Jayne's Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jayne's Hill |
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Summit of Jayne's Hill in 2010, with plaque of Walt Whitman's "Paumanok"
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 400.9 ft (122.2 m) |
| Prominence | 400.9 ft (122.2 m) |
| Listing | New York County High Points 57th |
| Geography | |
 Jayne's Hill
Location in New York
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| Location | West Hills, NY, U.S. |
| Parent range | Wheatley Hills |
| Topo map | USGS Huntington |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | road and trail |
Jayne's Hill is the highest point on Long Island, New York. It is also known by other names like High Hill or West Hills. This special spot reaches about 400 feet (122 meters) above sea level. You can find it in West Hills County Park, which is in Suffolk County. It sits on a natural ridge called the Harbor Hill Moraine, which runs along the northern part of Long Island.
What's in a Name?
Jayne's Hill has been called many things over the years. The official U.S. government group that names places, the United States Board on Geographic Names, decided in 1903 to call it "High Hill." They list its height as 387 feet (118 meters).
However, Suffolk County, which owns the land, calls it Jayne's Hill. They say it is about 400 feet (122 meters) tall. You might even see signs in the park that say "Jaynes Hill" (without an apostrophe) and list its height as 401 feet (122.2 meters). So, it has a few different names and slightly different heights depending on who you ask!
A Look Back in Time
Jayne's Hill has a long and interesting history.
In 1825, a historian named Silas Wood called it "Oakley's High Hill Field." At that time, people thought it was the third highest point on Long Island. Two other hills, Harbor Hill and Layton Hill, were believed to be taller.
The famous American poet, Walt Whitman, was born very close to Jayne's Hill. He often visited the top of the hill. In 1881, Whitman wrote about the amazing views from Jayne's Hill. He could see for many miles in every direction, even catching glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. He wondered if it was truly the highest spot on Long Island.
Over the years, different surveys measured the height of Jayne's Hill and other nearby hills. In 1887, a newspaper reported Jayne's Hill was 383 feet (117 meters) tall. By 1901, the same newspaper said Jayne's Hill was indeed the tallest. Later surveys showed that Harbor Hill and Layton Hill were actually shorter than once thought.
In 1980, there was a plan to put a police radio tower on top of Jayne's Hill. But local people and environmental groups worked together to stop it. They even stood in front of bulldozers to protect the hill! However, a water tower was built there in 1998. This, along with trees growing taller, has made the views from the top less open than they were in Walt Whitman's time.
Visiting Jayne's Hill Today
Today, Jayne's Hill is part of West Hills County Park. It is open to the public, and you can hike to the summit. The main trail that leads to the top is called the Walt Whitman Trail. It has white markers to guide you.
The easiest way to get there is to park at the end of Reservoir Road in West Hills. From there, it's a short and easy walk to the top. You will pass through a couple of metal gates.
At the very top of Jayne's Hill, you will find a large rock with a special plaque. This plaque has a poem by Walt Whitman called "Paumanok" from his book Leaves of Grass. Sadly, sometimes the area has been damaged by spray paint or missing signs.
If you decide to explore other trails in the park beyond Jayne's Hill, be careful. Some trail markers might be missing. Also, there are many paths used by horses that cross the hiking trails.
Images for kids
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1979 USGS map showing "High Hill" (Jayne's Hill). Walt Whitman's birthplace is to the east.
