ON-FOOT ROUTES
Select a route for a detailed overview and directions.
NEW SPRINGVILLE GREENWAY
& LA TOURETTE PARK
NORTH BROOKLYN WATERFRONT
Route by Brooklyn Greenway Initiative
8 MILES | WALKING & RUNNING
Starting from Greenpoint, head down Kent Ave where you can stop off at East River State Park, North 5th Pier and Domino Park for Instagram-worthy views of Manhattan. From there, move south towards the Naval Cemetery Landscape and the Brooklyn Navy Yard—where you can explore Building 77’s art and food scene. Navigate your way through the historic cobblestone streets of DUMBO to one of the most scenic green spaces: Brooklyn Bridge Park.
LONG ISLAND CITY
Route by Hunters Point Parks
5–6.5 MILES | WALKING & RUNNING
This route takes you through the newly built Hunter's Point South Park where you get some of the best views of the city. You'll find plenty of photo ops in Gantry Plaza State Park as well. Wind your way around the neighborhood to discover several breweries such as Fifth Hammer and ICONYC (be sure to check out the ancient glacier around the corner!) If breweries aren't your scene, there are plenty of art-related sites in the area such as MOMA PS1 and the Socrates Sculpture Park. Be sure to grab a bite some of the local favs: Chinelos Taco truck or HUPO.
@QUEENSBYBIKE
SOUTH BROOKLYN WATERFRONT
Route by Bike South Brooklyn
7–9 MILES | WALKING & RUNNING
The tree-lined paths of Bay Ridge's Leif Ericson Park give way to blue skies and beautiful harbor views complete with picturesque views of the Verrazzano Bridge. Venture off the route for knafeh from Nablus Sweets, pizza or a calzone from The Brooklyn Firefly (vegan options available), a cold beverage at Lock Yard's or Uzbeki cuisine at Chaykhana #1.
@BKBYBIKE
RANDALL'S ISLAND
No matter which way you get here, see everything that Randall’s Island has to offer! From sports fields to gardens, from vistas of three of New York City’s boroughs to the Randall’s Island Urban Farm—this loop shows it all. Be on the look out for two art installations by artist Rubem Robierb—Peace Makers and Dream Machine II. Navigating the newly opened Randall's Island Connector is definitely an experience you'll remember.
Route by Randall's Island Park Alliance
5 MILES | WALKING & RUNNING
@BKGREENWAY
NEW SPRINGVILLE GREENWAY
& LA TOURETTE PARK
Route by Freshkills Park Alliance
Sponsored by National Grid
2–5 MILES | WALKING & HIKING
This summer, immerse yourself in nature and wildlife in the Borough of Parks, Staten Island. Best explored on foot or wheel, this route goes along the 814-acre William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge and new Freshkills Park via the New Springville Greenway to Latourette Park in the Greenbelt. While you're out there be sure to track your walk or jog and submit proof of activity to participate in the Fresh Fit Mall Mile initiative for a complimentary gift.
@FRESHKILLS
BRONX RIVER GREENWAY
Route by Bronx River Alliance
6–7 MILES | WALKING & RUNNING
Start your journey with an optional out-and-back segment to Soundview Park or head directly to the The Bronx River Greenway. The scenic route leads you up towards the Bronx Zoo or the New York Botanical Garden, whichever you are in the mood for. On your way to the sure to make a small detour to Little Italy on Arthur Avenue for a sandwich at Joe's Italian Deli or a cannoli at Morrone's Pastry Shop.
AIA NEW YORK
HIGHBRIDGE PARK & HARLEM RIVER WATERFRONT
Explore and cool off on both shores of the Harlem River! Start in Washington Heights at Highbridge Park on the Coogan's Bluff trail, then on to the Greenway. Head up the stairway to the Olympic-size Highbridge Pool (open June 26), the site of the famous dance scene in the film In The Heights. Grab some Dominican food at Elsa La Reina del Chicharron before crossing the High Bridge to the Bronx, NYC's oldest standing bridge. Make your way down the hill to Bridge Park and up to Roberto Clemente State Park, home of another (!) Olympic-size pool (open July 2), ball fields, and a playground.
Route by Harlem River Working Group
3.5–4 MILES | WALKING & HIKING
@BKGREENWAY
MARINE PARK SALT MARSH
Discover Marine Park—Brooklyn’s largest park—with this 4-mile hiking route through the salt marsh. This 800-acre park is home to many species of birds, crabs, fish, and other wildlife that rest, nest, and feed in its preserved wetland and grassland areas. After your hike, head over to the iconic 1930s-era Brennan & Carr restaurant for a roast beef sandwich and a slice of blueberry pie à la mode! Arriving by bike? This trail is just 1 mile off of the Jamaica Bay Greenway via Knapp Street. Detailed park map located here.
Route by Natural Areas Conservancy
4 MILES | WALKING & HIKING
@BROWNSTONER
PELHAM BAY PARK:
KAZIMIROFF / HUNTER ISLAND TRAIL
Pelham Bay Park is NYC's largest park, it's more than three times the size of Central Park. It's said that Pelham Bay Park is the unofficial start of the New England coastline, and it's easy to feel like you're wandering along the Maine coastline while hiking along the salty Long Island Sound. Explore the incredible water views from this popular 2-3 mile trail on Hunter Island near Orchard Beach. This popular loop is great for hikers of all ages and abilities, and it's a haven for birds, deer, and other diverse animal and plant life. Cool off afterwards at Orchard Beach, or grab a bite along the promenade.
Route by Natural Areas Conservancy
2.5–4 MILES | WALKING & HIKING
@NYCPARKS
GOVERNORS ISLAND
With its 120 acres of open space and car-free environment, Governors Island is a hub of recreational activity, from biking and play fields to winding pathways with extraordinary views. The art exhibits, urban farm and Hammock Grove are a must! This oasis is perfect for a family outing with picnics, playgrounds and bike rentals for all ages—they even have NYC’s longest slide! Are you an IG-foodie? Check out @island oyster and @tacovista for sips and snacks with Downtown Manhattan in the backdrop. Interested in a quick snack or a beer? Make your way inland to @threesbrewing, @meathook and @littleeavs (and many more!). Want a romantic getaway? Collective Retreats offers glamping tents with a bar, restaurant and nightly fire pits.
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Note: ferries from Brooklyn only run on the weekend, but the island can be accessed every day from Manhattan.