4. North Brother Island

Abandoned North Brother Island may be one of the most elusive places in New York City–unlike other abandoned places, the former Riverside Hospital complex will likely remain in a fairly raw state for the near future because it’s now a protected bird sanctuary. But as photographs from urban explorers show, trails from the New York City Parks department leave evidence that no place in New York City is truly abandoned.

From the Seastreak ferry to Port Jefferson (which operates only during the summer months), North Brother Island will pass within a stone’s throw to the west where the brick tuberculosis hospital and other abandoned buildings can be seen emerging from the thick brush.