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New York

New York County

The best city hikes and walks in New York County

4.8

(643)

21,479

hikers

554

hikes

Urban hiking trails in New York County are primarily found within its extensive network of urban parks and green spaces, offering a contrast to the dense city environment. The region is characterized by its waterfront promenades along the Hudson and East Rivers, as well as significant landscaped parks like Central Park. While largely urbanized, areas such as Inwood Hill Park preserve natural forest remnants and varied topography, providing diverse walking experiences within the borough.

Best urban hiking trails in New…

Last updated: April 25, 2026

4.6

(23)

350

hikers

#1.

Central Park Loop

10.4km

02:43

80m

80m

Experience the heart of New York City on the Central Park Loop, a moderate hiking route spanning 6.5 miles (10.4 km) with an elevation gain of 248 feet (76 metres).…

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Moderate

4.6

(5)

542

hikers

3.40km

00:52

10m

10m

Imagine yourself hiking across the Brooklyn Bridge, an easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) urban path that offers sweeping views of the New York City skyline. You will gain a gentle 37…

Easy
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10

hikers

10.5km

02:39

20m

20m

Hike the Hudson River Greenway for a moderate urban adventure, spanning 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with a gentle 66 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain. This route typically takes about…

Moderate

Start your easy hike along the Hudson River Greenway, a 4.3-mile (7.0 km) route that offers refreshing waterfront views. You will gain a minimal 33 feet (10 metres) in elevation,…

Easy

7

hikers

Experience Manhattan's entire perimeter on this difficult 37.1 miles (59.7 km) hike, a journey that will take you around 15 hours and 27 minutes to complete. You'll gain 1152 feet…

Hard
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Hiking Collection by

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Tips from the Community

Jörg
September 14, 2025, View of One World Trade Center

In 2002, the City of New York founded the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, or LMDC for short. This corporation was responsible for developing a new plan for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center. Shortly after the terrorist attacks, it was decided to redevelop this area. However, what it would look like was still unclear. Polls showed that some Americans wanted Ground Zero to be a memorial. Others advocated for the construction of new towers. Donald Trump presented his own concept. He wanted to build twin towers again, 30 meters higher than the old ones. This was quickly rejected, however. In 2002, the LMDC announced an architectural competition for the redevelopment of the WTC site. A total of 406 entries were received.[24] Some designs were criticized, even in German newspapers, for the new plans only envisaging smaller skyscrapers that were nowhere near as tall as the Twin Towers and thus not spectacular enough. In 2003, Daniel Libeskind was finally announced as the winner. He had also completed several construction projects in Germany. Libeskind, who immigrated to the USA from Poland, had little experience in building high-rise buildings, but his design met with widespread approval because he attempted to fulfill both desires for Ground Zero: a memorial and new towers. His concept called for leaving the sites where the World Trade Center towers had stood vacant and building a memorial with a museum next to them. He placed five office towers around the perimeter, each slightly taller than its neighbor. At the northeast corner, he placed One World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower. He also scored points with his concept of the new tower's height: 1,776 feet (541 meters). This refers to the year of the United States Declaration of Independence.[

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Chrysler Building Designed by architect William Van Alen and completed just a year before the Empire State Building, this iconic Art Deco tower wasn't always as prominent in the New York skyline as it is today. Commissioned by Walter Chrysler, owner of the eponymous automaker, it was the first skyscraper with a decorative, non-functional spire, which drew mixed reactions from architectural critics. Although the Empire State Building snatched the title of New York's tallest skyscraper after just 11 months, the Chrysler Building remains the world's tallest brick building with a steel structure.

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Jörg
September 13, 2025, View of 56 Leonard Street

56 Leonard Street This residential tower in Tribeca, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and popularly known as the "Jenga Building" due to its irregularly stacked upper floors, debuted on the skyline in 2017. The striking 57-story skyscraper is the tallest in the district. Individual apartments are concealed within its rectangular volumes. This year, the final element of the design was installed at the base: a nearly six-meter-tall replica of Anish Kapoor's bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture. The original is located in Chicago.

