Urban Park Rangers: Hiking
Put on your hiking boots and explore NYC’s hidden gems! Join our Urban Park Rangers as we discover lakes, forests, streams, and hundreds of miles of nature trails.
Based on New York State guidance for sports and recreation during COVID-19, we’ve put protocols into place to keep our participants and staff safe and healthy. We're asking everyone to help us stay safe:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Maintain six feet of physical distance between households
- Wear a face covering
- Wash your hands
Additionally, we encourage participants to bring their own hand sanitizer to our programs.
Some programs may be modified, rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, health, or safety concerns.
Urban Park Rangers: Hiking Events
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Nature Exploration: Riverside Park
at 116 Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On our nature hikes, you can take an hour to unplug from the world and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
Free!
Sunset Hike
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
As the sun hangs low over on the horizon, the park morphs into a magical realm. Witness the wonder of sunset with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Sunset Hike
at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn 
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
As the sun hangs low over on the horizon, the park morphs into a magical realm. Witness the wonder of sunset with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Event
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Fort Tryon Rocks! Geology Hike
at Anne Loftus Playground (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The island of Manhattan is built on three strata know as Manhattan Schist, Inwood Marble, and Fordham Gneiss. Join our Urban Park Rangers on this hike and find out why Manhattan rocks!
Free!
Nature Exploration: Cass Gallagher Trail
at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
View the forest from the perspective of a naturalist as you walk with the Urban Park Rangers along the 1.4-mile nature trail named in honor of longtime Bronx resident and naturalist Cass Gallagher.
Free!
Event
Saturday, February 6, 2021
Hunter Island Sunset Hike
at Orchard Beach Parking Lot (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx 
4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
As the sun hangs low over on the horizon, the park morphs into a magical realm. Witness the wonder of sunset with the Urban Park Rangers.
Free!
Event
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Nature Exploration: Captain Tilly Park
at Chapin Parkway and 85th Avenue (in Captain Tilly Park), Queens
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
On this moderately-paced hike, discover the nature of Captain Tilly Park. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots.
Free!
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Valentine's Day Hike and Craft
at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Join the Rangers on a light winter walk on the lookout for "lovebirds". We will end back at the Nature Center to build your own nature valentine for your sweetheart!
Free!
Saturday, February 20, 2021
Van Cortlandt Park and Woodlawn Cemetery Winter Tree ID
at Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx 
1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Join the Rangers as we explore interesting tree species in the winter season in two of the Bronx’s premiere green spaces: Van Cortlandt Park and Woodlawn Cemetery.
Free!
Event