. Just make sure you have enough space in your apartment so you don't accidentally clothesline your roommate while summiting Everest.
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3. How to find the highest point in Central Park?
Belvedere Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop, is considered the highest natural point in the park. But hey, the entire park is pretty impressive considering it's a man-made green oasis in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
4. How to convince your friends you went mountain climbing in NYC?
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
This one's tricky. Maybe stick to photos of delicious food and iconic landmarks. Unless you're a photoshop whiz, those mountain pics might raise some eyebrows.
5. How to score the best views of NYC (without climbing anything)?
The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building offer stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. For a free option, head to the High Line, a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets. Breathtaking views and trendy cafes? Now that's a winning combination.
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