New York, New York: The City That Reaches for the Sky (But Not Really That High)
You've probably heard the iconic phrase, “New York, New York – a concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” And while it’s true that the city that never sleeps has a skyline that’s the envy of the world, let's talk about something a bit less glamorous: elevation.
The Big Apple: A Grounded Reality
Now, you might be thinking, “Elevation? In New York City? Are you kidding me?” Well, no, I’m not kidding. There are actually hills in this concrete jungle! But let’s manage expectations: we’re not talking about the Himalayas here. We're talking about something more akin to a gentle rise.
The undisputed champion of elevation in NYC is Todt Hill, located on Staten Island. At a whopping 401 feet above sea level, it’s the highest natural point in the entire Atlantic coastal plain from Florida to Cape Cod. Impressive, right? Well, unless you're comparing it to, say, Mount Everest. Then, not so much.
Manhattan: The Flatiron State of Mind
If you're thinking of conquering the heights of Manhattan, you might want to reconsider. The highest natural point in Manhattan is a mere 265 feet above sea level. That’s right, folks. You can practically touch the sky from the top of an average skyscraper.
So, the next time you’re feeling small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, just remember: you’re probably standing on a hill.
How to Become a NYC Elevation Expert
Now that you know the basics, let’s dive a little deeper.
How to find the highest point in each borough?
- Manhattan: Bennett Park
- Brooklyn: Highland Park
- Queens: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Bronx: Van Cortlandt Park
- Staten Island: Todt Hill
How to impress your friends with elevation facts?
- Drop casually, "Did you know that Todt Hill is higher than any point in Florida?"
- Correct people when they say New York City is completely flat.
- Challenge them to a race to the highest point in each borough.
How to plan a hike in NYC?
- Don't bother with hiking gear. Sneakers will do.
- Bring plenty of water... for your coffee.
- Expect stunning views of... other buildings.
How to feel like you're conquering a mountain in NYC?
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Walk up to the top floor of a skyscraper.
- Imagine there's a yeti at the top of Central Park.
How to appreciate the beauty of NYC's elevation?
- Look up at the skyscrapers.
- Look down at the crowds.
- Realize that even in a concrete jungle, there's always room to grow.