Equip
Explore
Empower
New York City is well-known for walking. People there walk to work; walk to lunch; walk home; at the very least walk to the subway or train station. They walk their dogs. Even with all that walking, many seek places to go hiking, as well. That’s why 50 Campfires decided to dive in and come up with this list of hiking trails near New York City.
What we discovered is a bit surprising. There are MANY opportunities for real, fresh air, unpaved path hikes right within the City’s five boroughs. These can be enjoyed on a weekday before or after work, maybe even at lunch hour if you stretch it a bit. And the on the weekends, more hiking trails near New York City – just a little ways out – offer options for all-day or even overnight excursions.
Even if you’re a lifelong native, we’re betting you might find some new favorites of your own in this list of 27 Great Hiking Trails Near New York City.
Van Cortlandt Park : Bronx, NY
When the Van Cortlandt Golf Course opened in 1895, it made history as the nation’s first municipal golf course. Today, visitors to the park can enjoy much more than a round of golf. Van Cortlandt boasts 1,146 acres of native woodlands (some of the last standing groves in New York City) and the largest body of freshwater in the Bronx. The park has five established trails that are all less than 1 mile in length, but range from “easy” to “moderate/difficult”. Heck – spend a full day, and explore them all!
When the Van Cortlandt Golf Course opened in 1895, it made history as the nation’s first municipal golf course. Today, visitors to the park can enjoy much more than a round of golf. Van Cortlandt boasts 1,146 acres of native woodlands (some of the last standing groves in New York City) and the largest body of freshwater in the Bronx. The park has five established trails that are all less than 1 mile in length, but range from “easy” to “moderate/difficult”. Heck – spend a full day, and explore them all!
Van Cortlandt Park
Broadway and Vancortlandt Park S
Bronx NY 10642
(718)430-1890
Broadway and Vancortlandt Park S
Bronx NY 10642
(718)430-1890
Learn more about hiking near New York City at Van Cortlandt Park here!
Inwood Hill Park : New York, NY
Inwood Hill Park is home to the only forest on Manhattan Island – which is sometime tough to imagine. The trails through the park weave past historic points of interest that include glacial potholes that are more than 50,000 years old, Shorakapok Rock (believed to be the original selling site of Manhattan) and the Inwood Salt Marsh. Be sure to follow the trail to the top of the hill where you’ll find the parks oldest trees – a pair of Cottonwoods that were planted here long before the park was even established!
Inwood Hill Park is home to the only forest on Manhattan Island – which is sometime tough to imagine. The trails through the park weave past historic points of interest that include glacial potholes that are more than 50,000 years old, Shorakapok Rock (believed to be the original selling site of Manhattan) and the Inwood Salt Marsh. Be sure to follow the trail to the top of the hill where you’ll find the parks oldest trees – a pair of Cottonwoods that were planted here long before the park was even established!
Inwood Hill Park
2152 Henry Hudson Pkwy
Bronx, NY 10463
2152 Henry Hudson Pkwy
Bronx, NY 10463
Learn more about hiking trails near New York City at Inwood Hill Park!
Deere Park : Staten Island, NY
It’s either completely ironic – or completely fitting that Deere Park was named after one of the world’s best-known farm equipment manufacturers: John Deere. Thankfully he left the park intact! If you’re looking for a hiking trail with some distance, you’re not going to want to miss the Deere Park Blue Trail. This 12.3 mile trail is the longest in the Greenbelt! If you’ve got the gusto to make it all the way through the hiking trail, you’ll have pass through each of the Greenbelt’s five vegetation zones
It’s either completely ironic – or completely fitting that Deere Park was named after one of the world’s best-known farm equipment manufacturers: John Deere. Thankfully he left the park intact! If you’re looking for a hiking trail with some distance, you’re not going to want to miss the Deere Park Blue Trail. This 12.3 mile trail is the longest in the Greenbelt! If you’ve got the gusto to make it all the way through the hiking trail, you’ll have pass through each of the Greenbelt’s five vegetation zones
Deere Park
Staten Island Greenbelt Blue Trail
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718)390-8000
Staten Island Greenbelt Blue Trail
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718)390-8000
Get out and hike the Greenbelt near New York City at Deere Park!
