The best walks and hikes around Lake Success
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Hiking around Lake Success, located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, offers access to urban and suburban green spaces, park trails, and waterfront paths. The region's topography is shaped by its glacial origins, resulting in varied terrain with generally gentle elevation changes. Hiking routes encompass accessible green spaces and scenic waterfront areas.
Best hiking trails around Lake Success
- The most popular hiking route is Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop, a 2.8 miles (4.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 11 minutes to complete. This route explores park areas and historical military structures.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Alley Pond Park Loop, an easy 4.3 miles (7.0 km) path. This route features diverse parkland scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Cunningham Park Trail System, a 6.4 miles (10.3 km) trail leading through varied park areas, often completed in about 2 hours 39 minutes.
- Hiking around Lake Success is defined by urban park trails, waterfront paths, and accessible green spaces. The network offers options for various ability levels, primarily featuring easy to moderate routes.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Lake Success's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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8
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6.98km
01:51
70m
60m
Explore Alley Pond Park Loop, an easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) hike in Queens, New York City, that takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. You will gain a minimal 218 feet (66 metres) in elevation, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The trail winds through native hardwood forests and past spring-fed kettle ponds, like Turtle Pond, offering a diverse urban nature experience.
When planning your visit, remember that the trails feature both unpaved and paved sections, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a good idea, especially after rain. Alley Pond Park is easily accessible within New York City, and you can create your own loops by connecting the park's various color-coded trails. The Alley Pond Environmental Center is open seven days a week if you want to learn more about the park.
Alley Pond Park is the second-largest park in Queens, covering over 655 acres, and is known for its ecological diversity. It lies on a glacial moraine, where freshwater from hills mixes with saltwater from Little Neck Bay, creating unique wetlands. Look out for the Alley Pond Giant, a tulip tree estimated to be between 350 and 450 years old, which is possibly the tallest and oldest living organism in New York City.
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4.55km
01:11
30m
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This easy 2.8-mile loop in Fort Totten Park offers waterfront views, historical ruins, and diverse natural scenery.
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2.97km
00:45
10m
10m
Embark on the Kings Point Loop for an easy hike through Kings Point Park, offering a refreshing escape with diverse scenery. This route covers 1.8 miles (3.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 18 feet (6 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing. As you follow the path, you'll enjoy views of the expansive ocean and tranquil bay, and on clear days, you might even spot the iconic Manhattan skyline in the distance.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is generally available near the trailhead, making it easy to begin your adventure. The entire loop is estimated to take about 44 minutes to complete, so you can easily fit it into a busy schedule. Before heading out, remember to check local park signs for any specific regulations or seasonal changes that might affect your trip.
The Kings Point Loop stands out as an accessible option for experiencing the natural beauty of Long Island. It provides a unique blend of coastal views and distant urban landmarks, all within the serene environment of Kings Point Park. This trail is an excellent choice if you are looking for a short, easy outdoor activity that offers more than just a simple walk.
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10.3km
02:39
50m
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Explore the Cunningham Park Trail System, a moderate 6.4-mile hike in Queens, offering diverse terrain and a refreshing urban escape.
3.26km
00:50
20m
10m
The Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Path offers an easy hike, covering 2.0 miles (3.3 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 51 feet (16 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 50 minutes, enjoying scenic views of Hempstead Harbor as you walk. The trail winds through peaceful woods, providing a natural escape where you might spot local wildlife like bunnies and even an Osprey.
To plan your visit, head to North Hempstead Beach Park, where the trail is located. Parking is typically available there, making access straightforward for hikers. The path is generally wide and flat, suitable for a leisurely stroll, though you might find some wet or lightly muddy sections after it rains.
This accessible route is a great choice for families and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience by the water. As you hike, look for benches and gazebos placed along the way, offering perfect spots to pause and take in the tranquil waters and diverse bird life.
