WWII - Hell Gate Walking Tour

Hell Gate

Delve into off-the-beaten-path New York history on the Hell Gate walking tour!

Hell Gate is the one-mile stretch of the East River between Manhattan and Queens where countless ships were sunk or destroyed by gigantic rocks, reefs, whirlpools, and dangerous currents. Discover the islands in and around Hell Gate—Wards, Roosevelt, Rikers, North & South Brother—as seen from Randall’s Island.

Main Features

  • Find out about Hell Gate’s ship-swallowing whirlpools

  • Learn about the plot to blow up the Hell Gate Bridge

  • Discover the river pirates of the Hell Gate islands

  • Hear about the Hell Gate Explosions and the General Slocum Disaster

  • Peer at the jail complex of Rikers Island and the quarantine ruins of North Brother Island

Meeting Point: Randall’s Island Park (the collective name for Randall’s Island to the north and Wards Island to the south) at the Randall’s Island end of 103rd Street Footbridge (also known as Wards Island Bridge), New York, NY 10035. The pedestrian bridge crosses the Harlem River, connecting Randall’s Island to the river path in East Harlem.

Tour length: 2.5 hours

Distance covered: 2.5 miles

Meeting Point - Hell Gate walking tour

Meeting point: Randall’s Island end of Wards Island Bridge/103rd Street Footbridge

“If, like I do, you need a tour that's really interesting and / or on a very niche topic, why not follow who literally wrote the book on it? Whether you're a long-time new yorker, a frequent visitor, or or simply a tourist who nonetheless wants to stay off the beaten path, this is for you. Like an urban Charon, K. will lead you through Hell gate, literally the once turbulent tidal strait that separates Astoria from Randall's/Wards islands, and metaphorically, the stretch in the East River where New York City tries to wash all its dirty laundry or at least to keep it out of sight. This tour, charmingly narrated, comprehensive, and meticulously researched, and is a fun, 3h romp through rarely seen spaces and forgotten times alike. It might well be the best I've taken in the city. So I'm looking forward to taking the Death in NY tour as well as the Psychiatry in the UES that K also developed and leads, and to reading the corresponding books she authored, one of which is available while the other is forthcoming.”

Nazzarena Labò Frederick, MD (Airbnb Experiences) 5*

“There were so many parts of this tour that I liked...It's hard to choose one experience. Among my favorites, however, was the tour guide's ability to tell the story of the history of Ward Island, Randal's Island and the surrounding area with such enthusiasm and command of the subject. I knew so little about Hell Gate, but came away with a significant appreciation for the journey people had taken to develop this part of New York City.
For future travelers, wear good walking shoes since there is a lot of territory to cover. Believe me, it will be worth it!!!”

bosbinn (TripAdvisor) 5*