The Little Red Lighthouse in New York
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New York, New York County, New York, US
I have only 2 words OK OVERTURE. This is a great place where you can spot a wild Ryan. Sometimes even the shy Adams appear, and if your lucky you might even spot the rare Jack. There are many species that look like a Jack but if you want to make sure its the real Jack you will see him in a fur lined womens hat.
The bike trail is definetly nice, it does get busy in the afternoon on a beautiful day but in the morning its definetly worth going to for a workout. Plan your route around here since you can get to gwb from here or do an easy 20 mile from the lighthouse all the way down to the lower west side.
I went yesterday with a friend. It was such a delight! There is plenty of space to safely have a picnic and a bunch of benches along the path towards/away from the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is a little underwhelming because you cant go in and its inactive. But it does given off a whimsical and longing feeling. It is located right under the GW Bridge, but it is not too loud or distracting. Overall it is a fairly nice a relaxing time.
Resting beneath the George Washington Bridge, this old lighthouse once guided ships on the Hudson. Useless but not forgotten, now it mostly gets admired from the outside, although occasionally a park ranger will let you in to climb the spiral stairs and peer out. A fun bike destination along the river from the south, youll find a little picnic-worthy park on-site.
I loved this.We got here on a bike ride and it was super peaceful. The view was incredible and a few people were even tanning hahaha. I feel like this is a hidden gem since not many people seem to know about it. And if they do, then I’m glad is not crowded at all and kept clean.
Ive wanted to go here since I was about 5 years old. I honestly didnt know you could visit it! A friend of mines suggested we go and I was all for it! It is a bit of a walk to get down there but its definitely worth it see the Little Red Light House Under the Great Gray Bridge. The view was awesome. Beware of the many bikes speeding by.. for someone with 2 small kids, it was a bit scary.
How could you not visit the Little Red Lighthouse next to the Great Grey Bridge. This small lighthouse once protected shipping from the rocks before it was rendered unnecessary by the bridge built overhead. The lighthouse shows its age but is an interesting relic of a different age and well worth a visit. The small porthole windows make this structure quite unique. The view of the distant NY and NJ skylines make this quite an interesting place to visit. A good destination when biking the NY Greenway.
The Little Red Lighthouse is a hidden gem in Manhattan under the George Washington Bridge. The lighthouse is roughly 100 years old and was used as a beacon for those traveling the Hudson River. If you have the opportunity to ride a bicycle along the west side of New York City or even just go for a nice long walk, it’s worth the visit. Most native New Yorkers don’t even know this landmark exists!
I used to hang out under the bridge while at the nearby tennis courts.....I think I was one of the last kids to sneak inside and climb up before the Parks Department secured it. Ive always loved this area. Hard to believe youre still in NYC/Manhattan. On the water and rocks.....Ive taken everyone of my girlfriends over those years to sit on the rocky face just up North past the bridge.....They all loved it.
Little Red Lighthouse” sits on rocks bordering the Hudson River east side. It’s nearly under the George Washington Bridge. Little, yes, and red. The joy is in the journey, not the destination. Bike or walk the Greenway. It’s a nice spot to picnic or just rest and take in the view of New Jersey. And boats.
Very frustrating experience as I have wanted to visit for years ever since being read the story as a youth and I in turn reading to my children and grandchildren. Followed route guidance and were taken to a construction spot asked the safety officer on duty were to park and informed this is a big problem that many visitors show up and he has no place to tell you to park, even the police were unable to help. Someone needs to update the site and provide info on parking. We spent over 1 hour trying to locate a place to park. Called contact number and it was just a voice mail with no return call.NY can and should do better for this landmark.Returned to MA very frustrated. Hope this situation changes
© This lighthouse was first erected in Sandy Hook, New Jersey in 1880 before it was dismantled in 1917 and reconstructed along a particularly treacherous part of the Hudson River known as Jeffrey’s Hook in 1921. Run by a part-time keeper and furnished with a battery-powered lamp and a fog bell, the lighthouse—then known as Jeffrey’s Hook Lighthouse—guided travelers for ten years, until The George Washington Bridge opened in 1931 and its bright lights rendered the lighthouse obsolete.The story of the charming lighthouse became a part of popular culture in 1942 when it became the main subject of the children’s book, The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge, written by Hildegarde Swift and Lynd Ward. The tale spurred the imaginations of both children and adults, who rallied to save the lighthouse from being auctioned off. In 1951, the Coast Guard gave the property to NYC Parks, and on May 29, 1979, the Little Red Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. For its 65th anniversary in 1986, the lighthouse got a full renovation that included reconstructing the concrete foundation. In 2000, the lighthouse got a fresh coat of paint that’s true to its original, historic red hue.