Forest Park : Flushing, NY
Follow one of the three established trails through Forest Park, and get lost within the 500+ acre outdoor paradise. The park geography is “knob and kettle” meaning that it’s freckled with series of small hills – making this much more than simply a walk down the street. Boasting more than 165 acres of trees, visitors to the park can explore either on foot – or via horseback on the park’s numerous bridle paths. Don’t have your own horse? No problem – there’s a private stable that’s available for hire!
Follow one of the three established trails through Forest Park, and get lost within the 500+ acre outdoor paradise. The park geography is “knob and kettle” meaning that it’s freckled with series of small hills – making this much more than simply a walk down the street. Boasting more than 165 acres of trees, visitors to the park can explore either on foot – or via horseback on the park’s numerous bridle paths. Don’t have your own horse? No problem – there’s a private stable that’s available for hire!
Forest Park
83-98 Forest Pkwy
Flushing, NY 11385
(718)235-0815
83-98 Forest Pkwy
Flushing, NY 11385
(718)235-0815
Check out the hiking and horse trails near New York City at Forest Park!
The Greenbelt : Staten Island, NY
The Greenbelt is truly Staten Island’s outdoor gift to the city. Connected through a series of hiking trails, paths, lakes and routes – The Greenbelt is over 2,800 acres of parks and natural areas awaiting your arrival. If you’re looking for a light hike, start off with the Nature Center Trail, and follow the 1 mile novice hike through a canopy of tulip, beech and birch trees. For the opposite end of the hiking spectrum, check out the Yellow Trail – an 8 mile, one-way trail that leads hikers through Reeds Basket Willow Swamp and parallels the Blue Trail. It’s beautiful year round, but during the Spring season, keep an eye out for the flower bloom – beautiful!
The Greenbelt is truly Staten Island’s outdoor gift to the city. Connected through a series of hiking trails, paths, lakes and routes – The Greenbelt is over 2,800 acres of parks and natural areas awaiting your arrival. If you’re looking for a light hike, start off with the Nature Center Trail, and follow the 1 mile novice hike through a canopy of tulip, beech and birch trees. For the opposite end of the hiking spectrum, check out the Yellow Trail – an 8 mile, one-way trail that leads hikers through Reeds Basket Willow Swamp and parallels the Blue Trail. It’s beautiful year round, but during the Spring season, keep an eye out for the flower bloom – beautiful!
Greenbelt Nature Center
700 Rockland Avenue
Staten Island NY 10314
(718)351-3450
700 Rockland Avenue
Staten Island NY 10314
(718)351-3450
If you’ve never hiked the Greenbelt in New York City – you need to check it out!
Alley Pond Park : Flushing, NY
Alley Pond Park gets major props from us here at 50 Campfires. It’s the home of New York City’s first public high ropes adventure course and part of the Urban Park Rangers “Alley Pond Park Adventure Program.” This program helps teach participants valuable outdoor skills – all without leaving New York City. Alley Pond Park’s trail system winds through hardwood forests and kettle ponds – giving you a glimpse into the geography and topography of days past when glaciers formed the Northeast.
Alley Pond Park gets major props from us here at 50 Campfires. It’s the home of New York City’s first public high ropes adventure course and part of the Urban Park Rangers “Alley Pond Park Adventure Program.” This program helps teach participants valuable outdoor skills – all without leaving New York City. Alley Pond Park’s trail system winds through hardwood forests and kettle ponds – giving you a glimpse into the geography and topography of days past when glaciers formed the Northeast.
Alley Pond Park
69-70 230th St
Flushing, NY 11364
(212)639-9675
69-70 230th St
Flushing, NY 11364
(212)639-9675
Learn more about hiking Alley Pond Park near New York City here!
High Rock Park : Staten Island, NY
Many people call High Rock Park the most tranquil place in New York City, and it’s easy to see why. The park is speckled with quiet ponds and hardwood forests that transport you to a different place. It’s not just New Yorkers who’ve garnered High Rock Park’s attention – the United States Department of the Interior has also recognized the park as a Natural Environmental Education Landmark. While there’s only about a mile of dedicated hiking trails in the park, the serenity of the location makes it well worth the trip.
