Summit Rock, on the western edge of Central Park at 83rd St., is the highest elevation in the park, at 137.5', just a few feet above Vista Rock, home of Belvedere Castle. Shielded from the park drive by a thick grove of trees it is sometimes overlooked by park visitors. It is just north of the site once occupied by the 19th century community of Seneca Village and legend has it that it was traditionally used by the local Native Americans as a meeting place.

It can be approached from either the north or south sides, however the path on the southside, just north of Diana Ross playground, is definitely the more dramatic. It starts as a gently sloping trail that leads to a stone stairway, cut into the side of the hill. At the top there is a small meadow and on the eastern side a flag stone terrace. On the western side, if you peak through the trees directly up 83rd St. you can see even New Jersey. Just in case you were worried it had gone somewhere.

In 1921 an equestrian statue of South American statesman Simon Bolivar was erected on the site and the Bolivar Apartments still stand just across the street. In 1951 it was moved to a less exclusive site at 6th Ave. and Central Park South. It is certainly true that more visitors can view the statue there, but it must have been quite impressive to climb up the side of Summit Rock in mid-summer, wending your way through the thick foliage, and come upon Senor Bolivar sitting proudly astride his steed.

Summit Rock remains a great place to sun bathe quietly, read or just get away from the city below for a bit.

Location : Central Park West and 83rd St.

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