I usually walk from the cherry walk on 106th and riverside to the little red lighthouse every two weeks. One of the best views along the Hudson pathway, The red lighthouse stands dauntily under the humongous bridge.. one can only wonder. Take a few steps behind the lighthouse and you chance upon rocks that give way to a beautiful view of waves crashing against the rocks. A must walk on a sunny day
What a wonderful place to get away to under the bridge. It’s a cool view from under the bridge and not a bad hike to get there. Easy path and only a few spots that are steep but it’s all paved. Watch out for the skunk, Jerry, he wanders around at night near the light house.
Sometimes in New York, what you see is what you get. No hidden allusions to something deeper or under the surface, some things are explained exactly as theyre called. Case in point is the Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge. Is it little? You bet! Is it red? Bright as a fire engine! Is it a lighthouse? Obviously. Is it under the George Washington Bridge? Ill let you look at a map and decide.While most people see the lighthouse as a passing glimpse as they make the trip into New Jersey, coming upon in on the ground is even more fun, doubly so when youre allowed to climb up to the top of it! Only 4 stories high and narrow on the top, the lighthouse is not a climb that will exhaust many, but still well worth the climb to survey the Hudson River and see the Palisades from across the river. Usually closed, coming by on Open House New York or the Little Red Lighthouse festival at the end of the summer lets you climb to the top. For all other days, when the lighthouse is closed, there is still a lovely park nearby that allows you to bask in the splendor of the lighthouse under the bridge
This cute little lighthouse is located under the George Washington Bridge on the New York side. It is a smaller sized lighthouse and apparently the last remaining on Manhattan Island. I feel this site is best experienced if you bike, skate or walk north up the Hudson River Greenway path and use the lighthouse as a stop and turnaround point. Although the trail on the way up can get pretty busy in the spring and summer time, the area around the lighthouse is pretty serene. The base of the lighthouse is surrounded by a fence which is unfortunate because this means you cannot climb up to the optic platform section. Instead, you have to enjoy the view from the base. Rocks surround the base of the bridge and the lighthouse. There are many surrounding areas to sit and appreciate the view.
An Easter egg of the city, it is the only lighthouse in Manhattan. It maintains the look of lighthouses of old. The book written about it The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge became very popular and actually helped save the lighthouse from being removed after it was decommissioned.Theres a Little Red Lighthouse festival every fall that includes plenty of events about the lighthouse and the novel. The lighthouse is open to the public during the festival.
Always a favorite.Each year theres a Riverkeeper Sweep that pulls out trash from the area. I go there on other days to do the same.Also each year is a Little Red Lighthouse Festival and for the past three Ive tabled for Riverkeeper and done a swim in the Hudson River.My favorite part of the area is the part on the north side of the GWB base that is only accessible by foot at low tide. If you have a jetski or a kayak you can always get there.
If you live on the Upper West Side and the Bronx, you should definitely come over and learn about the Little Red Lighthouse. Kind of a right of passage up here and theres a swath of grass for you to sit and have a picnic on nearby. Come for a walk, run, or bike and enjoy the view.
Located below the George Washington Bridge in NYC. Are you old enough to remember the book - The Little Red Lighthouse? This is the one. It went out of service when the GWB was built, no longer needed. Its on the Hudson River Bike/Walkway about a mile North of the 158th St exit off Henry Hudson Pkwy. Or you can reach it from Ft. Tryon Park, but the climb back up is challenging. Recommend parking at 158th exit and walking back. Beautiful stroll with not hills to climb, walking right along the river. Lots of picnic areas between parking the the lighthouse. And as you can see, the view of the bridge is unique and spectacular
A hidden gem that takes a little bit of research and a little bit of walking to get to, but once you get there the view from UNDER the George Washington Bridge is wonderful, unique, and well worth the effort. The path is not difficult, but winds back and forth with foot bridges crossing over two roadways and a set of railroad tracks. The path is a little hilly but not too difficult. Check out the youtube video from a guy named CRAZEENYDRIVER. He gives details on how to get to the footbridge and what paths to follow.