Many people call High Rock Park the most tranquil place in New York City, and it’s easy to see why. The park is speckled with quiet ponds and hardwood forests that transport you to a different place. It’s not just New Yorkers who’ve garnered High Rock Park’s attention – the United States Department of the Interior has also recognized the park as a Natural Environmental Education Landmark. While there’s only about a mile of dedicated hiking trails in the park, the serenity of the location makes it well worth the trip.
High Rock Park
200 Nevada Avenue
Staten Island NY 10314
(718)667-2165
200 Nevada Avenue
Staten Island NY 10314
(718)667-2165
Learn more about hiking High Rock Park in Staten Island here!
LaTourette Park : Staten Island, NY
When David and Ann LaTourette sold their family farm to the city of New York in the late 1920’s, we’re sure they had no idea that it’d stand as an outdoor sanctuary for the next century. For hikers looking to explore LaTourette Park, this is a great spot to connect with the Blue, Red, White, and Yellow Greenbelt trails. If you’re looking for a shorter stroll, be sure to check out the Nature Center Trail – and don’t miss the opportunity to check out the LaTourette’s 1870’s mansion which has been converted to the golf course club house – and now on the National Register of Historic Places.
When David and Ann LaTourette sold their family farm to the city of New York in the late 1920’s, we’re sure they had no idea that it’d stand as an outdoor sanctuary for the next century. For hikers looking to explore LaTourette Park, this is a great spot to connect with the Blue, Red, White, and Yellow Greenbelt trails. If you’re looking for a shorter stroll, be sure to check out the Nature Center Trail – and don’t miss the opportunity to check out the LaTourette’s 1870’s mansion which has been converted to the golf course club house – and now on the National Register of Historic Places.
LaTourette Park
668-688 Richmond Hill Rd
Staten Island, NY 10306
668-688 Richmond Hill Rd
Staten Island, NY 10306
Learn more about hiking at LaTourette Park near New York City here!
Buttermilk Falls County Park : Orangeburg, NY
The land is mostly steep woodlands with Buttermilk Falls cascading down the mountain. From a flat rock outcropping, you can stop and look south toward New Jersey and west toward the Ramapo Mountains. You can follow in the steps of historic outdoorsman Theodore Roosevelt who frequently road horseback in this region to enjoy these same views. As you hike the trail into the gorge toward the stream and on to the falls, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, opossum, rabbits, raptors, songbirds, a variety of reptiles and more.
The land is mostly steep woodlands with Buttermilk Falls cascading down the mountain. From a flat rock outcropping, you can stop and look south toward New Jersey and west toward the Ramapo Mountains. You can follow in the steps of historic outdoorsman Theodore Roosevelt who frequently road horseback in this region to enjoy these same views. As you hike the trail into the gorge toward the stream and on to the falls, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, opossum, rabbits, raptors, songbirds, a variety of reptiles and more.
Buttermilk Falls County Park
199 S. Greenbush Road
Orangeburg NY 10962
(845)364-2670
199 S. Greenbush Road
Orangeburg NY 10962
(845)364-2670
Buttermilk Falls is a great hike near New York City that’s full of wildlife!
Willowbrook Park: Staten Island, NY
Willowbrook Park and its hiking trails are one of the most popular options to escape to the great outdoors in Staten Island. At an impressive 7.6 miles in length, the hiking trail through this park is primarily surrounded by wooded cover, though a portion travels beside the 5-acre lake that is a nesting, feeding, and migratory stop for a variety of water bird and songbird species. There are also protected stretches for wildlife and recreational facilities including an archery range.
Willowbrook Park and its hiking trails are one of the most popular options to escape to the great outdoors in Staten Island. At an impressive 7.6 miles in length, the hiking trail through this park is primarily surrounded by wooded cover, though a portion travels beside the 5-acre lake that is a nesting, feeding, and migratory stop for a variety of water bird and songbird species. There are also protected stretches for wildlife and recreational facilities including an archery range.
Willowbrook Park
1 Eton Place
Staten Island NY 10314
(718)698-2186
1 Eton Place
Staten Island NY 10314
(718)698-2186
Learn more about hiking the 7.6 mile trail at Willowbrook Park near New York City here!
