Hell Gate
Unearth NYC’s wildest waters and the stories they tried to drown.
Why This Tour?
Hell Gate is more than just a name; it's a notorious stretch of the East River that has swallowed ships, sparked conspiracies, and shaped the history of the city around it. On this walking tour of Randall’s Island, you'll explore the perilous passage between Manhattan and Astoria, Queens, uncovering eerie, overlooked tales of shipwrecks, outlaws, and institutional ruins. We navigate through stories tied to Wards, Roosevelt, Rikers, and North & South Brother Islands, revealing how these forgotten places helped shape New York’s legacy.
What You'll Discover
Hell Gate’s Perilous Waters
Trace the maritime nightmares caused by Hell Gate’s treacherous tides, jagged rocks, and infamous whirlpools feared by sailors for centuries.
The Plot to Blow Up Hell Gate Bridge
Explore a little-known World War II sabotage plot that targeted one of NYC’s most iconic bridges; a dramatic moment in New York’s wartime history.
River Pirates & Outlaws
Step into the lawless 19th-century underworld of river pirates who roamed the Hell Gate islands, preying on passing vessels and evading justice.
Explosions & Tragedy
Relive the massive dynamite detonations meant to tame the channel, and the devastating General Slocum disaster that remains one of NYC’s deadliest tragedies.
Lost & Forbidden Places
Peer across the river to the ghostly ruins of quarantine hospitals and prison compounds on North Brother Island and Rikers — places closed to the public, but rich in history.
Tour Details
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.
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“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!!!”