I was willing to do something really different than the other things I have done on my other trips to NYC. Being a lighthouses fan since I was a kid I decided to gift myself starting my day buying the book The Little Red Lighthouse at the Strand Bookstore and then heading to this little tiny lighthouse by subway with a friend. We finished reading the book by the time we arrived and weve spent a beautiful hour imagining the bridge construction and how nice it would be seeing its pride light shining at night.
Some years back, my dad and I took a bike ride from Fort Lee across the GWB to battery park. It wasnt until we got down the NY side of the approach when both of us found the lighthouse. Neither of us knew it was there and it was a nice break from the typical urban scenery.
Went to the Little Red Lighthouse Festival September 24, 2016 and had a wonderful time! I had been wanting to go there for years and after having a kidney transplant 3 years ago, and open heart surgery 1 1/2 years ago, I made it there today with a special friend to celebrate being given a second chance and to celebrate a historic NYC landmark!
Made Famous by the Childrens Book the Little Red Lighthouse and the Big Grey Bridge . during the construction of the George Washington Bridge across the Hudson River in New York City consideration was given to remove the Little Red Lighthouse. Public activist rallied behind the book that draws attention to the importance of the individual contributions from anyone of any size.
I would love to fix it as my home cuz my wildest dreams to live in one of the lighthouse so badly and I am not AN trouble maker as you can see cuz41 year old to old fo drama in my life and I want to be away from people who dont understand me 💔😔 very sad and I truly want to have its better than me then u i have SSI check with a green card debit card and I am cable of paying rent for that lighthouse please send me urtextUr photo of urself in case so I wont be scared here ihave no one else to turn to no family here all dead
We used to go to the little red lighthouse when we were kids back in 1973-76. I lived on Wadsworth Ave between 177th Street and 178th Street. I remember playing stickball between Broadway and Wadsworth on 177th Street. We played hooky aka ditch school, the door of the lighthouse was always open, so we just went in. We would walk across the George Washington Bridge to get to Jersey. Once in Jersey we took a flight of steps down to get to Jersey Shore , Im not sure but I think it was called the 1000 steps? Just to get to the rocks where the crabs were and hang out. We were young, dumb New Yorkers, we were idiots but we had fun and watched out for one another. Good times.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for The Little Red Lighthouse 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-12Im a photographer and i must say this park was awsome. Apart from the relaxing view by the water you get an amazing view of the gw bridge and a beautiful citiscape view across the water plenty of open space to bbq run ride bike etc. There’s also basketball and tennis courts but the star of the show to me was the beautiful little red lighthouse beneath the bridge for everyday recreation this spot is great but for photographers it’s a hidden gem.
Review №2
2021-08-26Cute little light house. Loved reading about how a child’s book in the ‘50s (?) helped saved it from being dismantled.I didn’t stay long. Was on my way across the GWB for the first time on bicycle.If you’re in the vicinity of the red lighthouse, check out the stacked rocks. They’re cool.
Review №3
2022-02-11I love this little peice of history and the bike ride to get to it! Such a beautiful spot.
Review №4
2021-07-08If youre an out of town fan of the book, The Little Red Lighthouse and the Big Gray Bridge you should note that its not the most convenient location to get to.That said, its a wonderful and charming spot if you plan for it. Dont forget to take a stroll south to view the mysterious stone cairns along the water. It will make your visit more magical.
Review №5
2022-05-28I have driven by and over this hundreds of times but finally found the time to visit it. Its a 20 minute walk from the nearest subway stop(181st ) and worth visiting. I first remember the story The Little Red Lighthouse And The Great Grey Bridge being read on Captain Kangaroo in the early 60:s. Its a nice area with picnic tables and trees near the lighthouse at the base of the east tower of the George Washington Bridge. You must walk/bike there as there is no way to drive. Check Google maps for walking directions to get over/under Riverside Drive. Its all downhill to the lighthouse and uphill all the way back.
Review №6
2021-10-18Beautiful riverside park with The Little Red Lighthouse there, waiting for visitors. George Washington bridge is above the river.
Review №7
2022-03-07Cool feature underneath the George Washington Bridge. Learned a bit of history on the signs which was quite interesting!
Review №8
2022-06-07Nice place to relax and to take some nice pics.
Review №9
2022-05-23A bit of a walk but if you can make it youre in for a unique sweeping view of the city skyline at the waters edge.There are picnic tables there but keep in mind its right across from an active worksite for the GWB.
Review №10
2021-01-31Ive visited by land and sea (errr, river), summer, fall and winter. The lighthouse and bridge are quintessential NYC. And one of those rare spots in the city more resident than tourist.