Manhattan Perimeter
Walk 32 miles around Manhattan's perimeter, experiencing its diverse landscapes and testing your endurance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Annual event, best weather window
Manhattan Perimeter
Best Time
Annual event, best weather window
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk 32 miles around Manhattan's perimeter, experiencing its diverse landscapes and testing your endurance.
"This is an amazing way to see the city and push your limits. "
👟 Train Your Feet!
Build stamina with long walks, including a 20-miler before the event.
💧 Hydrate & Snack Smart
Carry plenty of water and snacks; volunteer stops can run out.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
West Side Walkway
West Side of Manhattan
Enjoy well-maintained paths with great city views, though Midtown can get crowded with bikers.
Inwood's Natural Beauty
Northern tip of Manhattan
Discover surprisingly gorgeous, woodsy areas that are often overlooked. A true hidden gem.
Diverse City Perspectives
Throughout Manhattan
Experience the stark contrasts of Manhattan, from affluent areas to neighborhoods facing significant challenges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Marathon Walk
Logistics & Timing are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Train Your Feet!
Build stamina with long walks, including a 20-miler before the event.
💧 Hydrate & Snack Smart
Carry plenty of water and snacks; volunteer stops can run out.
🗺️ Know Your Route
Study the map beforehand, especially for the later, less straightforward sections.
🚻 Prioritize Restrooms
Utilize restroom facilities whenever available; they can be scarce later on.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Train Your Feet!
Build stamina with long walks, including a 20-miler before the event.
💧 Hydrate & Snack Smart
Carry plenty of water and snacks; volunteer stops can run out.
🗺️ Know Your Route
Study the map beforehand, especially for the later, less straightforward sections.
🚻 Prioritize Restrooms
Utilize restroom facilities whenever available; they can be scarce later on.
🚶♀️ Pace Yourself
It's a marathon, not a sprint. Strategic breaks are crucial for completion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Great Saunter is an incredibly inspiring and challenging 32-mile walk around Manhattan's perimeter, praised for its unique perspective on the city and the sense of accomplishment it provides. While the route offers stunning views and diverse urban landscapes, some sections can be less pleasant, and the registration process has been criticized. Despite these points, participants often express a strong desire to repeat the experience.
"Shorewalkers is a non-profit organization that is responsible for one of the coolest events I've ever participated in - The Great Saunter, a 32-mile walk around the perimeter of Manhattan that occurs on the first Saturday in May every year. I attempted it last year and had to bail at the UN after injuring my hindpaw, but this year I completed it and would recommend this to literally anyone physically and mentally capable of doing so.
Several months ago, I convinced my top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality to embark on this journey with me. After failing last year, I had a pretty solid arsenal in my possession of what works and what doesn't. I never doubted that my training regimen was correct, and stuck with it this time around - a 10-mile walk six weeks out, a 15-mile four weeks out and a 20-mile walk two weeks out. No, it doesn't get you to 32 miles but it definitely builds stamina and mental toughness, especially if you don't have ideal weather (which is often the case this time of year).
I'm not a power walker by any means and wanted to make sure we rested strategically throughout the Saunter, so I had us start as early as possible. After using the restrooms (SO important to get those visits in when you can) we bypassed the line at Fraunces Tavern (the beginning and end of the Saunter) for hats and maps and began at 6:39am.
There's a lot of highlights to this walk. The westside walk up to Inwood is arguably much nicer than its counterpart - the walkways are better constructed and more recently upgraded for the most part, and the optics are really good with the exception of some awkward areas in Midtown where the walkway narrows and you're really fighting for square footage with bikers very close to the vehicles on the West Side Highway. Inwood is off-the-charts underrated and is gorgeous, especially in the woodsy areas.
The area through Harlem is rough, and there's no point in sugarcoating it. The facilities are very unreliable, there's garbage everywhere and (your mileage may vary on this) reeks of weed. This walk in many ways highlights the classic haves and have nots in Manhattan, and this part is certainly the latter. You are walking through some legit poverty-stricken areas, and I'd recommend if able to just get through it as quickly as possible. We never felt in danger, but it's not pleasant.
I think we're both in respectable shape, and this took a LONG time. We finished up at about 9:31pm, definitely toward the tail-end of participants. Part of that is because we took an hour lunch break in Inwood at a restaurant (I wanted us off our feet for a while before going back down the east side) and the last few miles were pretty rough interspersed with some quick bench stops. But there were also some professional walkers in our midst who practically power walked their way through this, which is just wild to me. So in that regard, I did have some constructive feedback for the organizers. By and large, this is a well planned event. You get important/instructive emails in the weeks leading up to the Saunter, and they have volunteers along the route encouraging you and handing out snacks/drinks. But it felt like the schedule for those volunteer areas was based more on the professionals than the "civilian" walkers - there were no snacks left at two of the stops, and the last stop wasn't even there anymore. That's carefully outlined in your guide, but I think they should get some volunteer reinforcements for more coverage, especially in the latter half - we basically had to figure out the path (which wasn't that straightforward) through the LES and Chinatown area in the dark, which is far from ideal.
Notwithstanding, this is truly an inspiring. People from all walks of life (pun intended) participate in this, and we saw some amazing feats of endurance and perseverance. I'm absolutely doing this again next year."
