Hudson River Greenway: Battery Park to Riverside Park
Experience this 5.3-mile point-to-point trail near New York City, New York. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Following the Hudson River, this popular and fully paved route is good for all ages and ability levels. Along this route you will travel by Little Island, a floating park developed by Barry Diller. This park includes an amphitheater and has some amazing views of the landscape. Accessibility: At the beginning of the route on the south end of the trail off Chambers Street there is street parking (paved surface). The trail surface is paved and typically at least eight feet wide. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (all under 5%)
The Hudson River Greenway, on the west side of Manhattan, maintains fabulous multi-use paths and esplanades for walking, cycling and running with beautiful views of the river and New Jersey skyline. It is also perfect for seeing gorgeous sunset whilst running. The pathway stretches for 11.5 miles from the Bronx in the north all the way down to Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, going mostly through Riverside Park and Hudson River Park. Spectacular sections are heading south toward Lower Manhattan, with views of the river, the new Freedom Tower, and the Statue of Liberty; and heading north toward the George Washington Bridge. We’ve divided the Greenway into three sections. There are specific access points (crossings) for the Greenway — see the attached map. If you want to stay near the Greenway, try staying somewhere west of 8th St. Notes: a good part of this path is well lit at night, and in many sections there are separate bike/pedestrian paths. There are public restrooms and seasonal water fountains. TRAIL MAP
Headed North from Battery Park to George Washington Bridge: 11-11.5 miles. Distances below are one-way. Numerous piers along the way can add additional distance.
1. Battery Park-West 59th Street. 5.2 miles (8.4 km). Hudson River Park, the second biggest park in NYC after Central Park, extends from Battery Park in the south to West 59th Street in the north. Hudson River Park offers fantastic points of interest, such as Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, Chelsea Piers and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. It’s a busy scene, but there are separate bike/pedestrian paths. The most spectacular views are headed south toward Lower Manhattan, and then at the tip at Battery Park. For a longer run, you can go around the tip at the south end and then head north along the East River Greenway, with views to Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge. NOTE: See map for access points. A good one is at W. 56th St.
There are additional piers and points to run out to along the way — it’s easy to tack on a couple of scenic miles by doing all of them, and there’s continual work underway to add and improve public access to these piers. NEW: Pier 54, out to Little Island.
2. West 59th-125th Street. 3.7 miles (6 km). The section between West 59th St. and West 72nd St. is Riverside Park South, an extension of Riverside Park, which stretches from West 72nd St. to West 125th Street. This tends to be more tranquil, but greener than Hudson River Park, with peaceful running along the river with great views. Do this one way, or a loop of 7.4 miles running along the river one way and on the park pathways on the return. PRO TIP: Nice cherry trees (in season) in Riverside Park between 100th St. & 125th St.
3. West 125th-George Washington Bridge. 2.6 miles (4.2 km). This is another lovely section, very popular with bikers as well. Heading north from 125th St. there are wonderful water views most of the way, and plenty of green. The route ends at the George Washington Bridge, around 180th St. Good access points at 181st. & 158th. Add-On: GW Bridge, Fort Tyron, Inwood Hill Park.
Add-Ons: From Lower Manhattan, curl around Battery Park to the East River Greenway. From northern Manhattan, areas near GW Bridge.
Or, add on the High Line Trail — one of the most unique runs in New York. It follows a historic freight line elevated above Manhattan’s West Side. Rather than let the rail line be demolished, locals opted to turn it into a public park. Today, the route reaches about 1.5 miles between Gansevoort Street and W 34th Street. It makes a great addition to the Hudson River Greenway. Note: on weekends, the trail currently operates on a reservations-only system. Note: running along the High Line might be frowned upon. Go early! TRAIL INFO. TRAIL MAP.
