The best walks and hikes around Lake Success
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Hiking around Lake Success, located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, offers access to urban and suburban green spaces, park trails, and waterfront paths. The region's topography is shaped by its glacial origins, resulting in varied terrain with generally gentle elevation changes. Hiking routes encompass accessible green spaces and scenic waterfront areas.
Best hiking trails around Lake Success
- The most popular hiking route is Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop, a 2.8 miles (4.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 11 minutes to complete. This route explores park areas and historical military structures.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Alley Pond Park Loop, an easy 4.3 miles (7.0 km) path. This route features diverse parkland scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Cunningham Park Trail System, a 6.4 miles (10.3 km) trail leading through varied park areas, often completed in about 2 hours 39 minutes.
- Hiking around Lake Success is defined by urban park trails, waterfront paths, and accessible green spaces. The network offers options for various ability levels, primarily featuring easy to moderate routes.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Lake Success's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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6.98km
01:51
70m
60m
The Alley Pond Park Loop offers a surprisingly diverse natural escape right in Queens, New York, winding through wetlands, meadows, and mixed hardwood forests. You'll traverse boardwalks over soft ground and gentle rises, encountering prominent features like Alley Pond itself and several kettle ponds, which are hotspots for bird activity. The trail provides a refreshing journey through varied scenery, making it a great option for a quick nature fix.
This easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) hiking route involves a modest 218 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. The trails are generally well-marked, making navigation simple for all skill levels. While it's an accessible urban park, be aware that some sections might have uneven terrain or muddy patches, especially after rain. It's a good idea to visit during spring or fall for pleasant weather and prime birdwatching opportunities.
Alley Pond Park is significant for hosting one of New York City's last remaining freshwater wetlands, supporting a rich variety of wildlife including red-winged blackbirds, ospreys, egrets, and various small mammals and amphibians. A true landmark is the "Queens Giant," an approximately 450-year-old tulip tree, considered the oldest living organism in the New York metropolitan area. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and ecological importance within an urban setting.
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4.55km
01:11
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The Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop hiking guide takes you through a unique blend of historical sites and serene waterfront landscapes in Queens County. You'll experience mostly paved paths, with some uneven sections, as you pass by the preserved Fort Totten Military Ruins and enjoy picturesque views of Little Bay and the Throgs Neck Bridge. This easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) route, with only 89 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a leisurely walk, typically taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the area offers multiple parking lots, restrooms, and drinking water stations. The trails are dog friendly trails Little Bay Fort Totten, making it a great spot for pet owners. Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable walking, but the park is accessible year-round. Consider arriving earlier on weekends to secure parking, especially during pleasant weather.
This loop stands out for its rich historical significance, encompassing a well-preserved Civil War fortress that was once a key part of New York City's harbor defense system. Beyond the history, the combination of expansive green spaces and continuous waterfront views makes it a peaceful escape within the city. It's an excellent beginner hiking Fort Totten Little Bay Loop, offering both natural beauty and a glimpse into the past.
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2.97km
00:45
10m
10m
The Kings Point Loop offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, winding through a mix of peaceful wooded areas and open fields. You'll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery and diverse plant life, with the added bonus of serene ponds and wetlands that contribute to the local ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of bird species, as this trail is a known hotspot for birdwatching. On a clear day, you might even catch glimpses of the ocean, the bay, and the distant Manhattan skyline, providing a surprising urban contrast to the natural beauty.
Planning your visit to the Kings Point Loop is straightforward, as the trailhead is easily accessible by car with ample parking available. If you prefer public transportation, options are also conveniently located nearby. This easy 1.8-mile (3.0 km) hike, with only 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 44 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick, refreshing outing. It's a great choice for families or anyone looking for a gentle stroll, and it's enjoyable in all seasons.
Beyond its natural beauty, Kings Point Park holds historical significance related to Nassau County's early development, adding a layer of local context to your walk. The trail's rich biodiversity, particularly its birdlife and aquatic habitats, makes it a valuable natural asset in the region. It's a fantastic introduction to the area's natural offerings, providing a tranquil experience without requiring a significant time commitment or advanced hiking skills.
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10.3km
02:39
50m
30m
Explore the Cunningham Park Trail System, a moderate 6.4-mile hike in Queens, offering diverse terrain and a refreshing urban escape.
3.26km
00:50
20m
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The Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Path offers a delightful, easy stroll along the waterfront, perfect for a quick escape into nature. You'll follow a wide dirt and gravel path, enjoying continuous scenic views of Hempstead Harbor, with picturesque gazebos inviting you to pause and soak in the surroundings. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife like herons and osprey, and admire the high cliffs that reveal ancient multicolored clays. This 2.0-mile (3.3 km) hiking route, with only 51 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and takes about 50 minutes, making it accessible for everyone.
