Mill Rock Park

nice cove on north side for landing kayaks.

During the War of 1812, the War Department built a blockhouse with two cannons on Great Mill Rock. This fortification was part of a chain of blockhouses that was intended to defend New York Harbor and protect the passage into Long Island Sound against the British Navy

Love circumnavigating this island. There's an inlet on north end to rest from river currents. Island is a protected bird sanctuary, so there's absolutely no going ashore. Beautiful when green.

Mill Rock Park is a unique, gross (unless seagull poop is your thing), cramped and hard to get to little pile of rocks in the East River. Ew. As I slipped back into my kayak after walking around, I couldn't shake the feeling that flesh eating bacteria were now a part of my day. On the flip side, the views of Manhattan, Queens and Randall's Island are second to none. Truly stellar. So, 3 stars instead of 1. Bring your camera, some nose plugs and a few gallons of bactine for the paddle bavk.

A very underrated city park that is often overshadowed by the other more well-known parks. You'll find very few tourists and no cyclists. The beaches are never crowded. The best time to visit is probably in the dead of night.