New York Metropolis is a vibrant metropolis with a wealth of operating alternatives for transplants and long-time locals alike. From scenic waterfront paths to difficult hill routes, the town boasts a various vary of operating routes to swimsuit all ranges of expertise. Whether or not you simply moved into an condo in New York or want to buy your first dwelling within the space, there are lots of routes that can assist you keep lively all whereas exploring your new metropolis. We’ll check out the 11 greatest operating routes in New York Metropolis, protecting every thing from iconic parks to hidden gems off the overwhelmed observe. So lace up your sneakers and prepare to discover your new metropolis on foot.
1. Central Park
Central Park is likely one of the hottest operating routes in New York Metropolis. The park contains over 800 acres and affords quite a lot of trails and paths which characteristic rolling hills, dense forests, and serene lakes. The preferred route for runners is the 6-mile loop across the park’s perimeter, which affords quite a lot of elevations.
The loop begins and ends on the southeast nook of the park, close to the intersection of 59th Avenue and fifth Avenue, and follows the park’s outer path. Alongside the best way, runners can take pleasure in beautiful views of the Nice Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the Central Park Zoo. The route consists of a number of difficult hills, together with Harlem Hill and Cat Hill.
For these searching for a shorter run, there are shorter trails together with the Bridle Path, a 1.66-mile path that winds by way of the park’s woodlands, and the 1.7-mile Reservoir Loop, which affords scenic water and skyline views.
Central Park can also be the situation of the end line for a lot of notable races such because the TCS New York Metropolis Marathon and the United Airways NYC Half.
2. Flushing-Meadows Corona Park
Situated in Queens, Flushing-Meadows Corona Park covers round 900 acres and affords operating trails that wind by way of open fields, lush forests, and several other lakes.
The preferred route for runners is the two.2-mile loop round Meadow Lake. The loop begins and ends on the Unisphere, a big globe sculpture that is likely one of the park’s most recognizable landmarks. Alongside the best way, runners can take pleasure in views of Meadow Lake, the Queens Museum, the Billie Jean King Nationwide Tennis Middle, and the New York State Pavilion.
For these searching for an extended, more difficult run, Flushing Meadows Corona Park affords the Flushing Bay Promenade, a scenic waterfront path that has beautiful views of the town skyline, and the Willow Lake Path, a 1.25-mile dust path that winds by way of the park’s woodlands.
3. West Aspect Freeway
The West Aspect Freeway operating route is a well-liked operating route in New York Metropolis. Situated alongside the Hudson River on the west aspect of Manhattan, the route covers round 13 miles and affords a various setting.
The route begins at Battery Park in Decrease Manhattan and follows the Hudson River Greenway north to the George Washington Bridge within the Bronx. Alongside the best way, runners can take pleasure in quite a lot of stops together with parks like Hudson River Park, Little Island, Pier 57, and Riverside Park, and landmarks just like the Intrepid Sea, Air & House Museum.
One of many highlights of the West Aspect Freeway operating route is the views it affords of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. Runners can take pleasure in beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, One World Commerce Middle, and the Empire State Constructing.
4. Prospect Park
The Prospect Park operating route is a well-liked and scenic vacation spot for runners in New York Metropolis. Situated in Brooklyn, Prospect Park has over 500 acres.
The preferred route for runners is the three.35-mile loop across the park’s perimeter, which affords a difficult and assorted exercise. The loop begins and ends at Grand Military Plaza, a historic entrance to the park that options a big arch and a statue of Common William Tecumseh Sherman. Alongside the best way, runners can take pleasure in beautiful views of the park’s many landmarks, together with the Lengthy Meadow, the Boathouse, and the Prospect Park Zoo.
For these searching for a extra leisurely run, Prospect Park affords quite a lot of different operating routes and trails. These embrace the Nethermead, a 1.5-mile path that winds by way of the park’s woodlands, and the 1.7-mile Lake Path, which affords scenic views of the lake and the park’s many waterfowl.