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Popular around Lake Success
Tips from the Community
From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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Is still used for various authorities. But has partly beautiful old buildings and partly the charm of decay. In any case, you also have a nice view towards northern Manhattan
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The old military camp ruins are only accessible on Saturdays during the summer. parts of the ruins are visible through fenced areas. The military personnel were very nice and had no problem with me exploring along the fence exterior. There were thick overgrown areas filled with wildlife.
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Teepee Trail – named after a teepee that was found at this location – is an easy, fun trail with lots of wood features.
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Thrilla Trail starts gently with nice berms and optional drops. Later on you hit a few difficult skinnies and some rocky sections and bigger drops before you finally reach the pumptrack.
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Cunningham Mountain Bike Trail Park is a great playground for mountain bikers of all skill levels. The park has a great mix of everything from plain trails to technical trails to pump tracks and jumps parks. And the best thing is: You can easily reach the park by train. The park is just a two mile ride from the F line Station at 179th St and Hillside Ave and a two and a half mile ride from the LIRR Hollis Station and a three mile ride from the LIRR Jamaica Station.
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From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Lake Success?
Hikes around Lake Success, located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York, primarily feature urban park trails, waterfront paths, and accessible green spaces. The terrain generally has gentle elevation changes, making most routes easy to moderate in difficulty. You'll find paths through parklands and along developed areas rather than rugged wilderness.
How many hiking trails are available around Lake Success?
There are 9 hiking routes available around Lake Success. Most of these are classified as easy, with a few moderate options for those looking for a slightly longer walk.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options around Lake Success?
Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options due to the generally easy terrain. Routes like the Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop from Village of Valley Stream are easy and suitable for families. The focus on urban parks and green spaces makes them accessible for various ages.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near Lake Success?
While the guide doesn't specify dog-friendly rules for every individual trail, many urban parks and green spaces in the Long Island area generally allow dogs on leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before heading out, as rules can vary.
What are some interesting landmarks or natural features to see while hiking?
You can explore several points of interest. For history, consider the Fort Totten Military Ruins, which you can visit on the Fort Totten Military Ruins loop from Fort Totten Park. For water views, the Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop from Fort Totten Park takes you along the waterfront, and you can also find viewpoints like the View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, many of the routes around Lake Success are designed as loops. Examples include the Fort Totten Military Ruins loop from Fort Totten Park, the Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop from Village of Valley Stream, and the Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop from Fort Totten Park.
How long do hikes typically take in the Lake Success area?
Hikes in this area vary in length and duration. For example, the Fort Totten Military Ruins loop is about 2.0 miles (3.2 km) and takes approximately 50 minutes. Longer routes, like the Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop, are 5.0 miles (8.0 km) and can take around 2 hours to complete.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Lake Success?
Given the urban park and green space nature of the trails, hiking is generally pleasant from spring through fall. Spring offers blooming flora, while fall provides colorful foliage. Summer can be warm, but shaded sections of parks offer respite. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially icy paths.
Is parking available at the trailheads, or should I use public transport?
Many of the parks and green spaces around Lake Success, such as Fort Totten Park, typically offer parking facilities. However, given the area's location within Nassau County, Long Island, public transport can also be a viable option for accessing some trailheads, especially those closer to developed areas. It's advisable to check specific park websites for parking availability and public transport links.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Lake Success?
The trails around Lake Success are explored by a growing community of hikers. Users often appreciate the accessibility of these urban green spaces and waterfront paths, providing opportunities for outdoor activity within a developed region. The variety of easy to moderate routes caters to different fitness levels.
Are there any easy hiking trails for beginners?
Absolutely. Most of the 9 routes available are classified as easy, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. The Hendrickson Park – Valley Stream State Park loop is a great example of an easy 4.3-mile path through parkland scenery.
Are there any waterfront paths or trails with water views?
Yes, several routes offer waterfront experiences. The Fort Totten Lake – Joe Michaels Mile loop from Fort Totten Park leads along the waterfront, providing views of the water. You can also find highlights like the View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay.
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