Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in the Bronx
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in the Bronx
1. Van Cortlandt Park Cross Country Trails
Home to iconic high school and collegiate meets, Van Cortlandt’s wooded paths, Parade Ground, and the infamous Cemetery Hill deliver classic cross-country terrain with options from 5K loops to longer trail links.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the Bronx’s spiritual home for runners—challenging, scenic, and steeped in racing history, with dirt paths that are kinder on joints.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings in spring and fall for cool temps and fewer team practices; winter offers quiet crunch underfoot after light snows.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the Parade Ground and follow the Old Croton Aqueduct to stitch together longer miles without repeating sections.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners rave about the variety—technical trails, flats, and hills—calling it a must-run for anyone visiting the Bronx.
2. Orchard Beach Promenade
A smooth, seaside out-and-back along Pelham Bay Park’s Orchard Beach with bay views, sea breezes, and access to adjacent forested trails on Hunter Island.
✓ Why Go:
Flat pavement for tempo or recovery days, plus the option to mix in nature trails nearby for a hybrid workout.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise and sunset in late spring through early fall when the promenade is lively but not overcrowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add a loop over the Hunter Island trails for shade on hot days; restrooms and seasonal concessions are near the central pavilion.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the coastal vibe and say the breezes make hot-weather runs far more comfortable.
3. Bronx River Greenway
A growing ribbon of riverside paths linking parks like Concrete Plant Park and Starlight Park, offering car-free miles beside the Bronx River.
✓ Why Go:
Waterfront scenery, gentle grades, and multiple access points make it ideal for long runs and casual jogs alike.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings year-round; fall foliage along the river is especially photogenic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use Concrete Plant Park as a central meetup and head north to Starlight Park for a continuous run with minimal street crossings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners appreciate the calm, green corridor in the heart of the South Bronx and applaud ongoing improvements.
4. Roberto Clemente State Park
A Harlem River waterfront park with wide promenades, bridge views, and gentle ramps—great for steady-state efforts or shakeouts.
✓ Why Go:
Reliable pavement, river breezes, and a compact loop layout make pacing easy and scenic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and golden hour; winter afternoons catch the warmest light along the river.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the northern riverwalk for uninterrupted strides; combine with nearby upland streets for hill repeats.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Athletes note the clean paths and skyline glimpses, calling it an underrated Bronx gem.
5. Williamsbridge Oval
A beloved neighborhood oval with a dedicated track-like loop circling recreation fields, perfect for intervals or easy laps.
✓ Why Go:
Predictable distances and a friendly community feel make it a stress-free spot to train.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings after work when lights are on and the park buzzes, or early mornings for a quiet session.
✓ Insider Tip:
Count laps for a DIY tempo; water fountains and a rec center add convenience for longer workouts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals praise the safe vibe and consistent surface, especially for speedwork days.
6. St. Mary's Park
Rolling inner-park paths and shaded loops in Mott Haven provide short hills and soft-surface segments amid bustling South Bronx streets.
✓ Why Go:
Quick access from several subway lines and varied terrain make it a practical training ground.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round; spring brings fresh greenery that cools the climbs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Link the park with the Bronx River Greenway via local streets for a longer city-to-river route.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners describe it as a convenient, no-fuss spot to get quality hill work in the South Bronx.
7. Barretto Point Park
A waterfront pocket park in Hunts Point with flat paths, harbor views, and space for strides, often with cooling breezes off the East River.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for relaxed recovery miles with scenic backdrops and fewer crowds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to sunset for glowing light on the water; summer sea air keeps temps comfortable.
✓ Insider Tip:
String together Barretto Point with Hunts Point Riverside Park using local streets for a scenic neighborhood loop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the tranquil vibe and photogenic skyline angles on clear days.
8. Shoelace Park
A linear park atop the old Bronx River Parkway alignment offering straight, flat segments ideal for tempos and progression runs.
✓ Why Go:
Minimal street interruptions and a green buffer from traffic make pacing simple and steady.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning and early evening; autumn leaves create a colorful canopy over long efforts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use marked playgrounds and benches as natural interval points for fartlek sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners commend the no-nonsense, fast terrain and community feel along the path.
9. Ferry Point Park
Sweeping waterfront paths beneath the Whitestone Bridge with open sky, salty air, and plenty of room to stride out.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, scenic miles with inspiring bridge views—great for confidence-boosting workouts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear days year-round; aim for sunrise for pastel colors over the East River.
✓ Insider Tip:
On windy days, run the first half into the wind and return with a tailwind to negative split.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it energizing and photogenic, a favorite for long-run selfies and steady paces.
10. City Island
A charming nautical strip perfect for an out-and-back or full island loop, with waterfront views and post-run seafood options.
✓ Why Go:
Low traffic outside peak dining hours and flat terrain make it an enjoyable, scenic cruise.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekends or midday weekdays to avoid restaurant rush and heavier car traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the base of the bridge and run to the island’s northern tip for a breezy 4–5 mile round trip.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners love the small-town feel within NYC and the easy reward of a waterside bite after miles.
