The best hikes from bus stations around New York
4.8
(734)
23,078
hikers
151
hikes
Hiking around New York offers a diverse range of experiences, from urban waterfront paths to greenways and park trails. The region features extensive trail networks along rivers and through city parks, providing accessible outdoor recreation. These routes often showcase views of city skylines, bridges, and natural riverine environments, making them ideal for bus station hiking trails.
Best bus station hiking trails around New York
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Brooklyn Bridge Walk, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail that takes 51 minutes to complete. This route offers views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hudson River Greenway, a moderate 6.5 miles (10.5 km) path. This trail follows the Hudson River, providing open views and access to various parks.
- Local hikers also love the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, a 37.1 miles (59.7 km) trail leading through urban waterfronts, often completed in about 15 hours 28 minutes.
- Hiking around New York is defined by waterfront paths, urban greenways, and bridge crossings, offering diverse perspectives of the city and its natural surroundings. The network provides options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to longer, more challenging routes.
- The routes in New York are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 730 reviews. More than 23000 hikers have used komoot to explore New York's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(8)
1,078
hikers
3.34km
00:52
10m
20m
Embark on an easy hike across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, a 2.1-mile (3.3 km) route that offers unparalleled views of New York City. You will gain a gentle 38 feet (12 metres) in elevation, making this walk accessible for nearly everyone. As you traverse the bridge, look out for the intricate Gothic towers and the East River flowing below. The journey takes approximately 51 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the panoramic Manhattan skyline, including One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. You can also glimpse the Statue of Liberty in the distance, adding to the memorable urban scenery.
Planning your visit to the Brooklyn Bridge is straightforward, as the path is easily accessible for everyone, including those with wheelchairs and strollers. Be aware that the route is shared with bicyclists, so stay alert. During peak tourist times, the bridge can become very crowded, which might make navigating some of the narrower sections a bit challenging. For a more relaxed experience, consider starting your hike during off-peak hours to enjoy the views with fewer people around.
This route offers a unique perspective on one of New York City's most famous landmarks, allowing you to walk directly above the East River. The bridge itself is a marvel of 19th-century engineering, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn with its distinctive Gothic Revival architecture. It stands as a testament to historical innovation and continues to be a vibrant artery for both commuters and sightseers, providing a direct link between two iconic boroughs.
10
hikers
10.5km
02:39
20m
20m
Hike the Hudson River Greenway for a moderate urban adventure, spanning 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with a gentle 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain. This route typically takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes to complete. As you walk, you'll enjoy continuous views of the Hudson River, with the Manhattan skyline unfolding beside you. Keep an eye out for the George Washington Bridge in the distance and the unique Historic Tugboat LAC docked along the river. The path offers a dynamic urban atmosphere, perfect for a city escape.
The Hudson River Greenway is easily accessible with numerous entry points and pedestrian bridges along its length. You will find amenities like restrooms and places to eat, especially in the southern sections of the trail. Be prepared to share the path with cyclists, particularly when you are in downtown Manhattan, as it is a popular multi-use route. Consider starting your hike earlier in the day to enjoy fewer crowds.
This trail offers a unique perspective on New York City's waterfront, allowing you to see iconic landmarks from a different vantage point. Beyond the George Washington Bridge, you might also catch glimpses of the World Trade Center and even the Statue of Liberty. The route provides a constant change of scenery, blending natural river views with the bustling urban environment. It's a great way to explore the city on foot while staying close to the water.
Sign up for free
7
hikers
59.7km
15:28
350m
360m
Experience Manhattan's entire perimeter on this difficult 37.1 miles (59.7 km) hike, a journey that will take you around 15 hours and 27 minutes to complete. You'll gain 1152 feet (351 metres) as you traverse the island's edge, offering continuous views of the surrounding waterways. Imagine walking past bustling piers, quiet parks, and under iconic bridges like the Brooklyn Bridge, seeing the city from a unique waterside perspective. This route provides an immersive urban adventure, letting you discover the island's dynamic character from its very fringes.
