Hiking in NYC Parks

There's no need to head Upstate to experience the awe of New York's natural wonders. Plan your next hiking trip right here in New York City!

Our 300 miles of trails will take you through some of the oldest forests in the city, and past 10,000 acres of wild and untouched natural areas, glacial potholes, and bedrock you can see and touch! As you explore these beautiful parks, you'll come across all kinds of wildlife, from the majestic ospreys nesting high up on utility poles to turtles sun bathing on rocks in the ponds. Along the way, you can also visit historic places that give a glimpse of Old New York and tell the story of our city.

Where to go on your next hike

Start your journey through NYC's natural wonderland: pick a park and map out your hiking adventure. Be sure to pack plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and layered clothing.

#FallforNYC

Be sure to bring your camera and prepare for the kaleidoscope of colors. Share your best NYC Parks fall foliage photos with us on Twitter and Instagram with #FallforNYC. We’ll share our favorite #FallforNYC photos at @nycparks!

Tip: Use these trail markers to guide you on your next hike.

Trail Marker

Here are some highlights of hiking trails in our parks:

Bronx River Forest, Bronx

To see: New York City's only freshwater river, a floodplain forest, Bronx River Island

View the Bronx River Forest's hiking trails on a map

Marine Park, Brooklyn

To see: more than five hundred acres of preserved natural areas, ospreys nesting, an island just for birds, remnants of the first tide-powered mill in North America

View Marine Park's hiking trails on a map

Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan

To see: the only natural forest in Manhattan, glacial potholes, Manhattan schist, a freshwater and saltwater marsh, where Manhattan was purchased, the New Jersey Palisades

View Inwood Hill Park's hiking trails on a map

Alley Pond Park, Queens

To see: New York City's tallest and oldest tree, kettle ponds, an obstacle course

View Alley Pond Park's hiking trails on a map

Conference House Park, Staten Island

To see: New York City's "south pole", beachside views, the house where the Revolutionary War peace conference took place in 1776

View Conference House Park's hiking trails on a map

Visit our Hiking Trails page to find more places where you can go hiking in New York City's urban jungle.

Hiking Events

Join our Urban Park Rangers on their free hiking trips to learn more about natural and historic wonders you'll see in our parks. Find an upcoming hiking event