About
The boardwalk gates open on a restored salt marsh, with the Natural Areas team on hand to name what you are looking at. Free, drop in.
Little Hell Gate is a restored salt marsh in the middle of the East River, and most of the year its pathway gates are shut. On Salt Marsh Saturdays they open, and the people who manage the habitat stand in it with you - which is the difference between walking past a marsh and understanding one. It protects the shoreline from flooding and erosion and shelters birds, fish and invertebrates you will not see from the seawall.
What to expect
A drop-in morning on a boardwalk and marsh pathway, self-paced, with Natural Areas staff positioned along the route to identify species and explain how the restoration works. It suits kids and complete beginners as much as birders. Bring binoculars if you have them; the surrounding Randall's Island paths and waterfront are open the same morning.
Good to know
- Free and drop-in - no registration or ticket is required.
- Meet at the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh boardwalk; the pathway gates are opened only for this program.
- Randall's Island is reachable on foot via the 103rd Street pedestrian bridge from East Harlem, or by the M35 bus.
- Wear shoes you can get muddy and dress for open, exposed waterfront conditions.
- For accessibility questions or accommodation requests, the Park Alliance takes email in advance.
Common questions
Does it cost anything?
No. NYC Parks lists the program as free, with no registration required.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. The Park Alliance categorizes it among its best-for-kids nature programs, and staff are on site to explain what you are seeing.
How do I reach Randall's Island without a car?
The 103rd Street pedestrian bridge from East Harlem lands you on the island, and the M35 bus serves it from 125th Street.