The Hills

Elevated Landscape Features

Soaring up to 70 feet above sea level, The Hills offers panoramic views that showcase New York - from the Statue of Liberty to the Lower Manhattan skyline, with Brooklyn, New Jersey, and New York Harbor visible from various vantage points. This 10-acre park on Governors Island opened in 2016, transforming what was once a military base into a peaceful city escape.

The park unfolds across four distinct hills, each with its own personality: Grassy Hill, Slide Hill, Discovery Hill, and Outlook Hill.

Hill Features and Attractions

Grassy Hill offers exactly what you might expect - a gentle, sloping lawn that's ideal for spreading out a blanket, unpacking a picnic, or simply lying back and watching clouds drift by. It's a peaceful little haven for when you need to press pause on city life.

True to its name, Slide Hill is home to four slides, including what might be the most fun superlative in the city - the longest slide in New York City, measuring an impressive 57 feet from top to bottom.

For those who appreciate a touch of culture with their outdoor adventures, Discovery Hill features thought-provoking art installations, including a striking 36-foot-tall sculpture by renowned British artist Rachel Whiteread.

And then there's Outlook Hill, the tallest of the bunch, offering what many consider the island's crown jewel: stunning 360-degree views from its summit. You can climb over boulders to reach the top, where the views make the effort worthwhile.

The lush green hills overlook Manhattan's skyline to the north

Photo: Michael Vadon (CC BY 2.0)

Environmental Design

The Hills combines aesthetics with practical design considerations. Built using recycled fill materials, the park was engineered to stand strong against rising sea levels and storm surges.

The landscape is alive with over 41,000 shrubs and more than 860 trees, all contributing to a diverse ecosystem that continues to evolve and thrive with each passing season.

Picnic tables on the southwestern tip of Governors Island

Photo: mike (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visitor Experience

One of the most remarkable things about The Hills is the sense of calm that washes over you as you explore. The atmosphere is noticeably quieter than most city parks, with moderate foot traffic - especially during the fresh spring months.

While some areas of The Hills are wheelchair accessible, it's worth noting that reaching the higher viewpoints involves terrain that may be challenging for some visitors. If you're looking to enjoy this urban oasis without bumping elbows with too many fellow New Yorkers, try planning your visit outside of summer weekends when the crowds tend to swell.