ROOSEVELT ISLAND GREENWAY:
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: May 31, 2009
Length: Roosevelt Island Greenway; 3.8 miles
Queensboro Bridge to Roosevelt Island Bridge route; 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy. The greenway is paved and flat.
Directions:
Starting from the Roosevelt Island Bridge; You can access the trail from Queens via the Roosevelt Island Bridge. From Manhattan, you need to cross over the Queensboro Bridge. From the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway (see; MANHATTAN WATERFRONT GREENWAY ) you head west up E 60th St to 1st Ave (on your left is the "Food Emporium" where you can resupply). A bike lane starts on the left side of 60th St and continues west where it brings you to the path on the bridge just before 2nd Ave. You ascend the bridge and level out after 0.6 miles. After passing over Roosevelt Island you descend the bridge and come to Queens after 1.6 miles. Turn left and take Queens Blvd west below the bridge. Cross over 21st St to a paved trail that runs below the bridge. At 2.2 miles you'll come to Vernon Blvd. Across the street is Queensbridge Park, where restrooms are available. Hang a right and utilize the bike lane. You'll pass by a large power plant on your left before coming to 36th Ave. Turn left to access the path over the Roosevelt Island Bridge. This brings you to a parking garage on the island. Take a left down the "Island Access" ramp and another left past the columns to the Roosevelt Island Greenway after 3.3 miles.
Starting from the Roosevelt Island Tram Station; Take the Tram in Manhattan located at 2nd Ave & E 60th St over to the Island. Bikes are allowed, however, at the Manhattan station the only elevator is too small for most bikes so you'll have to carry your bikes up or down a stairway. The cost is the same as a Subway fare but with better views. For more information visit; ROOSEVELT ISLAND TRAM .
The NYC Subway's Roosevelt Island Station allows access to the Island. For more information concerning the NYC Subway visit; NYC SUBWAY . For information concerning taking your bike on the Subway visit; NYC SUBWAY; BIKES .
Starting from the Roosevelt Island Bridge; The Greenway loops around the island alongside the East River. Starting from the bridge access ramp below the Roosevelt Island Bridge, head north along the paved trail. You'll travel underneath the bridge and along the eastern side of the island. This section of the trail is weathered and narrow in spots. An access road, then Main St and finally East Rd parallels the trail. You'd probably be better off utilizing these roads then the trail along this section. As you enter Lighthouse Park the trail turns to paving stones and improves greatly. Picnic tables and benches are located here. You'll come to the northern tip of the island and a lighthouse at 0.8 miles. If you look over towards Manhattan you can see FDR Drive as it travels below Carl Schurz Park along the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway. Heading south along the western side of the island you'll leave the park and follow the paved trail which reverts to paving stones at times. This section is well done with great views of Manhattan. At around 1.7 miles the trail along the river becomes very narrow. Your better off utilizing West Rd which parallels the trail. After 2 1/4 miles you'll pass by the Roosevelt Island Tram Station and NYC Subway's Roosevelt Island Station on your left and travel below the Queensboro Bridge. The paved trail continues along the river but ends abruptly at 2.7 miles before reaching the southern tip of the island which is currently under construction. Southpoint Park is being reconstructed along with the historic ruins of a smallpox hospital. Reopening is slated foe Fall of 2010. You'll have to detour left along Road 3 and pick up the trail heading north along the eastern side of the island. You travel back underneath the Queensboro Bridge and again pass by the Roosevelt Island Tram Station and NYC Subway's Roosevelt Island Station on your left at 3.1 miles. The trail continues alongside the river returning you to the Roosevelt Island Bridge after 3.8 miles.
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