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Jörg
September 13, 2025, View of 30 Hudson Yards

30 Hudson Yards Since the opening of the Hudson Yards project in 2019, its towers have become an integral part of the New York City skyline. The Kohn Pedersen Fox observation deck atop the supertall office building is visible from afar. With a total height of 395 meters and an observation deck at 335 meters, the glass skyscraper with its distinctive "duckbill" is a symbol of the exclusive neighborhood, whose second construction phase is about to begin.

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Jörg
September 11, 2025, 56 Leonard Street

New York City has well over 500 skyscrapers at least 150 meters tall, although the exact number can vary depending on the definition and the date of construction. The city is known for its impressive skyline with numerous high-rise buildings, including One World Trade Center as the city's tallest building.

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One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) is the tallest building in New York City. With its reflective windows and antenna, the WTC tower itself is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Including the antenna, One World Trade Center is 541 meters tall.

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One can go kayaking here for 20 Minutes completely for free. we didn't have to wait for too long. you just have to can swim and return the kayak after 20 minutes, so that the next ones can enjoy the sight. It was amazing to be kayaking there. The fresh air on the hot day and the blue sky made the skyline look so incredible and the whole experience so wonderful. One can also do a donation, but no one is forced to do it. 😌

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Woolworth Building – Wikipedia https://share.google/KWC2GUlx1jcyLkzvX

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many urban hiking trails are available in New York County?

New York County offers hundreds of urban hiking trails and walks. With over 550 routes documented on komoot, you'll find a wide variety of options, from short strolls to longer urban explorations.

What kind of terrain can I expect on urban hikes in New York County?

Urban hikes in New York County primarily feature paved paths, promenades, and well-maintained park trails. While most are relatively flat, some parks like Central Park Loop and Inwood Hill Park offer more varied topography, including gentle inclines and wooded sections that provide a glimpse of Manhattan's pre-colonial landscape.

Are there any family-friendly urban hikes in New York County?

Yes, many urban hikes in New York County are suitable for families. Routes like the Brooklyn Bridge walk offer iconic views and are relatively short and easy. Central Park also provides numerous accessible paths and attractions perfect for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on urban hiking trails in Manhattan?

Many parks and greenways in Manhattan are dog-friendly, though leash laws and specific restrictions may apply. Always check local park regulations before heading out. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in most public park areas and trails.

What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along these urban trails?

Urban hikes in New York County offer access to many iconic landmarks and natural features. You can walk past the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, stroll along The High Line, or explore the serene Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir East Side in Central Park. Other highlights include Bethesda Fountain and Terrace and Belvedere Castle.

What is the best way to access urban hiking trails using public transport?

New York County's urban trails are exceptionally well-served by public transportation. Most major parks and greenways, such as Central Park, Riverside Park, and the Hudson River Greenway, are easily reachable via subway and bus lines. Plan your route using the MTA's official website for the most current information.

Are there any challenging urban hikes in New York County?

While most urban hikes are easy to moderate, there are options for those seeking a longer challenge. The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, for example, offers a difficult 59.7 km route that circumnavigates the entire island, providing a significant endurance test with continuous city views.

What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in New York County?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique blend of nature and urban landscapes, the accessibility of trails, and the constant discovery of hidden gems and iconic sights within the city's green spaces.

Are there any circular urban walks available?

Yes, several urban walks in New York County are designed as loops. The Central Park Loop is a popular choice, offering a comprehensive tour of the park's diverse landscapes. Many smaller park trails also provide circular options for a complete experience.

What is the best time of year for urban hiking in New York County?

Urban hiking in New York County can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage, especially in parks like Inwood Hill Park. Summer is great for waterfront walks along the Hudson River Greenway, and even winter walks can be beautiful, especially after a fresh snowfall.

Are there places to eat or drink near the urban hiking trails?

Absolutely. Being in New York County, you're never far from dining options. Many urban trails, particularly those in and around Central Park or along the waterfront, have cafes, restaurants, and food vendors conveniently located nearby or directly accessible from the paths. The Hudson River Greenway: Greenwich Village to Battery Park route, for instance, passes through vibrant neighborhoods with countless culinary choices.

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