If you're looking to run in NYC, it's likely that your first thought is to run in Central Park. It's one of the most iconic, must-see landmarks in the city. But, before you go running for the park, consider a run along the Hudson River — it offers stunning views of the New York City and New Jersey skylines (gorgeous at sunset!), multiple landmarks and flexibility for mileage.
Distance: Any length you want! A 5K gets you to Chelsea; a 5-miler puts you in the Lincoln Center Area (from there, you can easily walk/run east to Central Park); a 10K and you can unwind and relax at the beautiful 79th Street Boat Basin; an 8-miler and you can stretch in Riverside Park; and a 12-miler puts you on the George Washington Bridge.
Best time to go: Aim for early morning or early evening — you'll be on a running/walking/biking path that gets very congested throughout the day.
Route: For most of the run, you will be running alongside the West Side Highway (West Street or 9A). Just head north. If you plan to head up to the GW Bridge, you will end up running east for a bit (around 158th street) to access the ramp up to the bridge).
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The Best Running Route in New York City
Written by
Michele Gonzalez
The Start of Your NYC Run
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Start: This route begins at the southern-most tip of Manhattan — the Staten Island Ferry. The SI Ferry is featured in dozens of movies — and if you have the time, take a free ride to see amazing views of the city and the Statue of Liberty. This is an ideal starting place because there are countless sights to see and take photos of before you start — including the ferry terminal, Battery Gardens, Ellis Island and the State of Liberty. You'll want to head north on West Street (West Side Highway/9A).
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next raceStaten Island Ferry
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A ride on the Staten Island Ferry provides an opportunity to snap some great photos.
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next raceEllis Island
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The historic Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants came to the United States from 1892 until the mid-1900s.
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next raceOne World Trade Center
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Just before mile 1, you will pass One World Trade Center. You'll have views of the tower (as you approach) and you can cross the street to see the North and South Pools.
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next raceNew Jersey Skyline
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Continue north on the beautifully kept and runner-friendly concrete path along the West Side Highway. You'll have beautiful views of the New Jersey skyline (Jersey City) and the Empire State Building (to the east).
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As you pass mile 3, keep your eyes to your right for The High Line — a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan's West Side...
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...and Chelsea Piers — a 28-acre waterfront sports village located between 17th and 23rd streets.
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If you continue past mile 4, you'll see the USS Intrepid, cruise ships and other water vessels to your left.
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If you're looking to see some of Central Park, you can run east about a half mile (anywhere north of 59th street) and you'll run right into the park.
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Just beyond mile 6, you'll find the 79th Street Boat Basin, which offers an outdoor eatery with views of the Hudson River, New Jersey skyline and the running/walking path.
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If you're feeling up to it or you're planning for a long run, just keep running north until you hit the George Washington Bridge. You can even run over the bridge if you're still feeling up to it. (But don't worry, you can still get great views of the bridge from farther south.)
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If you decide to do a point-to-point, there are countless ways to make your way back to the start, your hotel or wherever else you need to go in the city. You can catch a yellow cab, request an Uber or walk to a subway.