The best running trails around Forest Hills

There are over 120 running routes available around Forest Hills, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.5 stars.

Yes, Forest Hills offers several easy running routes, with 17 routes specifically categorized as easy. A great option for a gentle run is the Churchill Valley Loop, which is 3.0 miles (4.8 km) with a gentle elevation profile. Additionally, parks like Seneca Park and Arthur K. Draut Park feature mostly paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels.

For those looking for a longer, sustained run, the Great Allegheny Passage is a popular choice, spanning 11.0 miles (17.7 km) with a moderate elevation gain. Forest Park also offers extensive trails, including the 2.4-mile Orange Trail that encircles the forest perimeter, which can be combined for longer distances.

Yes, many of the running routes in Forest Hills are designed as loops. The Churchill Valley Loop is an easy 3.0-mile option, and the Frick Park Trails Loop offers a 3.6-mile path through varied park terrain. Within Forest Park, you can also find the one-mile Yellow Trail loop and the 1.75-mile Blue Trail loop.

Many areas in Forest Hills are family-friendly. Parks like Forest Park and Flushing Meadows–Corona Park offer wide paths and open spaces suitable for families. For paved surfaces, the bike lanes on Queens Boulevard and parks like Seneca Park provide safe and accessible options for all ages.

Forest Hills offers several dog-friendly options, particularly within its expansive parks. Forest Park and Flushing Meadows–Corona Park generally welcome dogs on their trails, though it's always recommended to keep them on a leash and check specific park regulations for any restricted areas.

You can expect a variety of terrain, from natural forest trails within Forest Park's 165-acre oak forest to mostly paved paths in parks like Seneca Park and along Queens Boulevard. Some routes, like the Pat Dolan Trail, can be swampy in parts, offering a more rugged experience. Routes range from gentle elevation profiles to more challenging ones with greater elevation gain.

Yes, the running routes in Forest Hills offer several scenic spots. Forest Park features a vernal pond along the Yellow Trail, known for migrating songbirds, and a serene Pine Grove along the Orange Trail. You might also encounter natural monuments like Hay Woods or lakes such as Panther Hollow Lake, which can be found in the broader area.

Forest Hills is well-served by public transport, making many running routes accessible. Major parks like Forest Park and Flushing Meadows–Corona Park have various entry points that can be reached by bus or subway. Parking is generally available near these larger parks, though it's advisable to check specific park entrances for designated parking areas.

The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for running in Forest Hills, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter can bring cold temperatures and snow, requiring appropriate gear. However, the varied terrain means you can find suitable routes year-round, with paved paths being more accessible in colder months.

Within Forest Park, you'll find Victory Field, which is equipped with a dedicated running track. This facility also offers amenities for other sports like handball, softball, football, and soccer, making it a versatile spot for athletic activities.

Forest Hills boasts an active running community with several clubs. Groups like Queens Distance Runners, Team WEPA, and World's Fair Running Crew are active in the area. Queens Distance Runners, for example, hosts a weekly 5k run through the neighborhood at a relaxed pace, offering a great way to connect with local runners.

The running routes in Forest Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.5 stars from over 8 reviews. More than 693 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the natural settings, forested sections, and accessible loops that cater to different ability levels.

Forest Hills and its surrounding areas offer various cafes and pubs. After a run in Forest Park, you can explore options in the Forest Hills neighborhood itself, which has a selection of eateries and coffee shops. Similarly, areas near Flushing Meadows–Corona Park also provide choices for refreshments.