During the Revolution, Van Cortlandt's fields sat in the lawless no-man's-land between British-held Manhattan and American lines to the north — raided, foraged and fought over for years — and this ranger-led hike walks that actual ground. Stops weave in the 1748 Van Cortlandt House, the oldest building in the Bronx, and the hills where the city's records were famously hidden from the British. It's a free, walkable history lesson far richer than any plaque.
What to expect
Expect a guided walk of a few miles over park paths and moderate hills, with rangers narrating the wartime landscape at each stop. Wear real shoes; the pace is conversational and questions are encouraged.
Good to know
- Free ranger-led hike departing from the Van Cortlandt House Museum lawn
- Take the 1 to 242nd St; the house is a short walk into the park
- Wear sturdy shoes — the route covers trails and hills
- Bring water; the hike runs a few hours
- The 1748 house museum is worth a visit before or after
- Suitable for older kids and adults with history appetites
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Is the hike free?
Yes — Urban Park Rangers programs are free public events; just show up at the meeting point.
What Revolutionary War history happened here?
Van Cortlandt's land lay in the 'neutral ground' between British and American lines — repeatedly raided and skirmished over — and its hills were used to hide New York City's records from the British.