Marine Park: Brooklyn, NY
Though slightly less than a mile in length, the Salt Marsh Nature Trail encompasses an impressive variety of terrain. The first half follows the shore of Gerritsen Beach which empties into Jamaica Bay. The trails second leg winds through a prairie of tall grass where you can sometimes spot cottontail rabbits, ring-necked pheasants, or perhaps even a coyote. At 800 acres, Marine Park itself is the largest park in Brooklyn and is home to many species of wildlife including birds, crabs, fish, and more.
Though slightly less than a mile in length, the Salt Marsh Nature Trail encompasses an impressive variety of terrain. The first half follows the shore of Gerritsen Beach which empties into Jamaica Bay. The trails second leg winds through a prairie of tall grass where you can sometimes spot cottontail rabbits, ring-necked pheasants, or perhaps even a coyote. At 800 acres, Marine Park itself is the largest park in Brooklyn and is home to many species of wildlife including birds, crabs, fish, and more.
Marine Park
Filmore Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11229
(212)639-9675
Filmore Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11229
(212)639-9675
Learn more about hiking trails at Marine Park near New York City here!
Wolfe’s Pond Park: Staten Island
Variety is the hallmark of Wolf’s Pond Park, and its hiking trails. Both hikers and mountain bikers can explore the trails of this south shore location. The trails contain easy, moderate, and difficult terrain. While here, you can check out the beach, wildlife and a variety of natural plants. You’ll find the trailhead at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Cornelia Avenue.
Variety is the hallmark of Wolf’s Pond Park, and its hiking trails. Both hikers and mountain bikers can explore the trails of this south shore location. The trails contain easy, moderate, and difficult terrain. While here, you can check out the beach, wildlife and a variety of natural plants. You’ll find the trailhead at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Cornelia Avenue.
Wolfe’s Pond Park
420 Cornelia Avenue
Staten Island NY 10312
(718)984-8266
420 Cornelia Avenue
Staten Island NY 10312
(718)984-8266
Learn more about hiking at Wolfe’s Pond Park near New York City here!
Camp Smith Trail: Fort Clinton
This dog-friendly trail takes in 3.5 miles of the southern section of of the Hudson Highlands State Park in Westchester County. Terrain difficulty is primarily moderate to difficult with an elevation gain of 350 feet over the course of the hike. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River and surrounding country. Note that major portions of this park are open to hunting in season, so you should consider that in wearing high visibility clothing when hiking here during the hunting seasons.
This dog-friendly trail takes in 3.5 miles of the southern section of of the Hudson Highlands State Park in Westchester County. Terrain difficulty is primarily moderate to difficult with an elevation gain of 350 feet over the course of the hike. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Hudson River and surrounding country. Note that major portions of this park are open to hunting in season, so you should consider that in wearing high visibility clothing when hiking here during the hunting seasons.
Camp Smith Trail
28 Bear Mountain Bridge Road
Cortlandt NY 10567
28 Bear Mountain Bridge Road
Cortlandt NY 10567
Learn more about hiking near the Hudson River on the Camp Smith Trail near New York City here!
Arden Point and Glenclyffe: Garrison
The Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is a largely undeveloped area of nearly 10 square miles that incorporates many hiking trails including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Among them is the Arden Point and Glenclyffe Trail. This is a four mile loop, that will take nearly three hours to complete. While offering many opportunities for gorgeous views of the Hudson River and valley, do not embark on the adventure without an up-to-date trail map from the park. You’ll need to keep your wits about you as you look for blazes and spur trails that deliver the best views.
The Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is a largely undeveloped area of nearly 10 square miles that incorporates many hiking trails including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Among them is the Arden Point and Glenclyffe Trail. This is a four mile loop, that will take nearly three hours to complete. While offering many opportunities for gorgeous views of the Hudson River and valley, do not embark on the adventure without an up-to-date trail map from the park. You’ll need to keep your wits about you as you look for blazes and spur trails that deliver the best views.
Arden Point and Glenclyffe
96 Lower Station Road
Garrison NY 10524
(845)225-7207
96 Lower Station Road
Garrison NY 10524
(845)225-7207
Get more info about hiking Arden Point and Glenclyffe near New York City here!
