Hiking in New York: the best hiking trails around the city
'17.10.2022'
Nadezhda Verbitskaya
You don't have to travel upstate to marvel at New York's natural wonders. Plan your next hiking trip right here in New York City, advises NYC Parks.
Local trails will take you through some of the city's oldest forests. And also past pristine natural areas and bedrock that you can see and touch! Exploring these beautiful parks, you will see all kinds of wildlife. From majestic ospreys nesting high on utility poles to turtles sunbathing on rocks in ponds. Along the way, you can also visit historical sites that tell the history of New York.
Where to go on your next trip
To get started, choose a park and plan your hiking adventure. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you, use sunscreen and layered clothing.
Hiking in the Bronx
Bronx River Forest
What to see: New York City's only freshwater river, floodplain forest, Bronx River Island.
Pelham bay park
What to see: Hunter Island, Orchard Beach, Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary, Twin Islands, Laguna.
Raoul Wallenberg Forest
What to see: Large white oak and European beech, red-tailed hawks, Seton Hospital ruins.
Riverdale park
What to see: an oak-hazel forest, a small pine grove and a forest dominated by red oaks and tulip trees. As well as stunning views of the New Jersey Palisades and the Hudson River from the observation deck.
Seton Falls Park
What to see: Glacial formations, floodplain forest, scenic views of the gorge and the waterfalls of Rattlesnake Creek. As well as a forest dominated by red oaks.
Van cortlandt park
What to see: Hills, ridges and valleys, wetlands with rare gourd ash trees. As well as a forest of red oak, tulips and hickory, historic stone buildings and a picturesque freshwater lake.
Walking in Brooklyn
canarsie park
What to see: Scenic views of Jamaica Bay and surrounding areas. The local sandy coastline is loved by ducks and geese.
Marine Park
What to see: Over XNUMX acres of preserved natural areas, osprey nesting, bird-only island. It also houses the remains of North America's first tidal mill.
Paerdegat Basin Park
What to see: high-altitude coastal forest, which offers a picturesque view of the Paerdegat basin. It is a 1,25-mile canal that flows into Jamaica Bay at nearby Bergen Beach.
Walking in Manhattan
highbridge park
What to see: Forests with northern red oaks, hickories, oregano, tulip trees and local black cherries. And also the oldest standing bridge in New York, the remains of the Old Croton Aqueduct, mountain bike trails. There you have the opportunity to see hawks.
Inwood hill park
What to see: The only natural forest in Manhattan, glacial potholes, Manhattan shale. And there is also a swamp with fresh and salt water, where Manhattan, the New Jersey Palisades, was bought.
Hiking in Queens
Alley pond park
What to see: New York's tallest and oldest tree, Kettle Ponds, obstacle course.
bayswater park
What to see: Beach overlooking the bay (perfect for birdwatching), seaside forest and bayberry grove.
Cunningham Park
See: Spring pools filled with frogs, green-backed herons, the Terminal Moraine of the Wisconsin Ice Sheet.
Forest Park
What to see: Centuries-old pine grove, the largest solid oak forest in Queens. It is home to the Richmond Hill War Memorial and Strack Pond.
Willow Lake – Flushing Meadows Corona Park
What to see: A freshwater wetland offering scenic lake views and ample bird and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors.
Staten Island hike
Conference House Park
What to see: "South Pole" of New York, views of the beach. Look at the house where an unsuccessful peace conference was held in 1776 during the Revolutionary War.
goodhue park
What to see: local deciduous forest, ponds, trails ideal for dog walking.
The Greenbelt
What to see: New York's largest remaining forest reserve, two of the highest points on the east coast, Reeds Basket Willow Swamp. There is also a historic stone chimney and Willowbrook Pond.
Ocean breeze park
What to See: South Beach Wetlands, Bush Forest, Scenic View of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge. There you have the opportunity to see wild turkey, Canadian geese and deer.
If you like to go hiking with a guide, then subscribe to New York City Parks Department hiking calendar.
