The Great Hill is a hilltop meadow surrounded
by American Elm and English
Elms.
With picnic tables on its northern rim it is
circled by a three quarter mile oval enjoyed
by runners who reside in the area.
The Great Hill was originally designed as a
high elevation, the third highest in the Park,
where visitors could enjoy an unobstructed
view of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
It was also a carriage concourse where the
affluent could mingle with others of their class.
Time of course changed all of this, even the view.
With tall buildings and increased foliage baring
the once magnificent site of the river in the
distance the Great Hill needs no excuse for
its being. Though unfamiliar to most Park
visitors due to its location in an obscure part
of the northwestern quadrant of the Park
the residents of the area and occasional visitors
from beyond its community perimeter find it
a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic, have a quiet
jog or even sunbathe or read on the untrampled
grass of the hilltop meadow.
