Because of their abrupt, hilly topography, pedestrian navigation in Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx is facilitated by many step streets.
 The longest of these in Washington Heights, at approximately 130 stairs and with an elevation gain of approximately 65 feet, connects Fort Washington Avenue and Overlook Terrace at 187th Street.

Pedestrians can use the elevators at the 181st Street subway station, with entrances on Overlook Terrace and Fort Washington Avenue  at 184th Street and similarly at the 190th Street station to make the large elevation change.
Only the 184th Street pedestrian connection is handicap accessible.
When originally built, fare control for both of these stations was in the station house, outside the elevators, which meant that they could only be used by paying a subway fare, but both had fare control moved down to the mezzanine level in 1957, making the elevators free for neighborhood residents to use, and providing easier pedestrian connection between Hudson Heights and the rest of Washington Heights.
There is also a pedestrian tunnel and free elevator connection at the 191st IRT station.
Because of their abrupt, hilly topography, pedestrian navigation in Upper Manhattan and the West Bronx is facilitated by many step streets.  The longest of these in Washington Heights, at approximately 130 stairs and with an elevation gain of approximately 65 feet, connects Fort Washington Avenue and Overlook Terrace at 187th Street.
Pedestrians can use the elevators at the 181st Street subway station, with entrances on Overlook Terrace and Fort Washington Avenue  at 184th Street and similarly at the 190th Street station to make the large elevation change. Only the 184th Street pedestrian connection is handicap accessible. When originally built, fare control for both of these stations was in the station house, outside the elevators, which meant that they could only be used by paying a subway fare, but both had fare control moved down to the mezzanine level in 1957, making the elevators free for neighborhood residents to use, and providing easier pedestrian connection between Hudson Heights and the rest of Washington Heights. There is also a pedestrian tunnel and free elevator connection at the 191st IRT station.
Washington Heights, Manhattan