North Woods: Central Park
The most secluded and peaceful area of Central Park is the North Woods, located at the park’s northwest corner. It offers a small taste of the Adirondack Mountains just a few subway stops away from Time Square. The North Woods offers people and wildlife an oasis of nature in the middle of New York City. The heart of the North Woods is The Ravine. Fallen trees and snags are left where they land unless obstructing trails. A favored spot of hikers and bird watchers, free guided tours are available regularly.
The most secluded and peaceful area of Central Park is the North Woods, located at the park’s northwest corner. It offers a small taste of the Adirondack Mountains just a few subway stops away from Time Square. The North Woods offers people and wildlife an oasis of nature in the middle of New York City. The heart of the North Woods is The Ravine. Fallen trees and snags are left where they land unless obstructing trails. A favored spot of hikers and bird watchers, free guided tours are available regularly.
Northwoods
296 Central Park N
New York NY 10026
(212)310-6600
296 Central Park N
New York NY 10026
(212)310-6600
Dater Mountain Nature County Park: Sloatsburg
The 3-mile trail in Dater Mountain Nature Park affords views of the Village of Tuxedo, the New York State Thruway, and Orange County from elevations as high as 940 feet above sea level. The park itself consists of eight federally designated wetlands and provides habitat for two New York State endangered species – the Northern Cricket Frog and the Allegheny Woodrat. Another threatened park resident is the Timber Rattlesnake, so watch your step and keep pets close at hand as you venture in this park.
The 3-mile trail in Dater Mountain Nature Park affords views of the Village of Tuxedo, the New York State Thruway, and Orange County from elevations as high as 940 feet above sea level. The park itself consists of eight federally designated wetlands and provides habitat for two New York State endangered species – the Northern Cricket Frog and the Allegheny Woodrat. Another threatened park resident is the Timber Rattlesnake, so watch your step and keep pets close at hand as you venture in this park.
Dater Mountain Nature County Park
Johnsontown Road
Sloatsburg NY 10974
(845)947-2444
Johnsontown Road
Sloatsburg NY 10974
(845)947-2444
Don’t miss this beautiful hike 940′ above sea level near New York City!
Bronx River Forest
The Bronx River Forest offers two loop hiking trails. The red trail is approximately a half-mile for a quick hike, and the blue trail extends nearly a mile for a bit more adventure. Enter the blue trail from the Burke Bridge over the Bronx River, that’s a great place to spot forest and water birds. Walk through a floodplain forest on the banks of the restored river and marvel at how clean and natural this once polluted river has become. Located just steps from the New York Botanical Garden.
The Bronx River Forest offers two loop hiking trails. The red trail is approximately a half-mile for a quick hike, and the blue trail extends nearly a mile for a bit more adventure. Enter the blue trail from the Burke Bridge over the Bronx River, that’s a great place to spot forest and water birds. Walk through a floodplain forest on the banks of the restored river and marvel at how clean and natural this once polluted river has become. Located just steps from the New York Botanical Garden.
Bronx River Forest
Bronx NY 10467
(718)430-4665
Bronx NY 10467
(718)430-4665
Check out more info about hiking Bronx River Forest near New York City!
Pelham Bay Park: Bronx
Leave the city far behind on Pelham Bay Park’s Kazimiroff Trail which provides self-guided long and short loop paths around 189-acre Hunter Island. You’ll enjoy the island’s natural wetland border, tall and shaded interior forest, and the shoreline of beautiful Orchard Beach.
Leave the city far behind on Pelham Bay Park’s Kazimiroff Trail which provides self-guided long and short loop paths around 189-acre Hunter Island. You’ll enjoy the island’s natural wetland border, tall and shaded interior forest, and the shoreline of beautiful Orchard Beach.
Pelham Bay Park
Watt Avenue & Middletown Road
Bronx NY 10465
(718)430-4670
Watt Avenue & Middletown Road
Bronx NY 10465
(718)430-4670
Check out more info about hiking at Pelham Bay Park near New York City!
Palisades Interstate Park: Alpine, New Jersey
The trails at Palisades Interstate Park will keep you busy because there is nearly 30 miles of them, and even though they are proximate to New York City, many are difficult to advanced skill levels. Two main trails cover most of the 12-mile length of the park with five cross trails connecting these main arteries. Additionally, there are six cross-country ski trails at State Line Outlook that can also be used by hikers.
