Fast-paced 18-mile GSFC Prep Hike — East Manhattan Northbound

The Great Saunter Fall Challenge is almost here! Prepare for Reverse Saunter, other challenging GSFC walks, and increase your fitness & stamina by walking 18 miles from Whitehall Terminal ➔ Inwood at a fast pace (3.4 mph). You are fit & cheerful. No slow walkers. No casual clickers. No dogs. No guests. No complainers.

Route we'll walk north along the East Side of Manhattan on a route that mostly follows the Great Saunter course in reverse (with deviations inspired by Cy A Adler).

Why the East side? It's the side of our island that gets the least respect, has the most twists & turns, and the fewest toilets & water fountains — but there's much to love and we will teach you how to navigate it with style!

Meet 9 am on 2nd level of Whitehall (Staten Island Ferry) Terminal (by the toilets). We start walking @ 9:15. Check for transit service changes before leaving home!

Late arrivals get to a location ahead of the group; contact leader; tell us where to find you.

Breaks @ Stuyvesant Cove, Carl Schurz Park, Frederick Johnson Playground, and that hidden gem, Swindler Cove. Alert leader if you need a toilet stop.

End in/near Inwood Hill Park. A & 1 subways a short walk away.

Warning change your RSVP ASAP if you cannot attend. Habitual late-cancelers & no-shows (and other inconsiderate types) will be purged from the going list. Your RSVP implies two things: 1. you can attend an event, and 2. someone else cannot. Not showing up means someone stays home unnecessarily. It will not be tolerated.

Bring drinks, snacks, sunscreen, hydration salts, hat, portable charger, and forecast-appropriate clothing. Bookmark the Great Saunter digital map on your mobile browser. Install Strava, AllTrails, or similar GPS route app. Pack sunglasses: the sun will be in our faces for much of the day due to the reverse course.

Weather we proceed if light rain is forecast; we'll reschedule in case of severe weather. Pay attention to this page for announcements.

Drop-out points all along the route in case you are unable to keep up with the main group. Alert leader if you decide to drop out.

After party everyone is welcome to enjoy drinks & eats at a pub on Broadway. Non-alcoholic drinks available.

Leader Dan D [contact via Meetup]

❤️ Many thanks to our Aug 29 & Sept 5 advanced scouting volunteers!

Reference Walking Manhattan's Rim: The Great Saunter by Cy A Adler (2003)

Take the Great Saunter Fall Challenge! Register here to walk 32 miles over 16 days, starting October 3rd. Help Shorewalkers support our parks by donating $10 to participate, with all fees going to the Riverside Park Conservancy.