Pier 26 Hudson River Park Opens

Pier 26 is the newest park in NYC, an architectural marvel that honors the Hudson River’s environmental and ecological importance. Plus there are knockout views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from an elevated walkway.

Pier 26 is a 2.5 acre expanse that is the first and only public pier dedicated to river ecology.  It is the newest addition to Hudson River Park since 2010.

In addition to the wrap-around walkway, there are recreation areas, landscaped walking paths, shaded areas, open green lawns, areas to interact with local wildlife, and plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the view, including to enjoy a sunset over the Hudson.

NYCOTC predicts Pier 26 will become as popular as the High Line, which is nearby.

What to Expect at  Pier 26 Hudson River Park

The elevated walkway at the edge of Pier 26 is certain to become one of your new favorite places to take in the beauty of NYC.  It is sloped slightly, so that as you walk you are raised to the level of the tree canopy alongside.

Inspired by the Manhattan shoreline that would have existed prior to Henry Hudson’s 1609 journey, Pier 26 is landscaped with plants and othr greenery that Hudson might have seen on his own voyage of discovery.

All along the pier, visitors can explore ecological communities representing the shoreline’s native landscape — woodland forests, coastal grasslands, maritime scrub, rocky tidal zone and the Hudson River itself. 

You’ll find spectacular views of Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty — and, of course, a front row seat to the Tide Deck habitat thriving below.

At the western edge of the pier, you’ll find the Tide Deck, a first-of-its-kind 15,000-square-foot engineered rocky salt mash with native shrubs and grasses.

The Tide Deck is designed to be submerged twice a day, at high tide and to emerge at low tide. 

In addition to providing a supportive habitat for native plant and animal life, Pier 26’s ecological features will serve as hands-on teaching tools for Hudson River Park’s River Project, furthering the Park’s ongoing commitment to connecting New Yorkers and tourists with the Hudson River.

The elevated walkway above it offers an ideal vantage point for observing the ways various species make use of this salt marsh habitat throughout the tidal cycle.

• Fast Facts -
• Did you know that the NYC part of the Hudson River isn’t a river at all.  It is a tidal estuary that ebbs and flows with the tide.
• The actual river begins north of New York City, where the salty tidal water becomes non-salty river water fed by snow melt from the Catskills and Adirondaks.

Recreation at Pier 26

Still in the works is a 4,000-square-foot specialized science-themed playground is planned for the upland portion of the pier.

Alongside these ecological features, Pier 26 offers a range of recreational space, both active and passive.

Stroll the pier’s boardwalks, catch rays on a new sunning lawn, get active in the pier’s sports play area, or find the perfect seat to relax and take in the view. Shaded swings for all ages, sunny lounge chairs and swivel seats offer diverse vantage points and relaxation options. 

These plentiful venues for exploration, play and relaxation join the pier’s already-beloved restaurant and wine bar, City Vineyard, and New York City’s busiest boathouse, the Downtown Boathouse, making this pier a multi-purpose  recreation destination.

The Downtown Boathouse offers FREE kayaks in season for paddlers to get even closer to the Hudson River.

Pier 26 is the first of several major projects currently underway in HRP to reach completion.

How to Visit Pier 26

Pier 26 is at North Moore St., at the Hudson River.

FREE, and open daily until midnight.

Take the #2 train to Chambers St. and walk to the pier at N. Moore.   Or take the #1 to Franklin St.

Pier 26 Architectural Information

Pier 26 was designed by landscape architects, The OLIN Studio, and executed by general contractors, Steven Dubner Landscaping and Trevcon Construction; electrical contractor, EJ Electric; and construction manager, Gilbane Building Company.

Funded by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Citi and the City of New York, and with grants from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Department of State, Pier 26’s redevelopment marks a significant milestone in the post-9/11 rebuilding of Lower Manhattan — not to mention a landmark event for our growing Park.

Pier 26 brings together many of the features that make Hudson River Park such a significant resource and destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world — unique opportunities to interact with the Hudson River and local ecology, innovative waterfront green space for relaxation and recreation, and unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and New York Harbor. 

While these ecological communities offer a glimpse into Manhattan’s past, they also form an important resource for our waterfront’s future. In addition to providing a supportive habitat for native plant and animal life, Pier 26’s ecological features will serve as hands-on teaching tools for Hudson River Park’s River Project, furthering the Park’s ongoing commitment to connecting New Yorkers with the Hudson River.

photos courtesy Hudson River Park