The trails at Palisades Interstate Park will keep you busy because there is nearly 30 miles of them, and even though they are proximate to New York City, many are difficult to advanced skill levels. Two main trails cover most of the 12-mile length of the park with five cross trails connecting these main arteries. Additionally, there are six cross-country ski trails at State Line Outlook that can also be used by hikers.
Palisades Interstate Park
Alpine, NJ 07620
(201)768-1360
Alpine, NJ 07620
(201)768-1360
Learn more about hiking at Palisades Interstate Park near New York City!
Storm King State Park: Palisades Region
This is a “roughing it” park. The park is undeveloped with no toilets and limited parking. Miles of marked and unmarked trails wind through the park. However, all hikers should be sure to take a map with them (download an up to date PDF here). For those willing to take on the challenge, the park offers unsurpassed views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley and possibly a glimpse of a peregrine falcon which have returned to this rugged park.
This is a “roughing it” park. The park is undeveloped with no toilets and limited parking. Miles of marked and unmarked trails wind through the park. However, all hikers should be sure to take a map with them (download an up to date PDF here). For those willing to take on the challenge, the park offers unsurpassed views of the Catskills and the Hudson Valley and possibly a glimpse of a peregrine falcon which have returned to this rugged park.
Storm King State Park
Mountain Road
Cornwall-On-Hudson NY 12520
(845)786-2701
Mountain Road
Cornwall-On-Hudson NY 12520
(845)786-2701
Learn more about hiking at Storm King State Park near New York City!
Clove Lakes Park: Staten Island
Three miles of easy terrain trail await hikers here. Enjoy a peaceful walk by its valley lakes. Ascend pathways through wooded hills and pause on picturesque bridges. You’ll also pass by New York City’s largest tulip tree estimated to be 300 years old. There are numerous access points to the Clove Lakes Pathway from Victory Boulevard, Martling Avenue, Brookside Avenue, and Forest Avenue.
Three miles of easy terrain trail await hikers here. Enjoy a peaceful walk by its valley lakes. Ascend pathways through wooded hills and pause on picturesque bridges. You’ll also pass by New York City’s largest tulip tree estimated to be 300 years old. There are numerous access points to the Clove Lakes Pathway from Victory Boulevard, Martling Avenue, Brookside Avenue, and Forest Avenue.
Clove Lakes Park
1150 Clove Road
Staten Island NY 10301
(718)390-8000
1150 Clove Road
Staten Island NY 10301
(718)390-8000
Learn more about hiking at Clove Lakes Park on Staten Island near New York City!
North Forty Natural Area: Brooklyn
Did you know there’s a bonafide national recreation area in Brooklyn? There is indeed – Gateway National Recreation area that includes Floyd Bennett Field. And that includes the North Forty Natural Area – a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. It’s crisscrossed with hiking trails that traverse the mixed conifer and deciduous woodlands and low cover grasslands. A diversity of wildlife calls the area home so you’ll discover mammals, birds, reptiles, and pollinator insects. The area is also home to insect pests like mosquitos and ticks, so be sure to bring repellent during the warm weather months into early fall.
Did you know there’s a bonafide national recreation area in Brooklyn? There is indeed – Gateway National Recreation area that includes Floyd Bennett Field. And that includes the North Forty Natural Area – a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. It’s crisscrossed with hiking trails that traverse the mixed conifer and deciduous woodlands and low cover grasslands. A diversity of wildlife calls the area home so you’ll discover mammals, birds, reptiles, and pollinator insects. The area is also home to insect pests like mosquitos and ticks, so be sure to bring repellent during the warm weather months into early fall.
North Forty Natural Area
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Click here to see more on the North Forty Natural area near New York City!
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve: Staten Island
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a 265-acre nature preserve near the southwest shore of Staten Island. Numerous hiking opportunities exist on the park’s nature walk trails. These traverse wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams, and ample woodlands. Facilities include bathrooms, parking areas, trailheads, observation decks, and a nature center. There are both look and out-and-back-trails available.