EE Grimshaw
"I like the idea of Shorewalkers' mission, but my only interaction thus far has been with the website, trying to register for one of their walks, and I don't think I've ever come across a more poorly designed, cumbersome, frustrating registration process for a simple nonprofit event. It's 2025. A single link to PayPal, or Venmo, or some other e-payment method should do the trick, no?"
Eric Blair
""
Jessie Lunde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Great Saunter typically starts at Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan. You can reach this area via numerous subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, R, and W trains to stations like Wall Street, Rector Street, or Bowling Green.
While the walk circumnavigates Manhattan, direct public transport access is limited to specific points where the route intersects with subway lines. You'll primarily be walking, but can use subways for detours or to reach the end point if needed.
If you need to exit the walk, look for subway entrances or bus stops near the perimeter. The West Side Highway and East River Esplanade offer access points, and major avenues often have public transit options.
Parking in Lower Manhattan can be expensive and difficult to find. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach Fraunces Tavern rather than driving.
Most participants complete the full 32 miles by walking. However, if needed, you can use the subway system to get back to your starting point or home from various locations along the route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Registration is typically done through the Shorewalkers organization's website. Be aware that the website registration process has been described as cumbersome by some users.
Yes, there is usually a registration fee to participate in the Great Saunter, which helps support the Shorewalkers organization and event costs. Check their official website for current pricing.
Registration typically includes a map of the route and a hat. Volunteers along the route may also offer snacks and drinks, though supplies can run out.
It's best to register in advance through the Shorewalkers website. While some may attempt to join without registration, it's not officially supported and you might miss out on essential materials like maps.
The Great Saunter is a one-day event that starts early in the morning (around 6:30 AM) and can last well into the evening, with participants finishing at different times.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Great Saunter covers approximately 32 miles, circumnavigating the entire perimeter of Manhattan.
You'll encounter a variety of terrains, including paved walkways, boardwalks, some uneven paths, and urban streets. The West Side is generally better maintained than parts of the East Side.
Restrooms are available at various points, especially in parks and public areas. However, they can be unreliable or scarce in certain sections, so it's wise to use them when you see them.
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are essential. Dress in layers suitable for the weather, and consider sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
Completion times vary greatly. Some very fit participants can finish in under 12 hours, while others may take up to 15 hours or more, especially with breaks.
📸 📸 Photography
The West Side offers great skyline views and park scenery. Northern Manhattan's Inwood Park is surprisingly scenic. The diverse neighborhoods provide unique urban photography subjects.
Generally, yes, but be mindful of your surroundings, especially in busy areas or when navigating challenging terrain. Keep your phone or camera secure.
Early morning light can be beautiful on the West Side. Late afternoon can offer nice light on the East Side. Be prepared for varied lighting conditions throughout the long day.
Look for views of the Hudson River, bridges, parks like Inwood Hill Park, and the ever-changing cityscape as you move through different neighborhoods.
A lightweight setup is best. A smartphone is convenient for quick shots. If using a dedicated camera, consider a compact mirrorless or DSLR with a versatile lens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, if you're looking for a family-friendly way to experience parts of the Manhattan perimeter, consider walking shorter, more manageable sections. The West Side Greenway, for instance, is excellent for biking or walking with kids, offering safe paths and scenic views. You can explore areas like Riverside Park or the paths around Governors Island for a more accessible urban adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack your own substantial snacks and water. Utilize public restrooms whenever possible to avoid paying for facilities. For exploring other parts of the Manhattan perimeter outside of the event, walking and using the subway are the most budget-friendly options.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Focus on building cardiovascular endurance and foot strength. Consider incorporating interval training and practicing with the gear you plan to use on the day. The varied terrain will also challenge your agility and balance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Saunter: An Epic Urban Trek
This event highlights the Manhattan perimeter in a unique way, showcasing its accessibility and the stark contrasts within the city. While the West Side generally offers better-maintained paths and scenic views, the East Side can present more challenging terrain and less pleasant urban environments in certain stretches. The walk truly emphasizes the 'haves and have-nots' of Manhattan, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective.
Preparation is key for the Great Saunter. Participants are strongly advised to engage in a consistent training regimen, including long-distance walks, to build stamina and mental toughness. Proper footwear, hydration, and strategic planning for rest stops and facilities are crucial for successfully completing this ambitious urban trek.
Navigating the Manhattan Perimeter: Route Insights
As you move north, Inwood Hill Park offers a surprising natural escape with its wooded trails, providing a welcome respite from the urban environment. This section is often cited as a highlight for its beauty and relative tranquility.
Conversely, certain stretches, particularly in parts of Harlem and the Lower East Side, can be less pleasant. These areas may feature more litter, less reliable facilities, and a starker depiction of urban poverty. Participants are advised to be prepared for these conditions and to focus on moving through them efficiently.
Shorewalkers and the Great Saunter Mission
While the event itself is well-regarded for its ambition and the community spirit it fosters, the registration process has been noted as a point of frustration for some potential participants. Users have described the website as cumbersome and outdated, suggesting a need for modernization to improve accessibility for those wishing to join.
Despite minor logistical challenges, the Shorewalkers are praised for their organization on the day of the event, with volunteers providing support and encouragement. Their mission resonates with many who participate, making the Great Saunter a meaningful experience beyond just the miles walked.
Social
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