NYC 's Fort Tryon Park - New York City

Way high above the Hudson River is Fort Tryon Park. Designed by the the son and stepson of Frederick Law Olmsted (yes, him again, one of the very men responsible for our gorgeous Central Park) this here is quite a beaut. Originally this fort was named after Sir William Tryon, the last British Governor of then colonial New York. This locale served as one of a number of defenses along the Hudson River against the British during the Revolutionary war.

Getting off the subway you're instructed by signs to take the elevator to access this park and the Cloisters which is nestled at one point within. Once off the subway and strolling in through the park you get fantastic views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades.

Benches abound throughout the park and there are many paths leading you deep within its depths. Me being the coward that I am, could venture only so far since the paths' incline becomes awfully steep at times with no railing at all, and cliff-like edges on both sides. But then, everyone I know who's gone farther than myself will attest to the safety of these paths...'So you be the judge.

Should you decide to take on this mission and visit this park's paths, then definitely bring a camera...No wait!...bring a camera no matter what! You've got the George Washington Bridge to the South, Riverdale-Bronx to the North, The Palisades across the Hudson River, and docked boats down below. Definitely bring a camera no matter what since this is really a picture taking experience.

Have fun!

Note: This trek is almost worth going out of your way for. But like Riverside Park, or even worse, the deeper you go, the more climbing you'll have to do after, unless you take the bus at the Cloisters, see below.

Getting there by subway: A to 190th Street takes you there directly, afterwhich, follow signs to the elevator.

The 4 bus will pick you up just outside the Cloisters and bring you back up the hill to the train station.