Roosevelt Island Central Park Loop
Colorful spring journey into one of NY's trendiest and most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, with East River tram ride and Central Park option.
Date and time
Location
Roosevelt Island Tramway - Island station
West Main Street New York, NY 10044Refund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 4 hours 45 minutes
Colorful spring journey into one of NY's trendiest and most cosmopolitan neighborhoods, with East River tram ride and Central Park option.
Start: Roosevelt Island Tramway Station
Finish: Astoria or Manhattan
Distance: 10-14mi
Where to find us: On Roosevelt Island on the grass by the tramway, or at 8th and 33rd outside Penn Station
Optional endpoints: loop return through Central Park to 59th St
Optional start: NY Penn Station, depart at 9:45
Terrain: paved
Transit: Multiple options
Return: subway or on foot
Difficulty: Beginner / Average
Category: nature, urban, scenic
Coordinator: Charles Updike
NOTE: We will meet this year on the island. When you get to the tramway, get your ticket and hop on. We will see you on the other side.
Let's welcome spring by experiencing the hubbub of Midtown Manhattan, then escaping to the quiet sanctuary of Roosevelt Island, a narrow strip of land in the East River, before making a few more miles, with some stops for Greek and Middle-Eastern food, in Astoria, Queens, one of the trendiest nabes in NYC.
For those arriving via NY Penn Station, we will meet outside the station at 33rd St and 8th Ave to walk to the start, departing from there at 9:45am.
We take the Tramway to Roosevelt Island, visit the new Four Freedoms Park (FDR), circle north on the Island to the Lighthouse and Octagon, then cross the Roosevelt Island bridge on foot to Queens for the outdoor Socrates Sculpture Park, Greek revival era mansions, Astoria Park, Hells Gate Bridge, and downtown Astoria. We'll wrap up, socialize, and celebrate at the Czech Bohemian Beer Garden for the end of walk gathering, just one block from the Astoria Blvd. (N,W) stop for easy subway access back to 59th St- Lexington or 34th Herald Square - Penn Station.
Total mileage estimated at just under 10 miles. This walk will be "at your own pace" - push the speed for a workout or lazily explore the Sculpture Garden and/or take an extended lunch - you will end up at the finish with plenty of time for a pint or two.
Central Park Loop option: From Astoria, we will enjoy views crossing the RFK Bridge to scenic Randall's Island. The Ward's Island pedestrian bridge takes us to the upper east side and northern Central Park, and it's just a walk in the park back to the start at 59th Street. Distance of about 14 miles.
Highlights:
-Midtown Manhattan
-Roosevelt Island Tramway
-Roosevelt Island cherry blossoms
-Four Freedoms Park
-Socrates Sculpture Park
-Greek revival era mansions
-Astoria Park-Hells Gate Bridge
-Astoria-Czech Bohemian Beer Garden
- RFK Bridge
- Randalls Island
- Central Park blossoms
More about FreeWalkers:
Our calendar of walks and hikes | About FreeWalkers | Walker stories | Walking tips
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Frequently asked questions
Fluids(32 to 64 ounces), snacks or a small meal are recommended for most events. Some walks have planned stops for provisions. Depending on weather and route, you may consider a hat, sunscreen, extra socks, rain poncho, umbrella, insect repellent, first aid or foot care.
FreeWalkers mostly works with the weather the day provides, but occasionally an event will be rescheduled or cancelled if there is the expectation of substantial rainfall or dangerous conditions. Registrants will always be emailed of such changes. If no notice is provided, the walk is a go!
FreeWalkers are free to walk as much of the route as they choose. There are often optional endpoints where transit is available. Uber and other options can be considered. If you do leave the walk, it is best to let the walk coordinator know, so the group does not wait or look for you.
Most FreeWalks start and/or end at mass transit points for ease of access and return. If driving to the event, you often may park at the start and return, or park at the end and ride to the start. Check the event description for details.
Generally, yes, but pets and children may be less able to tolerate a longer distance. Walks that include indoor segments will require walkers with pets to wait outside, of course.
No need. You will be checked in at the event by providing your name.