Easy hikes and walks in Shirley Chisolm State Park
4.8
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522
hikers
41
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park traverse a transformed landscape, offering diverse natural features within an urban setting. The park, built on former landfills, features expansive wildflower meadows, native grasslands, and 3.5 miles of Jamaica Bay coastline. Its low-incline gravel paths provide accessible routes for various skill levels, with elevations rising to approximately 130 feet (40 meters) above sea level.
Best easy hiking trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park
- The most popular easy hiking route is Fountain Ring…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
4.22km
01:04
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.6-mile Fountain Ring Drive Loop in Shirley Chisholm State Park, offering paved paths and Jamaica Bay views.
1
hikers
3.30km
00:51
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.0-mile (3.3 km) Great Blue Heron Loop in Shirley Chisholm State Park, gaining 43 feet (13 metres) in about 50 minutes.
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2.66km
00:40
10m
10m
Enjoy an easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) hike on the Blue Trail Loop in Canarsie Park, Brooklyn, perfect for a quick, family-friendly outing.
5
hikers
4.32km
01:08
50m
20m
The Highland Park Greenway offers a refreshing urban escape, winding through diverse terrain on a high plateau. You'll traverse paved, gravel, and dirt paths, moving between wooded sections, wetlands, and…
5.0
(1)
11
hikers
3.08km
00:47
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Canarsie Park is a popular park on Jamaica Bay. There are several walking trails that go through the park and wonderful waterfront views. There are also restrooms, picnic areas and ball fields.
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The Canarsie Connector Greenway is a multiuse trail that connects Canarsie Park with Paerdegat Avenue North. It also connects with Jamaica Bay Greenway, which runs along the edge of Jamaica Bay.
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The Great Blue Heron Loop is a loop trail through Shirley Chisolm State Park. It is a packed dirt trail that is mostly flat, so it is a fairly easy trail to walk.
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Shirley Chisholm State Park is a 407-acre in southern Brooklyn. It has miles of trails to choose from, and they are a mix of dirt and paved. There are several viewpoints throughout the park that give you views of Manhattan and Queens.
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Great view from Fountain Ring Drive of Jamaica Bay. On a clear day, you can see Rockaway Beach in the distance.
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Fountain Ring Drive is a paved trail that runs along the perimeter of Shirley Chisolm State Park. It is flat, so it is not a challenging walk.
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Great park on the way to Rockaway. It's easy to get lost here, despite commot
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Shirley Chisholm State Park?
Shirley Chisholm State Park offers over 30 easy hiking trails. These routes are characterized by low-incline gravel paths, making them accessible for various ages and skill levels.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park?
The easy trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the park's transformed landscapes, panoramic views of Jamaica Bay and the NYC skyline, and the abundance of wildlife, especially birds.
Are the easy hiking trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park suitable for families with children?
Yes, the easy hiking trails are very family-friendly. The park features 10 miles of low-incline gravel paths, ideal for children. There are also numerous picnic areas and opportunities for birdwatching, making it a great outdoor destination for families.
Are dogs allowed on the easy hiking trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park?
Shirley Chisholm State Park is generally dog-friendly, but specific regulations may apply. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors and to protect the park's wildlife.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the easy hiking trails?
The easy hiking trails primarily consist of low-incline gravel paths. The park's landscape, built on former landfills, has been transformed into diverse environments including wildflower meadows, native grasslands, and waterfront areas along Jamaica Bay.
Are there any circular easy hiking routes in Shirley Chisholm State Park?
Yes, many of the easy trails in Shirley Chisholm State Park are designed as loops. For example, the Fountain Ring Drive Loop is a popular 2.6-mile option, and the Great Blue Heron Loop offers a 2.0-mile circular path through diverse habitats.
What natural features or wildlife can I see along the easy hiking trails?
The park is a haven for nature lovers. You can expect to see expansive wildflower meadows, native grasslands, and 3.5 miles of Jamaica Bay coastline. It's also an excellent spot for birdwatching, with over 150 species recorded, including Savannah sparrows, Osprey, and various waterbirds.
Are there any viewpoints or landmarks along the easy hiking trails?
Yes, Shirley Chisholm State Park offers spectacular panoramic views from its highest points, rising up to 130 feet above sea level. You can see the Empire State Building, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York Harbor, and Jamaica Bay. Notable highlights include Shirley Chisholm State Park itself, and the Fountain Ring Drive area.
Is there parking available for hikers at Shirley Chisholm State Park?
Yes, Shirley Chisholm State Park provides parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to check the park's official website for specific parking lot locations and any potential fees or restrictions.
How can I access Shirley Chisholm State Park using public transport?
Shirley Chisholm State Park is accessible via public transport. You can reach the park using MTA buses, with several routes serving the surrounding areas. Check the MTA website for the most current schedules and stop information to plan your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit Shirley Chisholm State Park for easy hiking?
Shirley Chisholm State Park is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and excellent birdwatching opportunities during migration. Summer provides lush greenery and waterfront activities, while winter can offer serene, quiet walks with unique views, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Are there any other easy trails nearby that offer a different experience?
Beyond the main park, you might consider the Highland Park Greenway for another easy hiking option. It offers a different perspective of the urban green spaces in the area. Another option is the West Pond Viewpoint loop from Jamaica Bay, which provides scenic views of the bay.
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