The best walks and hikes around Brooklyn

Yes, there are numerous options for urban hiking. You can find over 25 trails around Brooklyn, most of which are easy or moderate. These routes primarily explore the borough's large parks, waterfronts, and unique green spaces.

Brooklyn's main hiking hubs are its parks.

Prospect Park is the premier destination, with a formal nature trail system through woodlands, including Brooklyn's last old-growth forest.

Shirley Chisholm State Park offers 10 miles of trails with panoramic views over Jamaica Bay and the city skyline.

For a unique experience, you can also explore the paths in Green-Wood Cemetery, which is the highest natural point in Brooklyn, or the salt marsh trails in Marine Park.

Yes, Prospect Park features a 65-acre watercourse with several waterfalls. The Fallkill Trail is a short, unpaved path offering two excellent views of the Fallkill Falls. Additionally, the paved Ravine Loop trail provides a stunning view of the Ambergill Cascade.

Most trails in Brooklyn are well-suited for beginners as the terrain is generally flat. The Edgewater Beach loop from Cleveland Public Theatre is an easy, relatively short walk. For a gentle introduction to woodland hiking, the 0.5-mile Midwood Loop in Prospect Park is a great choice, taking you through a beautiful old-growth forest on a simple path.

Yes, many parks in Brooklyn are dog-friendly, but rules vary. In Prospect Park, dogs are allowed on trails but must be leashed at all times, except in designated off-leash areas during specific hours. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.

The Rocky River loop from Beach Cliff offers a pleasant circuit. For a more nature-focused loop, the Lullwater Trail in Prospect Park is a popular 0.9-mile paved path that circles part of the lake and is excellent for birdwatching.

For expansive, panoramic vistas, head to Shirley Chisholm State Park. Its trails climb to one of the highest points in the city, offering views of the Empire State Building, New York Harbor, and Jamaica Bay. For iconic skyline views, the waterfront paths in Brooklyn Bridge Park are unmatched.

Hiking in Brooklyn is possible year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant experience with comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming flowers, while fall showcases spectacular foliage, especially in Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning hikes are best.

The hiking routes around Brooklyn are very highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the surprising amount of nature available within the city and the accessibility of the trails.

Yes, a major advantage of hiking in Brooklyn is that most trailheads are easily accessible via the subway or bus system. Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Highland Park are all well-served by public transport, making it easy to plan a hike without a car.

Prospect Park is a significant birdwatching destination with over 250 recorded species, so keep an eye out for various birds along the Lullwater Trail. In Marine Park, the Salt Marsh Nature Center offers opportunities to see unique wetland wildlife. Shirley Chisholm State Park's grasslands are also home to many bird species.

Absolutely. The trails in Brooklyn's parks are generally flat and well-maintained, making them perfect for families. The Peninsula Trail in Prospect Park is a 0.5-mile trail with great views of the lake, and the paved paths in Shirley Chisholm State Park are great for strollers and young children.