The Day I Walked to Nyack
Training for the Great Saunter, a 12.5-mile walk.
The Great Saunter is a 33-mile walk around Manhattan hosted by Shorewalkers. I have always been intrigued by this massive walk, but it sells out in about 10 minutes every year, so I have never gotten in. This year, I am walking with my friend Craig, who underwent a double lung transplant exactly one year ago. He is completely healed (incredible!), and a group of us are supporting pulmonary fibrosis by joining his PF Flyers Team.
The only way to train for something like this is to walk. And walk. And walk.
On the very spring-like Saturday last weekend, my husband and I decided to walk to Nyack from Irvington. One trip over the Tappan Zee bridge seemed like enough, so we planned to continue further North to Upper Nyack Beach at the base of Hook Mountain and then head back to Nyack for lunch.
The combination of being on the other side of the Hudson, 70° temperatures, and exploring an area I don't normally visit created that perfect “I’m on vacation” feeling that I live for.
Here’s an outline of our walk, in chunks:
To the Bridge: The first big chunk was from my house in Irvington to the bridge via the Croton Aqueduct to the Riverwalk, passing by Lyndhurst Mansion. Comfortingly familiar since I run this path a lot.
The Tappan Zee Bridge: This was the longest part—as you make your way across, it’s on a slight incline up, and then the same distance but downhill. It's very LONG. By the time we crossed over to Rockland County, we'd already walked almost six miles. Yes, it was pretty cool to stand in the middle of the widest part of the Hudson River, but it was actually my least favorite part of the day. Cars were speeding by, and it was pretty loud.
South Broadway to Nyack: This is when things really started to get more exciting as we explored this new-to-me town. The many happy bikers speeding by were really motivating, and we actually considered stopping at one of the several biker pit stops but decided to keep going. Nyack is full of cool, independent shops and Victorian homes, each one nicer than the next.
Upper Nyack: Wow, mansions! So big, so beautiful. Peeking behind gates, stone walls, and bushes, I couldn't help wondering what famous gilded-age person lived there—and who lives there now. Unlike my side, where estates like Lyndhurst and Kykuit are museums, these Upper Nyack mansions are actual homes! Every property had spectacular Hudson views, the river acting like their private front yard. The east side of the Hudson feels more like an extension of the city, with our train stations and waterfront parks. Yet, Nyack felt like I was far, far away. The architecture here is just more interesting and more beautiful. Nyack and Irvington are so close geographically yet so different in character.
Nyack Beach: At about Mile 8, we entered Nyack Beach, a beautiful pathway that hugs the Hudson shoreline with spectacular views of the river on one side and dramatic Hook Mountain on the other. I've hiked Hook Mountain many times, but I always start from the parking lot and end with this flat path as a reward. This time was completely different—walking through Upper Nyack, the mountain loomed ahead of us the whole time, feeling Colorado-like in a way I hadn't noticed when arriving by car. The park had such a friendly vibe—lots of people were out walking their dogs or picnicking along the path. And the silence! No trains whizzing by, either by sight or sound. Just water, a mountain, and happy people enjoying a perfect spring day.
Back in Nyack: By the time we finished our adventure, we had logged 12.5 miles—not bad for our first Great Saunter training. But we were famished – it was a toss-up for lunch at Mekong District for Vietnamese or DNPB Pasta, one of my all-time favorite pasta places outside of Italy. We went for Vietnamese only because they opened first. (Did I mention we were famished?)
After lunch, we poured our very weary legs into a $30 Uber. The gorgeous weather definitely made it feel extra special, but there’s just something about exploring new territory by foot that gives you a completely different perspective on familiar landscapes.
This weekend, I plan to walk up to Croton, which will be about 16 miles. Wish me luck, as it is supposed to rain all weekend.
Great Saunter Details
The Great Saunter is on May 3, 2025. It's a 33-mile walk that starts at the bottom of Manhattan and follows the shoreline all the way around - up the west side, then down the east side. It started in 1982 with one person and now it's so popular that 3,000 people do it each year.
I'm extra excited to do it this year with Craig. When I think about what he's accomplished since his lung transplant, my 12-mile training walk to Nyack seems like nothing. Honestly, it's pretty inspiring to walk alongside someone who couldn't even breathe on his own a year ago.
Hi, great piece, thanks for sharing!
Questions - when did you start this walk to be done for lunch, and how long did it take?
Thanks again!
I loved this article and especially the fact that you still call it the Tappan Zee bridge.