Ramble through three riverfront parks and across one big bridge at this free cross-river walking adventure and scavenger hunt. Ramblers can pick up a free paper map with walking directions and points of interest to discover at any of three staffed hubs:
* The Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park
* The N.J. entrance to the G.W.B. North Walk and the Palisades Interstate Park Long Path
* The Cottage at Fort Tryon Park
* Maps and information will also be available at Break Away Cafe, located at 71 Cabrini Boulevard, which is offering special discounts to event participants.
Ramblers can begin their adventure in any park, choose to explore one park or all three, and will use their paper map to check off what they discover. Along the route, Ramblers can collect a different small keepsake and a unique rubber stamp at each park hub, marking their passage.
The Riverfront Ramble will include a mix of scenic, historic and natural highlights along the Hudson River. Points of interest include Fort Washington Park’s pollinator meadows and nature-inspired playspaces; Palisades Interstate Park’s Long Path, a premier long-distance trail that starts in northern Manhattan, crosses the George Washington Bridge, and travels north through New Jersey and New York to the Adirondacks, offering dramatic riverfront overlooks along the way; and Fort Tryon Park’s Heather Garden, the largest public garden with unrestricted access in New York.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration via Eventbrite is encouraged. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water; the full Ramble covers more than 10 miles, crosses the George Washington Bridge, and includes some significant hills and elevation changes. There is no requirement to complete the entire route in one day: Ramblers are welcome to explore one, two or all three parks and return another day to continue their adventure.
Riverfront Ramble is brought to you by Palisades Parks Conservancy, Riverside Park Conservancy and Fort Tryon Park Conservancy.
Join us for the inaugural 2026 Little Red Lite Swim
Inspired by the spirit of the classic Little Red Lighthouse 10K marathon swim, a beloved event once hosted by NYC Swim, the inaugural Little Red Lite Swim offers a new opportunity to experience Manhattan’s iconic open-water scene.
This shorter, current-assisted swim follows a beautiful 6.4 km / 4 mi route along one of the most scenic stretches of the Hudson River. The swim begins at Inwood Canoe Club, just south of Dyckman Street and finishes at the Baylander, a former U.S. Navy vessel now docked at the West Harlem Piers near 125th Street and converted into a relaxed floating bar and restaurant.
Along the way, swimmers will cruise downriver along the Manhattan shoreline, passing under the George Washington Bridge and by the Little Red Lighthouse, Riverbank State Park, and the Hudson River Greenway before finishing at the Baylander.
The Little Red Lite Swim is a non-competitive, non-timed event designed for swimmers who may not be ready for a marathon-distance swim but still want the thrill of swimming in the beautiful Hudson River.
9:00 AM check-in, 10:30 AM splash
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
The Jeffrey’s Hook lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to its current site in 1921, has become widely known as the children’s literary landmark “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.” Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure. Enter park via overpass closest to Plaza Lafayette. (West 181st Street) and Riverside Drive.
Free — Registration not required.
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
The Jeffrey’s Hook lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to its current site in 1921, has become widely known as the children’s literary landmark “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.” Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure. Enter park via overpass closest to Plaza Lafayette. (West 181st Street) and Riverside Drive.
Free — Registration not required.
Historic New York: The Little Red Lighthouse
The Jeffrey’s Hook lighthouse, erected in 1880 and moved to its current site in 1921, has become widely known as the children’s literary landmark “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge.” Rediscover the history of this unique landmark. Open access between 1:00pm and 2:45pm. Participants may need to queue for access due capacity limits inside of the structure. Enter park via overpass closest to Plaza Lafayette. (West 181st Street) and Riverside Drive.