While much of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway is paved and separated from traffic, be aware of sections where the greenway is incomplete. You will need to navigate busy city streets to connect these gaps, especially along the East River. This can make the route more challenging for hikers, so plan your day with these urban transitions in mind. A steep climb north of the George Washington Bridge also adds to the overall difficulty, requiring good physical preparation.
This extensive route offers a unique opportunity to connect with Manhattan's reclaimed waterfront, providing direct access to areas previously inaccessible. You'll witness the contrast between the island's natural edge and its towering urban landscape, with views extending towards Queens and Brooklyn. The trail highlights the city's ongoing efforts to integrate green spaces and pedestrian paths into its dense environment. It's a journey that showcases the diverse character of New York City from a fresh, waterside vantage point.
6
hikers
3.10km
00:47
0m
10m
Imagine yourself walking high above the East River on the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Path. This easy urban hike covers 1.9 miles (3.1 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 7 feet (2 metres), making for a relaxed 47-minute journey. From the bridge, you get expansive views of the Manhattan skyline, including iconic buildings like the Empire State Building, and a unique perspective of Roosevelt Island below.
When planning your visit, know that the path is entirely paved, making it accessible for most fitness levels. You can access the bridge from either Manhattan or Queens. As of May 18, 2025, the south outer roadway of the bridge is dedicated exclusively to pedestrians, providing a safe and separate space from cyclists.
This route stands out for its unique vantage point, offering a different way to experience New York City's urban landscape. It provides clear sightlines of the East River and its surroundings, allowing you to appreciate the city's scale and architecture from a new angle. It's a great option if you're looking for a straightforward walk with impressive city views.
4
hikers
4.32km
01:08
50m
20m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile Highland Park Greenway in NYC, offering elevated views, historic reservoir sights, and birdwatching opportunities.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around New York
Long Path — A walk through wild New York
On the trail of the Pilgrim Fathers – road trip along the Atlantic coast
Great North Music Tour – hiking in the footsteps of music legends
Lace up your shoes – Trail running in and around NYC
From Manhattan to Long Island – The best road rides around the Big Apple
Other adventures around New York
Tips from the Community
It's not the most prestigious university, but it's very beautiful.
0
0
Horace Greeley was a publisher; his newspaper, the New York Tribune, was very influential. He was also a politician in the Republican party.
0
0
In 2002, the City of New York founded the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, or LMDC for short. This corporation was responsible for developing a new plan for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center. Shortly after the terrorist attacks, it was decided to redevelop this area. However, what it would look like was still unclear. Polls showed that some Americans wanted Ground Zero to be a memorial. Others advocated for the construction of new towers. Donald Trump presented his own concept. He wanted to build twin towers again, 30 meters higher than the old ones. This was quickly rejected, however. In 2002, the LMDC announced an architectural competition for the redevelopment of the WTC site. A total of 406 entries were received.[24] Some designs were criticized, even in German newspapers, for the new plans only envisaging smaller skyscrapers that were nowhere near as tall as the Twin Towers and thus not spectacular enough. In 2003, Daniel Libeskind was finally announced as the winner. He had also completed several construction projects in Germany. Libeskind, who immigrated to the USA from Poland, had little experience in building high-rise buildings, but his design met with widespread approval because he attempted to fulfill both desires for Ground Zero: a memorial and new towers. His concept called for leaving the sites where the World Trade Center towers had stood vacant and building a memorial with a museum next to them. He placed five office towers around the perimeter, each slightly taller than its neighbor. At the northeast corner, he placed One World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower. He also scored points with his concept of the new tower's height: 1,776 feet (541 meters). This refers to the year of the United States Declaration of Independence.[
0
0
Chrysler Building Designed by architect William Van Alen and completed just a year before the Empire State Building, this iconic Art Deco tower wasn't always as prominent in the New York skyline as it is today. Commissioned by Walter Chrysler, owner of the eponymous automaker, it was the first skyscraper with a decorative, non-functional spire, which drew mixed reactions from architectural critics. Although the Empire State Building snatched the title of New York's tallest skyscraper after just 11 months, the Chrysler Building remains the world's tallest brick building with a steel structure.
