5.0
(2)
42
hikers
20
hikes
Easy hiking trails around University Gardens are characterized by a blend of managed green spaces and natural areas, often featuring diverse plant collections and varied landscapes. The region typically includes accessible walking paths that wind through arboretums, botanical gardens, and sometimes natural greenbelts. These areas provide opportunities for gentle elevation changes and exploration of both manicured and wilder environments.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
6.98km
01:51
70m
60m
The Alley Pond Park Loop offers a surprisingly diverse natural escape right in Queens, New York, winding through wetlands, meadows, and mixed hardwood forests. You'll traverse boardwalks over soft ground…
5
hikers
4.55km
01:11
30m
30m
The Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop hiking guide takes you through a unique blend of historical sites and serene waterfront landscapes in Queens County. You'll experience mostly paved paths,…

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5
hikers
2.97km
00:45
10m
10m
The Kings Point Loop offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, winding through a mix of peaceful wooded areas and open fields. You'll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery…
1
hikers
3.70km
00:57
10m
10m
Easy 2.3-mile hike in Kissena Park, offering a pleasant forest walk and a glimpse of the Kissena Velodrome.
3.26km
00:50
20m
10m
The Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Path offers a delightful, easy stroll along the waterfront, perfect for a quick escape into nature. You'll follow a wide dirt and gravel path, enjoying continuous…
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From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
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Kissena Velodrome, known in the cycling community as the "track of dreams", is a 400 meter, state-of-the-art track that boasts asphalt pavement finished with a special acrylic seal coat and regulation racing lines.. The Kissena Velodrome has been transformed from a patchwork, bumpy track into a sleek, state-of-the-art cycling facility.
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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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From here, you have a great view of the Throgs Neck Bridge and of Little Bay.
2
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I would not consider this a destination, nor a point of exploration. It's a sanctuary for those who live nearby and an oasis for those of us passing through, which includes cyclists and birds. It's a cool and refreshing treat when making your way between points of nature. If it's convenient add it to your route.
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Large Park in Eastern Queens with paved paths through it. Feels a bit more wild than your average city park, and is a pleasant place for a break.
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There are 14 easy hiking trails around University Gardens, offering a variety of experiences from urban parks to coastal paths. In total, komoot features 17 hiking routes in the area.
The easy hikes around University Gardens feature a diverse blend of managed green spaces and natural areas. You'll find accessible paths winding through arboretums, botanical gardens, and natural greenbelts, often with gentle elevation changes. Some routes, like the Alley Pond Park Loop, offer varied terrain within large urban parks, while others, such as the Kings Point Loop, explore coastal areas.
Yes, the University Gardens area is well-suited for family-friendly excursions. The trails are generally accessible and feature gentle terrain, making them ideal for all ages. Many routes pass through botanical gardens and arboretums, which often have educational aspects and diverse plant collections that can engage children.
Yes, several easy routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Alley Pond Park Loop, the Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop, and the Kings Point Loop, all designed for convenient round trips.
You can discover several interesting landmarks and natural features. For instance, the Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop passes historical points of interest like the Fort Totten Military Ruins. Other highlights in the broader area include Tappen Beach and various viewpoints offering scenic vistas, such as the View of Throgs Neck Bridge and Little Bay.
Easy hikes in University Gardens vary in length, generally ranging from short strolls to moderate distances. For example, the Kings Point Loop is about 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and takes around 45 minutes, while the Alley Pond Park Loop is 4.3 miles (7.0 km) and typically takes about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Yes, some easy trails offer pleasant water views. The Little Bay and Fort Totten Loop provides views of the bay. Additionally, the region features natural bodies of water like Leeds Pond and Udalls Millpond, which may be accessible or visible from certain routes.
Hikers often praise the tranquil green spaces, diverse botanical collections, and accessible pathways that define the University Gardens area. The blend of manicured gardens and natural environments provides a refreshing outdoor experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking easy and relaxing walks.
While specific public transport details for each trailhead are not provided, university gardens and arboretums are often designed with accessibility in mind, including proximity to public transport hubs. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for routes serving the specific garden or park you plan to visit.
University gardens and arboretums are generally enjoyable year-round, with each season offering unique beauty. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer provides lush greenery, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and even winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks through the landscapes. The accessible nature of these easy trails makes them suitable for various weather conditions.
Many university gardens and arboretums are designed to support diverse ecosystems, making them excellent for nature observation. Areas with wetlands, such as those found in some university arboretums, are particularly good for birdwatching. The varied habitats within these green spaces attract a range of local wildlife.
Yes, some university gardens and arboretums are integrated into larger trail systems. For example, some connect to broader networks like the Border-to-Border Trail or other regional pathways, providing important non-motorized links for extended walking opportunities beyond the immediate garden boundaries.


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