Bronx River Forest
The Bronx River Forest is one of the last remaining stands of old growth forest that remains in New York City. The forest is also the site of a recent restoration project sponsored by the Bronx River Alliance. As a part of that project, the floodplain has been returned to its natural state, improvements have been made to the pathways and Burke Bridge, and invasive species have been replaced with native flora.
At Olinville Av. and Duncombe Av.: You have the option of (1) walking south along the River by going down the stairs, turning left at the bottom and following the dirt path through the Bronx River Forest until you reach the paved bike path at Burke Bridge. Note that this path is isolated, and after heavy rainfall is often muddy. Or (2) stay on the street and continue along Bronx Boulevard. Enter the park on the bike/pedestrian path just before the intersection at Duncomb Avenue; go past a playground. When you reach a stretch of path with a stairway in a high wall to your left, there will be an underpass below the parkway on your right. Go through the underpass to arrive at the Burke Bridge over the Bronx River.
Here, again you have two options: To follow the paved greenway path, take a right at Burke Bridge and follow the greenway signs and marked paths along what is the old Bronx River Parkway roadbed. The walk soon emerges into a secluded hardwood forest, which is an excellent spot to watch for bird migration. If you continue along this path, you will pass the Allerton Ballfields and the French Charley playground. Kazimiroff Boulevard is ahead of you. Take a left at Kazimiroff and walk along the sidewalk to Bronx Park East. To walk along the river, follow the forest trails and boardwalks on either side of the Burke Bridge for a survey of the areaÕs flora, including blue beech, tulip tree, and sweetgum. Walk east along Kazimiroff Boulevard to the intersection of Bronx Park East (exercise care at the ramps to the Parkway!) Take a right at Bronx Park East and follow the greenway path up the hill.
Directions
Take Subway #2 to Gun Hill Road. By bus: Bx28,Bx30, and Bx41 to Gun Hill Road. From Gun Hill Road, turn left on Olinville Avenue to reach Duncomb Avenue.