The Great Saunter, Urban hiking trail around Manhattan, US.
The Great Saunter is a walking route that circles Manhattan's entire waterfront, connecting both rivers and numerous parks and neighborhoods along the way. The path passes through varied landscapes, from busy urban stretches to green spaces, and offers continuous views of the water.
The route began in 1985 when Cy A. Adler of Shorewalkers organized a group walk to advocate for public waterfront access in Manhattan. What started as an advocacy effort has grown into an established annual event that continues this mission today.
The route reveals how New Yorkers use and value their waterfront, threading through parks where people jog, relax, and spend time together. Walking it shows how central public water access has become to daily city life and neighborhood identity.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the full route takes many hours to complete. The path is well marked and accessible throughout, but be ready for changing terrain and weather conditions along the waterfront.
The route passes beneath the George Washington Bridge and by the Little Red Lighthouse, a tiny historic beacon that many visitors never notice. These smaller landmarks turn the walk into more than a loop, making it a journey of hidden discoveries along the shore.
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