MINI EXCURSIONS
Select a route for a detailed overview and directions.
BOULDERING AT CENTRAL PARK
Experience curated by REI
Central Park has a lot to offer, from the iconic 6-mile loop for biking, skating, running, and walking, to the world-class birdwatching in the North Woods, to the rowboats in the Central Park Lake. Did you know you can even go rock climbing? Bouldering, specifically, is a form of free-climbing done on shorter rock faces without ropes and a harness. There are a number of great bouldering spots in Central Park, and REI has classes to get you started. Don't worry yourself with the hassle of hauling gear, they'll provide everything you need (shoes, helmet, crash pads.) Follow your guide as they show you the local spots right here in the city. Whatever activities bring you to Central Park, make sure to #RecreateResponsibly to protect yourself, others, and the outdoors!
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN CUNNINGHAM PARK
Curated by REI
Mountain biking is a fun, adrenaline-pumping, adventure sport. It's a very different gear from casual city or road rides. Trail riding is growing in popularity and there are a few hidden gems in NYC where you can take your mountain bike for a spin. One of our favorite spots is Cunningham Park in Eastern Queens. There are about 8 miles of bike trails, many of which are carefully and lovingly maintained by the Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists, or CLIMB. Check out the detailed trail map to find the route that fits your skill level. Please be careful, and mind the warning from CLIMB's website: Mountain biking is an inherently risky activity. Use the trails at your own risk. Ride in control and within your ability at all times. Be courteous and friendly to people you meet on the trail. Whenever you're in the park, or anywhere outdoors, make sure you leave no trace and follow the IMBA rules of the trail.
EXCURSION BY CLIMB
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN HIGHBRIDGE PARK
Curated by REI
Did you know NYC has three different parks with designated mountain bike trail systems? Highbridge Park in northern Manhattan has 3 miles of trails for all levels of rider. With everything from smooth cruisers to technical, expert-level trails, this area is small but packs a major punch. Added bonus: a pump track and a flow-line with beginner level jumps. The trail system is carefully maintained by the New York City Mountain Bike Association, who host regular trail work volunteer events in the park. Please be careful and remember that mountain biking is an inherently risky activity. Use the trails at your own risk. Ride in control and within your ability at all times. Be courteous and friendly to people you meet on the trail. Whenever you're in the park, or anywhere outdoors, make sure you leave no trace and follow the IMBA rules of the trail.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN WOLFE'S POND PARK
Curated by REI
Another NYC designated mountain bike trail system is a beautiful natural wooded area nestled along Staten Island’s southeastern coast. Wolfe’s Pond Park has 6 miles of interesting trails that wind through the glacial ponds and native forest of this oceanfront park, with offerings for new riders, families, and more experienced cyclists. The trail system is maintained by the New York City Mountain Bike Association, who host regular trail work volunteer events in the park. Please be careful and remember that mountain biking is an inherently risky activity. Use the trails at your own risk. Ride in control and within your ability at all times. Be courteous and friendly to people you meet on the trail. Whenever you're in the park, or anywhere outdoors, make sure you leave no trace and follow the IMBA rules of the trail.
HIKE THE CUNNINGHAM
PARK ORANGE TRAIL
Curated by REI
The Orange Trail at Cunningham Park is a 1.3-mile loop located in Cunningham Park’s South East Preserve. The South East Preserve is home to a beautiful ecosystem shaped by the terminal moraine nearly 20,000 years ago. Along the trail you can view kettle ponds that provide habitat to myriad birds and amphibians all as you stroll beneath the cool canopy of an oak-hickory forest. Whenever you're in the park, or anywhere outdoors, make sure you leave no trace and follow the IMBA rules of the trail
EXCURSION BY NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY
RUN A 5K IN
PROSPECT PARK
Curated by REI
Whether you’re just getting started as a new runner or have been competing in marathons for years, joining a 5k race is a great addition to your running routine. You can chase new distance or time goals or jog casually with other runners along the 3.3-mile Prospect Park loop—one of the most popular 5k loops in the country according to Strava. Prospect Park Trail Club’s Al Goldstein Speed Series holds low-cost races every 2 weeks through the end of August. Join up to reach your goals while enjoying Prospect Park’s rolling hills, lush woodlands, meandering meadows, and 55-acre lake. If you’re new to running, a 5k on the calendar can be a great motivator. Check out REI’s guide on how to get started.
EXCURSION BY PROSPECT PARK TRACK CLUB
BRONX RIVER
CANOE PADDLE
Curated by REI
The 23-mile Bronx River is one of the little-known marvels of the New York City landscape, winding down through southern Westchester to the heart of the Bronx and the confluence of the East River and the Long Island Sound. New York City’s only freshwater river defines a peaceful corridor of greenery for fishing, strolling, biking, boating and nature study amid the noise and bustle of urban life. Join the Bronx River Alliance for a canoe paddle trip on the River this summer and lose yourself in immersive nature as you travel along the water. The Bronx River Alliance serves as a coordinated voice for the river and works in partnership to protect, improve and restore the Bronx River corridor for the communities through which the river flows. The group offers trips every weekend through the end of August.
EXCURSION BY BRONX RIVER ALLIANCE
ROCKAWAY BOARDWALK TO JAMAICA BAY
Curated by REI
Come out to Rockaway to experience skating, surfing, swimming, fun on the boardwalk, or a hike through a bit of maritime forest along Jamaica Bay. There are two skate parks along the route, a boardwalk that allows full access to bikes, skates and pedestrians, surfing for those seasoned, surf schools for those looking to learn, and a .5-mile hike on the Blue Trail that connects Jamaica Bay Park to Bayswater Point State Park. There are multiple destinations for food and drinks along the boardwalk, as well as Rockaway Brewing Company on Beach 72nd Street and Tacoway Beach on Beach 87th Street.
EXCURSION BY NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY
BIKEPACK AND CAMP IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Curated by REI
Bikepacking, or bike touring, is a fun and challenging way to immerse yourself in an outdoor experience. If you’re looking for a new adventure, load your bike up with all the gear you need for a night or two under the stars and head north from NYC! Croton Point Park in Westchester County is a 44-mile bike trip from lower Manhattan, with about 1,200 feet of hill climbing between you and the campground. This scenic spot along the Hudson River is a great destination for your first bikepacking adventure, and the route consists of mostly protected trails and greenways. Check out 718 Adventures for tips and tutorials on self-guided bikepacking or sign up for one of their guided trips.
EXCURSION BY 718 ADVENTURES
KISSENA VELODROME
Known in the cycling community as the "track of dreams," the Kissena Velodrome is a 400-meter, state-of-the-art track that boasts a special cycling surface. Today Kissena has been transformed from a patchwork, bumpy track into a sleek, state-of-the-art cycling facility. Built by Robert Moses in the early 1960’s, local racers dominated the 1964 Olympic Trials at the Velodrome, taking five of eight places on the U.S. squad. Since then the Kissena Velodrome has produced many Olympians and world-class cyclists. Take your track bike for a spin the way it was truly intended to be ridden, but remember to wear a helmet and ride responsibly. Check out Kissena Velodrome’s website for organized track races and additional information.
EXCURSION BY KISSENA VELODROME
Curated by Trek
