Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Hikers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Hikers
1. Inwood Hill Park
Manhattan’s last natural forest and salt marsh deliver real-woods hiking on glacially carved ridges with river vistas over the Hudson and Spuyten Duyvil. Narrow dirt paths, stone steps, and shaded canopy make for a satisfying 2–4 mile outing.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the wildest-feeling hike in Manhattan, with raptors overhead, ancient rock shelters, and hill climbs you won’t find downtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April–June for fresh foliage and birds; September–November for crisp air and leaf color. Winter brings the clearest views through the trees.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start near Dyckman Street for the quickest ascent to the ridge, then loop past the overlooks and descend via the salt marsh—waterproof shoes help after rain.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Hikers praise the surprising quiet and “upstate” vibe, noting abundant birds and shady trails that feel far from Midtown.
2. Van Cortlandt Park
A Bronx classic with miles of woodland singletrack and wide carriage roads, including the John Muir and Putnam Trails and links to the Old Croton Aqueduct.
✓ Why Go:
Varied terrain and longer mileage make it NYC’s go-to for training hikes without leaving the city limits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Year-round; spring and fall are prime. After heavy rains, expect muddy stretches on the Putnam Trail.
✓ Insider Tip:
Begin near the historic house museum for easy access to multiple trailheads; bring a printed map to mix-and-match loops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the sense of space and the ability to rack up miles under tall trees with minimal road noise.
3. Shirley Chisholm State Park
Brooklyn’s breeziest hike unfolds on 10+ miles of crushed-gravel paths over reclaimed coastal hills, with sweeping Jamaica Bay and skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
Open, hilly terrain rare for NYC; perfect for sunset hikes, fitness loops, and big-sky photography.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to sunset year-round; spring and fall offer comfortable temps and great light.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s little shade or water—pack sun protection and extra bottles. Start at Fountain Avenue for quick access to the highest overlooks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Hikers call it “expansive and inspiring,” noting coastal winds, birdlife, and panoramic horizons.
4. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Flat loops around the East and West Ponds reveal salt marsh, dunes, and constant bird activity—NYC’s most tranquil waterside hiking.
✓ Why Go:
A rare mix of coastal wilderness and easy paths ideal for nature-focused hikers and photographers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
April–May and September–October for peak bird migration; cooler mornings in summer for fewer bugs and better breeze.
✓ Insider Tip:
Carry insect repellent and binoculars; check pond water levels after storms and stick to designated paths to protect nesting areas.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the serenity and big-sky views that feel “hours from the city” yet are transit-accessible.
5. Staten Island Greenbelt
An extensive network of blazed trails weaves through kettle ponds and mature forests around High Rock Park—NYC’s most comprehensive hiking system.
✓ Why Go:
For real backcountry vibes without a car trip, with loops ranging from quick nature walks to half-day rambles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
September–November for foliage; April–June for wildflowers and birds. Trails can be icy in mid-winter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a free trail map at the Nature Center and watch blaze colors—cell service can be patchy in the hollows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Hikers praise the quiet, varied terrain, and the feeling of being transported “out of the city.”
6. Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail
A gentle figure-eight path skirts Gerritsen Creek with boardwalks, grassland edges, and frequent heron and egret sightings.
✓ Why Go:
Easy, flat coastal hiking with wildlife viewing—great for beginners, families, and golden-hour strolls.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Low tide to spot crabs and wading birds; sunset for color and cooling breezes.
✓ Insider Tip:
There’s little shade—bring a hat. Extend the walk along the shoreline paths for extra mileage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as peaceful and restorative, with constant birdlife and open skies.
7. Alley Pond Park
Queens’ signature forest park offers kettle ponds, the Tulip Tree Trail, and oak–hickory woods that feel far from city streets.
✓ Why Go:
Tall trees, varied terrain, and reliable birding make for rewarding short-to-moderate hikes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May for migrating warblers; October for foliage; avoid after heavy rain when trails can be muddy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the Environmental Center for restrooms and trail info, then link Oakland Lake and woodland loops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Hikers call it a “hidden gem,” praising quiet paths and surprising biodiversity.
8. Fort Tryon Park
Ridgetop paths, stone stairways, and the Heather Garden deliver river views and quick elevation in Upper Manhattan next to The Met Cloisters.
✓ Why Go:
Compact but dramatic terrain with scenic overlooks and links to longer loops in nearby Inwood Hill Park.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late summer heather bloom; winter for clearest Hudson–Palisades views; sunsets are spectacular year-round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Climb the switchbacks near Margaret Corbin Circle for the best vistas, then descend to the riverside paths for a figure-eight workout.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the “storybook” gardens paired with legit stair climbs and big views.
9. The Ramble
A 36-acre woodland maze in Central Park with winding paths, rocky outcrops, and bird-filled thickets—an urban hiker’s micro-adventure.
✓ Why Go:
Wild-feeling terrain and constant bird activity right in the center of Manhattan; easy to combine with longer park loops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
March–May and September–October for peak migration; early mornings for tranquility year-round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near Bethesda Terrace and zigzag north to the Gill waterfall; bring binoculars for warblers in spring.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Hikers describe it as a “magical maze” that reveals new corners on every visit.
10. Randall's Island Park
Miles of waterfront paths and boardwalks loop tidal marshes with dramatic views of the Hell Gate bridges and Manhattan skyline.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, breezy mileage ideal for long urban hikes with constant water and bridge scenery.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for mild temps; summer evenings for sunsets and cooler breezes off the river.
✓ Insider Tip:
Access via the 102nd Street footbridge in Manhattan; refill at the fields complex before tackling the full perimeter loop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it underrated and peaceful, praising the open horizons and easy navigation.
