Fresh air increases serotonin levels – the hormone of joy and happiness. Even a 15-minute walk can stimulate mental activity and improve mood. Queens offers many scenic trails. Whether you’re setting out on a true hike or simply want to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace, the borough has something for everyone. From trails with historic landmarks to sprawling natural areas perfect for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, here is a selection of the best trails as featured on i-queens.
Little Bay Park
The lively oasis along the Bayside coastline, Little Bay Park, attracts people of all ages not only with its paths but also with its roller hockey platform. The park is popular for yoga sessions and walks with furry friends.
Little Bay Park offers an easy hiking trail. At the same time, those seeking a more challenging hike can find trails that require climbing up to 27 meters. The longest trail in the park is the route to Fort Totten Park, stretching 4.7 km. There are also jogging and cycling paths in the park.
Fort Totten Park
On the northeastern edge of Queens, you’ll find a rare relic of the past – an abandoned fort. From the Civil War era until the 1980s, this area served as a federal military base. The fort is open to visitors and is a popular spot for walks. Incidentally, it still houses an Army Reserve unit.
In Fort Totten Park, you’ll find castle-like structures. Its waterfront location creates a special, mysterious atmosphere. The old fort offers access to the Long Island Sound, an Atlantic Ocean estuary. Step onto the pier for some of the best views in Queens. Don’t forget binoculars for bird-watching! For water enthusiasts, there’s a pool available for free swimming.
Take a stroll to the Cold War-era buildings, including a theater, former officers’ house, laboratory, and hospital. Unfortunately, most of the Civil War-era structures have not survived, leaving only ruins. The Greenway area is designated for pedestrians and cyclists only.
Guided tours are available for exploring the fort’s ancient tunnels and batteries. Notably, one wall bears traces of rifled artillery. Two artillery pieces from trial firing are embedded in the wall, proving the fort’s outdated defense capabilities. The fort’s tunnel is the city’s first car tunnel, originally used for transporting ammunition to storage facilities. Today, it attracts graffiti fans, with some of the city’s oldest murals gracing the walls, dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.
Crocheron Park
In Bayside, there’s another popular location among Queens residents for walks – Crocheron Park. It was named after Joseph Crocheron, an entrepreneur, hotel owner, and horse racer.
The Crocheron House Hotel was once located here, built in the 1850s on the shores of Little Neck Bay, and frequented by politicians and celebrities. The hotel burned down in 1907. During the days of the Tweed Ring, this park served as a meeting place for its members. The notorious William “Boss” Tweed knew this area well and found refuge here after escaping from prison in 1875.
The park boasts numerous picnic areas, paths, and a lake. There is a playground, a dozen tennis courts, and fields for baseball and soccer. Additionally, visitors can enjoy splendid views of Little Neck Bay from any of the hexagonal gazebos.
You can reach the waterfront from the park via a pedestrian bridge. With its winding paths and abundant lawns, Crocheron Park offers year-round relaxation and walking opportunities. There are both walking and running paths that wind around green spaces and the lake. You can choose different routes and distances based on your fitness level.
The park is known for its seasonal flowers and plants, making it a fantastic place for walks and runs during the warmer months. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy nature and physical activity without leaving the city limits.
Francis Lewis Park
This park features winding paths leading to two scenic overlooks equipped with benches and game tables. Here, you can enjoy views of the East River bridge and a beach. The green space is named after Francis Lewis, a merchant from Wales credited with numerous contributions during the French and Indian Wars.
The park is an ideal relaxation spot with its basketball, handball, and bocce courts; water areas for kayaking and canoeing; and numerous walking, jogging, and cycling paths.
Near the park, you’ll find a beach often frequented by dog walkers. While owners soak in the beautiful views, their pets frolic near the water. The swimming area is fully enclosed, ensuring safety for both animals and children. Best of all, dogs don’t need to be leashed at the beach. Within the park itself, you’ll find plenty of lawns and even a few picnic tables.
Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is situated on the East River shoreline, on the site of a former shipyard and industrial area, as evidenced by remnants of structures from the past. Landscaped gardens and greenery have transformed the old industrial space into a stunning oasis with breathtaking views of Manhattan.
This isn’t just a place for walks but also hosts concerts, sports events, barbecues, fishing, rowing, and other activities. Locals and tourists alike often come here to admire the iconic views of Manhattan’s center and stroll along paved paths among historic relics. There are designated picnic areas, and the waterfront is lined with trendy cafes, restaurants, and hotels for every budget. Photoshoots, particularly for couples, are commonly held here. The view is especially spectacular in the evening and at night when the city is illuminated by millions of lights.
There are no official hiking trails, but a wooden boardwalk along the waterfront serves well for walks. Other paved paths connect the park’s four sections (roughly divided into viewpoints, cafes, beaches, and fishing areas), each represented by themed piers. The fourth pier is dedicated to fishing and crabbing. Dogs are allowed on one of the park’s two designated pet areas, both on-leash and off-leash. Upon request, staff may ask for proof of a rabies vaccination.
For active recreation enthusiasts, the park offers basketball, handball, tennis, and racquetball courts. There’s also an art deco-style playground, a running track, grassy areas for frisbee, and a multi-use sports field for soccer and lacrosse. During the warmer months, Gantry Plaza State Park hosts professional rowing competitions. You can also launch your own kayak or paddleboard from the dock and set out on the East River.