Just off the path, in an area of Inwood Hill Park known as “The Clove,” are a series of rock formations that have fascinated geologists and hikers for generations.
These glacial potholes, which look almost man-made, are the product of glacial runoff that occurred during the last ice age some 50,000 years ago. During a huge melting event “turbulent, rock-fortified swirling water making its way through crevasses reached the underlying bedrock and drilled the holes.” (A Natural History of New York City’s Parks, Linnaean Society of New York, 2007)
Inwood resident Patrick Coghlan first discovered the three holes, measuring between three and a half and eight feet in diameter in 1931.
Fun Fact: The murder mystery “The Dragon Murder Case” by S.S. Van Dine takes place in a fictionalized version of Inwood Hill. In the book the potholes were said to be the hiding place of murderous dragons.
[…] history of this 196-acre treasure. Highlights include caves once inhabited by Native Americans, glacial potholes and stunning views of the Hudson River. The park is dog friendly, so be sure to include your […]
[…] Glacial potholes are discovered alongside a trail in a part of the park known as the “Clove” by Inwood resident […]
When I was young my father, Tim Luddy used to take me on long Sunday walks up through the park and then across the HH bridge to Riverdale and back to Vermilyea. He always called this formations the Lady’s Slipper because it looks like the imprint of a womans high healed shoe in the stone.