Planning your visit to the Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Path is straightforward; it's a multi-use trail popular with hikers, runners, and bikers. Dogs are welcome, provided they are on a leash and you clean up after them. The trail is generally flat, though some sections can be wet or muddy after rain, so choose your footwear accordingly. This path is a great option for a relaxed outing at any time of day or year, offering a pleasant experience without needing extensive preparation.
This path is a significant part of the Hempstead Harbor shoreline corridor, recognized for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The trail was extended in 2020, aiming to preserve public waterfront access and potentially connect to other areas like Roslyn and Glenwood Landing, envisioning one of Nassau County's longest continuous trails. It's a fantastic spot for family-friendly hiking and enjoying the natural environment of Port Washington.
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Popular around Lake Success
Tips from the Community
From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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Is still used for various authorities. But has partly beautiful old buildings and partly the charm of decay. In any case, you also have a nice view towards northern Manhattan
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The old military camp ruins are only accessible on Saturdays during the summer. parts of the ruins are visible through fenced areas. The military personnel were very nice and had no problem with me exploring along the fence exterior. There were thick overgrown areas filled with wildlife.
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Teepee Trail – named after a teepee that was found at this location – is an easy, fun trail with lots of wood features.
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Thrilla Trail starts gently with nice berms and optional drops. Later on you hit a few difficult skinnies and some rocky sections and bigger drops before you finally reach the pumptrack.
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Cunningham Mountain Bike Trail Park is a great playground for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The park has a great mix of everything from plain trails to technical trails to pump tracks and jumps parks. And the best thing is: You can easily reach the park by train. The park is just a two mile ride from the F line Station at 179th St and Hillside Ave and a two and a half mile ride from the LIRR Hollis Station and a three mile ride from the LIRR Jamaica Station.
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From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Lake Success?
Hikes around Lake Success, located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, primarily feature urban park trails, waterfront paths, and accessible green spaces. The terrain generally has gentle elevation changes, making most routes easy to moderate in difficulty. You'll find paths through parklands and along developed areas rather than rugged wilderness.
How many hiking trails are available around Lake Success?
There are 9 hiking routes available around Lake Success. Most of these are classified as easy, with a few moderate options for those looking for a slightly longer walk.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options around Lake Success?
Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options due to the generally easy terrain. Routes like the Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop from Village of Valley Stream are easy and suitable for families. The focus on urban parks and green spaces makes them accessible for various ages.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near Lake Success?
While the guide doesn't specify dog-friendly rules for every individual trail, many urban parks and green spaces in the Long Island area generally allow dogs on leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before heading out, as rules can vary.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features to see while hiking?
You can explore several points of interest. For history, consider the Fort Totten Military Ruins, which you can visit on the Fort Totten Military Ruins loop from Fort Totten Park. For water views, the Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop from Fort Totten Park takes you along the waterfront, and you can also find viewpoints like the View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, many of the routes around Lake Success are designed as loops. Examples include the Fort Totten Military Ruins loop from Fort Totten Park, the Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop from Village of Valley Stream, and the Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop from Fort Totten Park.
How long do hikes typically take in the Lake Success area?
Hikes in this area vary in length and duration. For example, the Fort Totten Military Ruins loop is about 2.0 miles (3.2 km) and takes approximately 50 minutes. Longer routes, like the Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop, are 5.0 miles (8.0 km) and can take around 2 hours to complete.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Lake Success?
Given the urban park and green space nature of the trails, hiking is generally pleasant from spring through fall. Spring offers blooming flora, while fall provides colorful foliage. Summer can be warm, but shaded sections of parks offer respite. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially icy paths.
Is parking available at the trailheads, or should I use public transport?
Many of the parks and green spaces around Lake Success, such as Fort Totten Park, typically offer parking facilities. However, given the area's location within Nassau County, Long Island, public transport can also be a viable option for accessing some trailheads, especially those closer to developed areas. It's advisable to check specific park websites for parking availability and public transport links.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Lake Success?
The trails around Lake Success are explored by a growing community of hikers. Users often appreciate the accessibility of these urban green spaces and waterfront paths, providing opportunities for outdoor activity within a developed region. The variety of easy to moderate routes caters to different fitness levels.
Are there any easy hiking trails for beginners?
Absolutely. Most of the 9 routes available are classified as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. The Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop is a great example of an easy 4.3-mile path through parkland scenery.
Are there any waterfront paths or trails with water views?
Yes, several routes offer waterfront experiences. The Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop from Fort Totten Park leads along the waterfront, providing views of the water. You can also find highlights like the View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay.
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