Queens has more green space than most people realize, and you can get a real hike in without ever leaving the borough and maybe cap it off with an ice cream stop, here are some of the best hiking spots right here in Queens.
Forest Park (Woodhaven / Richmond Hill)
Forest Park is the closest thing Queens has to wilderness. We like the Orange and Blue trails for a solid loop through oak and maple trees. The kids love spotting chipmunks and birds along the way.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forest-park
Post-hike treat: Eddie’s Sweet Shop in Forest Hills. Old-fashioned sundaes, homemade whipped cream, and the kind of ice cream parlor you just don’t find anymore. It reminds my Dad of the shop he worked in as a kid in South Philadelphia.
Alley Pond Park (Douglaston)
Alley Pond is famous for its nature trails and wetlands, and it’s home to some of the oldest trees in New York City. The Tulip Tree Trail takes you past a 350-year-old giant that’s older than the United States.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/alley-pond-park
Pat Dolan Trail (Flushing Meadows–Corona Park)
Tucked inside Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, the Pat Dolan Trail follows the edge of Willow Lake through a surprising pocket of wetlands and woods. It feels hidden from the city, even though the highway is right nearby. The path is flat and easy, making it a good choice for younger kids or anyone looking for an easy walk with plenty of birdwatching.
https://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/hiking/willow-lake
Post-hike treat: Max & Mina’s in Kew Garden Hills. Wild flavors (everything from rugelach to breakfast cereal) and a fun shop that my kids love.
Our love of the outdoors started with hikes on the Pat Dolan trail. We have pictures of the kids in front of the same tree in all kinds of weather. It is fun to watch the tree (and kids) grow!
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (Broad Channel)
Technically part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay is where Queens meets the ocean. The East Pond and West Pond trails are flat, kid-friendly, and excellent for birdwatching. Bring binoculars—you might spot herons, egrets, or even an osprey diving for fish.
https://eventseeker.com/venue/975335-jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge-new-york
