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The wait is finally over: Cherry Walk, the beloved 1.25-mile stretch of the Hudson River Greenway between West 100th and 125th Streets in Riverside Park, is officially reopening this weekend after an eight-month-long closure—and just in time for the tail end of cherry blossom season.
Closed since last September, the scenic riverside route underwent a long-overdue makeover, including repaving areas damaged by tree roots and adding new, clearly marked lanes to better separate cyclists from pedestrians. For months, park-goers were forced to detour from the water and climb stairs just to keep moving uptown, an annoying reroute that left walkers, bikers and runners grumbling.
“I used to train for marathons there,” cyclist Marteen Vandersman told The Spirit, the first outlet to report on the reopening. “It’s the best place for it.”
Originally slated to reopen mid-April, Cherry Walk’s return was delayed by final safety inspections and finishing touches on the lane markings. With little communication from the city, residents grew frustrated.
“It’s frustrating because it’s been closed for so long,” one West Side walker told the neighborhood publication. “When we see it from above, it looks done.”
Despite the hiccups, the reopening brings renewed access to one of Manhattan’s most peaceful pockets—a riverside respite where the breeze cuts through city noise and, yes, the cherry trees bloom in springtime glory. The trees, gifted to the city in 1912 by the Committee of Japanese Residents, are a key reason Cherry Walk made our list of the best places to see cherry blossoms in NYC.
With the path’s upgrade, the city promises a safer, more user-friendly experience without losing the historic charm that Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux envisioned. Cherry Walk is back—and we couldn't be happier about it.
Why was Cherry Walk closed?
The path was closed in September 2024 for repaving and safety upgrades. Tree roots had damaged the pavement, and the city aimed to improve accessibility by adding new lane markings to separate cyclists and pedestrians.
When does Cherry Walk reopen?
Cherry Walk is expected to reopen the weekend of May 3, 2025, following final inspections and completion of all pavement markings.