The best walks and hikes in Queens County

Yes, there are over 35 designated hiking routes in Queens County. The majority of these are easy, making the area very accessible for all fitness levels. You'll find a handful of moderate trails for a bit more of a challenge, but there are no difficult, high-altitude hikes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the surprising amount of green space and nature available within the city, highlighting the well-maintained paths in forested parks and the unique experience of walking through coastal wetlands.

Absolutely. Queens is ideal for families and beginners. Most trails are flat and easy to navigate. A great option is the Meadow Lake loop from Forest Hills, which is a pleasant walk in the iconic Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Yes, many of Queens' parks are accessible via New York City's public transportation system. For example, Forest Park is reachable by subway and bus, allowing for easy access to its extensive trail network without needing a car. The Forest Park. Queens, NY loop from Queens is a good example of a trail you can reach this way.

Most of the popular trails in Queens are loops, making them very convenient. You can start and end at the same point without having to retrace your steps. For a scenic waterfront loop, consider the Long Island City AST Ferry – Gantry Plaza State Park loop from Long Island City, which offers fantastic skyline views.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a premier spot for wildlife, especially birds. It's a vital stop on the Atlantic Flyway, and you could spot some of the over 330 bird species recorded there. In forested areas like Cunningham Park and Forest Park, you can expect to see squirrels, chipmunks, and various local bird species. The West Pond Viewpoint loop from Bergen Beach is an excellent short walk for birdwatching.

Queens County is characterized by generally flat terrain, so you won't find any mountains or strenuous, high-elevation climbs. The challenge here comes from distance rather than ascent. For one of the longer, more moderately-rated walks, you could try the Yellow Trail -Forest Park – Forest Park. Queens, NY loop from Queens.

The landscape in Queens is primarily made up of forests, parks, and wetlands, so natural waterfalls are not a feature of the hiking trails here. The routes focus more on woodland scenery, kettle ponds, and coastal marsh views.

If you're looking for a longer urban hike, several routes are over 5 miles (8 km). The Gantry Plaza State Park – Long Island City AST Ferry loop from 21st Street provides a nearly 5-mile walk along the waterfront with impressive views of Manhattan.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in NYC parks, including Forest Park and Cunningham Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Be aware that some specific areas, like the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, have restrictions to protect wildlife, so dogs are not permitted on the refuge's trails.

Several parks in Queens are highly regarded by local hikers for their trails.

Forest Park is a popular favorite, offering a large, dense oak forest that makes you feel like you've left the city. It has numerous trails, including the well-liked Water Hole Trail Head.

Cunningham Park is another excellent choice, known for its native forests and preserve trails that offer a peaceful escape.

Alley Pond Park features a mix of environments. You'll hike through hardwood forests and past kettle ponds formed by ancient glaciers. The terrain includes some gentle inclines, making it slightly more varied than the flatter coastal paths in other parts of the borough. The park also has salt marshes in its northern section.