Castle Clinton National Monument Highpoint Trip Report
Date: August 5, 2005
Author: John Mitchler
General Description: A stone fort located on flat terrain within an urban park
at the southern tip of Manhattan, New York City.
Distance: 500 feet one-way from nearest road
Difficulty: easy walk
Elevation gain: 5 foot drop down to the fort
Summit elevation: 5 feet
Maps: USGS topo not needed;
topo chart
Access/permits: Open everyday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm / None required
Best months: all year
Visitor Center: Rangers are available in the immediate area.
Highpoint Description: Flat ground that is likely entirely reworked and manmade,
which is made pleasant by shade trees and scenic views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty.
Finding the trailhead:
NPS web page
Castle Clinton can only be reached on foot, by bicycle, or by wheelchair. Parking is almost nonexistent
in lower Manhattan and is expensive. Battery Park is served by public transportation.
By bus, take the M1, M6, or M15 to Battery Park. By subway, take the #1 train to South Ferry/Whitehall,
the #4 or #5 trains to Bowling Green, or the R or W trains to Whitehall Street/South Ferry.
Schedules are available here.
From these transport stops, walk west into Battery Park and look for the stone structure
along the waterfront at the park’s west edge.
The hike:
This is an easy walk among mature trees in an urban park with numerous pedestrians
enjoying the park or going to the ferry docks. Encircle the stone structure and walk inside.
About the park:
One of the New York Harbor forts built just prior to the War of 1812, this structure soon after
served in many public capacities
(see web page).
This is an open air environment, so activities include taking a tour, enjoying the park setting
within the city, people watching, listening to concerts, and taking a nearby ferry to the
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Camping and services:
No camping. Services typical of a major urban city are found nearby
(i.e. more restaurants than gas stations and motels).
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Battery Park map
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