0
0
56 Leonard Street This residential tower in Tribeca, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and popularly known as the "Jenga Building" due to its irregularly stacked upper floors, debuted on the skyline in 2017. The striking 57-story skyscraper is the tallest in the district. Individual apartments are concealed within its rectangular volumes. This year, the final element of the design was installed at the base: a nearly six-meter-tall replica of Anish Kapoor's bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture. The original is located in Chicago.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus-accessible hiking trails are available in New York?
There are over 140 hiking routes in New York that are accessible via bus stations. These routes offer a wide range of experiences, from easy strolls to more challenging treks, ensuring there's something for every hiker.
What is the general difficulty level of bus-accessible hikes in New York?
The majority of bus-accessible hikes in New York are considered easy, with 137 routes falling into this category. There are also 9 moderate routes and 1 difficult route for those seeking a greater challenge. This variety ensures options for all skill levels.
Are there any easy, family-friendly bus-accessible hikes near New York City?
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails are suitable for families and beginners. For an easy urban walk with iconic views, consider the Brooklyn Bridge Walk. Another accessible option is the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Path, offering pleasant views without significant elevation gain. These routes are generally flat and well-maintained, perfect for a leisurely outing.
Can I bring my dog on bus-accessible trails in New York?
While many trails in New York are dog-friendly, policies can vary by park or specific trail. It's always best to check the specific regulations for the park or preserve you plan to visit. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most state parks and forest lands, but some urban greenways or protected areas might have restrictions.
What are the best seasons to go hiking on bus-accessible trails in New York?
New York offers beautiful hiking experiences year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and pleasant temperatures. Summer is ideal for enjoying lush greenery, though some trails can be busy. Fall is particularly spectacular, with the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains renowned for their vibrant foliage. Winter hiking, while requiring proper gear, offers serene, snow-covered landscapes.
Are there circular hiking routes accessible from bus stations?
Yes, many bus-accessible trails offer circular options, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point, often near a bus stop. While specific circular routes aren't detailed in the provided data, many parks and trail systems accessible by bus, such as those in the Catskills or Palisades Interstate Park, feature well-marked loops. You can explore komoot's route planner to find circular options near bus stops.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural features along bus-accessible trails?
Absolutely! New York's diverse landscape offers numerous scenic viewpoints and natural features. Along the Hudson River Greenway, you'll find stunning river views. For urban natural beauty, Central Park, accessible by bus, features highlights like the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace and the Belvedere Castle. The region as a whole is known for its dramatic gorges, lakes, and mountain vistas.
Can I find waterfalls on bus-accessible hikes in New York?
While the immediate bus-accessible routes listed are primarily urban, the broader New York region, including the Catskill Mountains and Finger Lakes, is famous for its waterfalls. Within New York City, you can find urban waterfalls like the Paley Park Waterfall and the Waterfall at Greenacre Park, which are often near bus routes. For more natural waterfalls, you might need to plan a trip to areas like Watkins Glen State Park or Kaaterskill Falls, which may require additional local transport from a bus hub.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in New York?
The bus-accessible hiking trails in New York are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of these routes, the diverse scenery ranging from urban waterfronts to green parks, and the opportunity to experience New York's natural beauty without needing a car. The well-maintained paths and variety of lengths are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any places to eat or drink near bus-accessible trailheads?
Given that many bus-accessible trails are located in or near urban and suburban areas, you'll often find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs within walking distance of bus stops and trailheads. For example, routes like the Highland Park Greenway or the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway are surrounded by neighborhoods with numerous dining options.
Are permits required for any bus-accessible hiking trails in New York?
For most general hiking trails in New York, especially those accessible by bus, permits are not typically required for day use. However, some specific areas, particularly within larger state parks or preserves, might require permits for activities like camping or backcountry access. It's always advisable to check the official website of the specific park or land management agency before your visit to confirm any permit requirements.
Most popular routes around New York
Most popular attractions around New York
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