5. East River Greenway
The East River Greenway is a scenic route that stretches alongside the japanese fringe of Manhattan. The route is roughly 9 miles and begins at Battery Park. From there, you’ll run north alongside the East River, passing by way of neighborhoods just like the Monetary District, Two Bridges, and the Decrease East Aspect and several other landmarks, such because the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, Fulton Ferry Touchdown, and the South Avenue Seaport Museum.
As you proceed north, the route takes you thru a number of waterfront parks, together with East River Park, Stuyvesant Cove Park, and Carl Schurz Park. These parks provide loads of inexperienced house making them nice spots for a mid-run break.
The ultimate stretch of the East River Greenway takes you to Midtown Manhattan, the place you’ll go the Gracie Mansion and the United Nations headquarters. The route ends at Harlem River Drive, the place you’ll be able to both flip again and retrace your steps or proceed on to discover extra of the town.
6. Queens Waterfront
The Queens Waterfront route is situated in Lengthy Island Metropolis, Queens, and follows the East River waterfront for about 3.5 miles.
The route begins at Hunters Level South Park and follows a paved path that winds north alongside the waterfront, passing by way of a number of parks, together with Gantry Plaza State Park and Rainey Park.
Alongside the best way, runners can take pleasure in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, in addition to a number of historic landmarks and cultural points of interest, such because the Pepsi-Cola signal and the Previous Queensboro Bridge.
The Queens Waterfront route is comparatively flat, making it an excellent possibility for runners of all ranges.
7. Rockaway Seashore
Situated within the Rockaways, a peninsula in Queens that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Rockaway Seashore route follows a boardwalk for round 5.5 miles.
The route begins at Seashore ninth Avenue and heads east in direction of Seashore 149th Avenue, providing beautiful views of the ocean and the Rockaway Seashore shoreline alongside the best way. The boardwalk is extensive and flat, making for a gentle run.
Should you run throughout the summer season, you’ll be sure you see surfers, beachgoers, and residents who’re drawn to the realm’s laid-back vibe and pure magnificence.
8. Williamsburg to Dumbo
The Williamsburg to Dumbo operating route is a surprising route that takes you thru a few of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The route covers a distance of almost 5 miles.
Beginning in Williamsburg, the route begins at McCarren Park and takes you thru the guts of the neighborhood, identified for its fashionable cafes, boutique outlets, and avenue artwork. You’ll run down Bedford Avenue earlier than turning to run in direction of Domino Park.
As you allow Williamsburg, the route takes you previous the Williamsburg Bridge, as you run down Kent Avenue earlier than merging onto Flushing Ave and up Navy St.
From there, you’ll enter Dumbo, a bustling waterfront neighborhood identified for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and beautiful views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
The ultimate stretch of the route takes you alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park, a good looking waterfront park with loads of inexperienced house and leisure actions.
9. Coney Island Boardwalk
The Coney Island Boardwalk operating route is a singular route that’s roughly 4 miles round-trip. The route takes you alongside the long-lasting boardwalk of Coney Island, a well-known seashore and amusement park. It’s additionally the end line of the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon.
The route begins on the West eighth Avenue-New York Aquarium subway station and takes you straight onto the boardwalk, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean and the seashore. As you run alongside the boardwalk, you’ll go by the Cyclone curler coaster, the Surprise Wheel, and the historic Nathan’s Well-known scorching canine stand.
Should you run throughout the summer season, you’ll additionally see loads of avenue performers, meals distributors, and memento outlets, including to the colourful and festive environment of the boardwalk.
As you close to the top of the route, you’ll attain Brighton Seashore, a neighborhood identified for its numerous group and scrumptious Russian and Japanese European delicacies.
10. Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park is a big park situated within the Bronx. The park affords quite a lot of operating routes, together with a difficult cross-country course in addition to a 5K path loop.
The preferred operating route in Van Cortlandt Park is the “Massive Loop,” a 1.5-mile loop that circles the park’s central meadow. This loop consists of paved and dust paths and affords scenic views of the park’s fields and woods.
For these searching for an extended run, Van Cortlandt Park affords a 5-mile route that takes runners by way of the park’s woods and over a scenic bridge.
