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Hiking in New York City

New York City Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in New York City.

By Updated

This guide covers 12+ hiking trails in New York City — Central Park Loop and Reservoir Path, Inwood Hill Park Nature Trails and Staten Island Greenbelt: High Rock and the Blue Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

New York City is the largest city in the United States, a dense metropolis of five boroughs at the mouth of the Hudson River. It is home to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway, world-class museums, the Brooklyn Bridge, and one of the most diverse food scenes on earth. The city runs day and night on an extensive subway system.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Central Park Loop and Reservoir Path

    6.1 miles (9.8 km) for the full Central Park Drive loop; 1.58 miles (2.5 km) around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir1.5-2 hours for the full loop; 30 minutes for the ReservoirAbout 250 ft (75 m) cumulative gain; Harlem Hill is the steepest section

    Walking route in Central Park, Manhattan: 6.1 miles (9.8 km) for the full Central Park Drive loop; 1.58 miles (2.5 km) around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

  2. 2

    Inwood Hill Park Nature Trails

    About 2-3 miles (3-5 km) of loops through the last natural forest in Manhattan1.5-2.5 hoursAbout 200 ft (60 m) with steep stairs and rocky sections

    Walking route in Inwood, northern tip of Manhattan: About 2-3 miles (3-5 km) of loops through the last natural forest in Manhattan.

  3. 3

    Staten Island Greenbelt: High Rock and the Blue Trail

    The Blue Trail runs about 12.3 miles (19.8 km); High Rock loops are 1-4 miles2-6 hours depending on the sectionRolling hills; up to about 400 ft (120 m) gain on longer routes

    Walking route in Staten Island Greenbelt, Staten Island: The Blue Trail runs about 12.3 miles (19.8 km); High Rock loops are 1-4 miles.

  4. 4

    Prospect Park Loop and the Ravine

    3.35 miles (5.4 km) for the Park Drive loop; Ravine trails add about 1 mile1-1.5 hours for the loopRolling; about 150 ft (45 m) gain

    Walking route in Prospect Park, Brooklyn: 3.35 miles (5.4 km) for the Park Drive loop; Ravine trails add about 1 mile.

  5. 5

    Hudson River Greenway (Battery to George Washington Bridge)

    About 13 miles (21 km) one way on a paved car-free path4-5 hours on foot; easy to split into sectionsNearly flat; about 100 ft (30 m) gain near Fort Washington Park

    Walking route in Manhattan west side: About 13 miles (21 km) one way on a paved car-free path.

  6. 6

    Bronx River Greenway and Bronx Park

    About 4-5 miles (6-8 km) of greenway and forest trail2-3 hoursMostly flat; about 80 ft (25 m) gain

    Walking route in Bronx River, The Bronx: About 4-5 miles (6-8 km) of greenway and forest trail.

  7. 7

    Pelham Bay Park: Kazimiroff Nature Trail

    About 3 miles (5 km) of forest and shore trails1.5-2 hoursNearly flat; under 100 ft (30 m)

    Walking route in Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx: About 3 miles (5 km) of forest and shore trails.

  8. 8

    Breakneck Ridge Trail via Metro-North

    About 3.6 miles (5.8 km) loop; the initial rock scramble is about 0.6 mile4-5 hoursAbout 1,250 ft (380 m) gain over steep bare rock

    Walking route in Hudson Highlands State Park, Cold Spring, Putnam County: About 3.6 miles (5.8 km) loop; the initial rock scramble is about 0.6 mile.

  9. 9

    Bear Mountain Summit via the Appalachian Trail

    About 5 miles (8 km) out-and-back on stone steps to Perkins Memorial Tower2.5-3.5 hoursAbout 1,000 ft (300 m) gain to the 1,305 ft (398 m) summit

    Walking route in Bear Mountain State Park, Rockland County: About 5 miles (8 km) out-and-back on stone steps to Perkins Memorial Tower.

  10. 10

    Manitou to Anthony's Nose (Appalachian Trail)

    About 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip on the Appalachian Trail2.5-3.5 hoursAbout 900 ft (275 m) gain

    Walking route in Hudson Highlands, Garrison: About 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip on the Appalachian Trail.

  11. 11

    Fort Tryon Park and Heather Garden

    About 1.5-2 miles (2.4-3.2 km) of park paths1 hourSteep hills; about 150 ft (45 m) gain

    Walking route in Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights: About 1.5-2 miles (2.4-3.2 km) of park paths.

  12. 12

    Van Cortlandt Park Cross Country Trail

    About 3-4 miles (5-6.5 km) of loops in the park's forest1.5-2 hoursRolling; about 150 ft (45 m) gain

    Walking route in Van Cortlandt Park, The Bronx: About 3-4 miles (5-6.5 km) of loops in the park's forest.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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