Hell Gate
Delve into off-the-beaten-path NYC history on the Hell Gate walking tour!
Explore the treacherous waters of Hell Gate, a notorious one-mile stretch of the East River—between Manhattan and Astoria, Queens—that has claimed countless ships with its deadly currents, jagged reefs, and legendary whirlpools. As you journey along Randall’s Island, uncover the fascinating and often eerie stories of the surrounding islands—Wards, Roosevelt, Rikers, and North & South Brother.
Tour Highlights
Hell Gate’s Perilous Waters – Learn how whirlpools, hidden rocks, and shifting tides made this passage one of the most feared by sailors
The Plot to Blow Up Hell Gate Bridge – Unravel the secrets of a shocking conspiracy tied to one of New York’s most iconic bridges.
River Pirates & Outlaws – Step into the world of 19th-century river pirates who prowled the Hell Gate islands, preying on passing ships
Explosions & Tragedy – Relive the catastrophic Hell Gate detonations and the tragic General Slocum disaster that changed New York forever
Lost & Forbidden Places – Get a rare glimpse of the crumbling quarantine ruins of North Brother Island and the imposing jail complex of Rikers Island
Meeting Point: Randall’s Island Park at the Randall’s Island end of 103rd Street Footbridge (also known as Wards Island Bridge), New York, NY 10035.
N.B. The 103rd Street Footbridge—a pedestrian/bicycle bridge—crosses the Harlem River, connecting Randall’s Island to the river path in Manhattan’s East Harlem.
Endpoint: Sunken Meadow, Randall’s Island.
N.B. All tour guests will be assisted in getting off the island.
Tour length: 2.5 hours
Distance covered: 2.5 miles
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*