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a 265-acre nature preserve near the southwest shore of Staten Island. Numerous hiking opportunities exist on the park’s nature walk trails. These traverse wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams, and ample woodlands. Facilities include bathrooms, parking areas, trailheads, observation decks, and a nature center. There are both look and out-and-back-trails available.
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
83 Nielsen Avenue
Staten Island NY 10309
(718)967-1976
83 Nielsen Avenue
Staten Island NY 10309
(718)967-1976
Learn more about hiking Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve in Staten Island near New York City!
Conference House Park: Staten Island
Hiking the trails at Conference House Park is literally a hike back through three centuries of the burrough’s history. Located at the southernmost point of New York State, the park is home to numerous historic buildings. A mile-plus hike along the Blue Trail will take you past all of them, and include the “South Pole” a marker for the southernmost point in the state.
Hiking the trails at Conference House Park is literally a hike back through three centuries of the burrough’s history. Located at the southernmost point of New York State, the park is home to numerous historic buildings. A mile-plus hike along the Blue Trail will take you past all of them, and include the “South Pole” a marker for the southernmost point in the state.
Conference House Park
298 Satterlee Street
Staten Island NY 10307
(718)984-6046
298 Satterlee Street
Staten Island NY 10307
(718)984-6046
Learn more about hiking Conference House Park in Staten Island near New York City!
The Ravine in Prospect Park: Brooklyn
Both walking and running are popular activities at Prospect Park with a nearly 3 ½ mile designated running lane along the Park Drive. For off the beaten path hiking, Prospect Park has the Ravine. Here, you’ll definitely want to slow down! You’re entering Brooklyn’s only forest … and a sizeable one at the with about 150 acres of woodlands and scenic waterways. Restoration of the Ravine has been underway since 1996 and the transformation is amazing.
Both walking and running are popular activities at Prospect Park with a nearly 3 ½ mile designated running lane along the Park Drive. For off the beaten path hiking, Prospect Park has the Ravine. Here, you’ll definitely want to slow down! You’re entering Brooklyn’s only forest … and a sizeable one at the with about 150 acres of woodlands and scenic waterways. Restoration of the Ravine has been underway since 1996 and the transformation is amazing.
The Ravine in Prospect Park
95 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn NY 11215
(718)965-8951
95 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn NY 11215
(718)965-8951
Click here to learn more about hiking The Ravine in Prospect Park near New York City!
Mount Loretto Unique Area: Staten Island
Mount Loretto Unique Area features three hiking trails – Wetlands Trail, Grassland Trail, and Beach Loop. Overall, the Unique Area provides nature lovers with more than 200 acres of forest, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shoreline on the southern shore of Staten Island. These habitats make it a beautiful area to hike and one of the best locations for viewing migrating birds. Hiking trails crisscross the entire area and provide access to all terrains and other park activities such as fishing, and beachcombing.
Mount Loretto Unique Area features three hiking trails – Wetlands Trail, Grassland Trail, and Beach Loop. Overall, the Unique Area provides nature lovers with more than 200 acres of forest, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shoreline on the southern shore of Staten Island. These habitats make it a beautiful area to hike and one of the best locations for viewing migrating birds. Hiking trails crisscross the entire area and provide access to all terrains and other park activities such as fishing, and beachcombing.
Mount Loretto Unique Area
6450 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island NY 10309
(718)482-4900
6450 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island NY 10309
(718)482-4900
Click here to learn more about hiking trails in Mount Loretto Unique Area near New York City!
North Mount Loretto State Forest: Staten Island
The 74-acre North Mt. Loretto State Forest is a unique and diverse green space in southern Staten Island. The property includes both mixed hardwood forest and wetland habitats. These features make it a beautiful area to hike and one of the best places to spot amphibians in the area. Five trails traverse the area passing through forests and bordering wetlands. One trail is wheelchair accessible
The 74-acre North Mt. Loretto State Forest is a unique and diverse green space in southern Staten Island. The property includes both mixed hardwood forest and wetland habitats. These features make it a beautiful area to hike and one of the best places to spot amphibians in the area. Five trails traverse the area passing through forests and bordering wetlands. One trail is wheelchair accessible
North Mount Loretto State Forest
6450 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island NY 10309
(718)482-4900
6450 Hylan Blvd
Staten Island NY 10309
(718)482-4900
