The best walks and hikes around Brooklyn

Yes, Brooklyn offers several excellent hiking spots.

Prospect Park is a top choice, featuring the Ravine, which is Brooklyn's only forest and a favorite for those seeking a quiet, natural escape. Marine Park has the well-regarded Salt Marsh Nature Trail, perfect for an easy walk with beautiful views. For expansive trails and skyline vistas, Shirley Chisholm State Park is another popular option built on a former landfill overlooking Jamaica Bay.

Many of Brooklyn's best green spaces are accessible without a car. Prospect Park is well-served by multiple subway lines, including the B, Q, S, 2, 3, F, and G trains. For Marine Park, several city bus routes stop nearby. Shirley Chisholm State Park can also be reached via a combination of subway and bus. For trails further afield, Metro-North and LIRR services from hubs like Atlantic Terminal can connect you to trailheads outside the city.

Absolutely. The trails within Brooklyn's parks are generally well-suited for all skill levels, including families and beginners. Most paths are relatively flat and well-maintained. For an easy, family-friendly walk, the Riverbank Forest View – Forest Path loop from Tillinghast Preserve is a great choice with minimal elevation gain. The trails in Prospect Park and Marine Park are also excellent for a gentle introduction to hiking.

Dog policies vary by park. In Prospect Park, dogs are generally allowed but must be on a leash, though there are designated off-leash hours in certain areas. Most state and city parks have similar rules. It's always best to check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit before you go.

The hikes featured in this guide are characterized by gentle, rolling hills and well-defined woodland paths. You won't find any major mountains within Brooklyn itself. The routes, such as the Mashamoquet Brook State Park – Wolf Den loop from Abington, involve modest elevation changes, making them accessible and enjoyable rather than strenuous.

Yes, many of the best hikes are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. The Wolf Den loop from Pomfret Landing is a perfect example, taking you on a varied journey through woodland scenery.

Brooklyn offers stunning waterfront walks that combine natural beauty with iconic urban views. At Brooklyn Bridge Park, you'll find paths with unparalleled vistas of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. At Shirley Chisholm State Park, the trails provide panoramic views over Jamaica Bay.

The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the quiet, wooded environments and the feeling of escaping the city while still being close to home. The well-defined forest paths and gentle hills are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Hiking in Brooklyn is a year-round activity. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery. Summer is vibrant, though it can be hot and humid. Autumn is a local favorite, with beautiful fall foliage, especially in parks like Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery. Winter offers a quieter experience with crisp air and unobstructed views.

Marine Park is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Its preserved salt marsh is a vital coastal ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a prime spot for bird-watching. Prospect Park's varied habitats also support a diverse range of birds and other small animals.

Yes, if you enjoy walking alongside water, the Wolf Den loop via Mashamoquet Brook Trail is an excellent option. This popular route follows the Mashamoquet Brook through a beautiful state park setting.

Both parks offer great, accessible hiking, but with different atmospheres. Prospect Park's trails, particularly in the Ravine, take you through dense, mature forest that makes you forget you're in a city. Marine Park's trails are more open, centered around the salt marsh and offering expansive water views and excellent opportunities for bird-watching.