Hiking and Orienteering in New York City Programs

To learn more about these or other related events visit the official NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Pages. Be sure to check with them for last minute changes, cancellations or anything else.

Hiking is the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors and reduce stress. Regardless of the intensity level, it is a great way to burn calories and stay fit. These Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City and places often off limits to the general public. On their hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s rich history and diverse culture, or just unplug from the world to clear your head.

On Nature Exploration Hikes you will discover the plants and animals that inhabit the urban forest. Their Night Hikes are great for families! Fitness Hikes feature less talking and more walking, for those who don’t mind a vigorous two hour hike. Learn how to navigate using a map and compass on their Orienteering programs. Orienteering programs feature intensity levels ranging from light (a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths), moderate (longer, faster paced hikes on rugged terrain), to vigorous (long distance, with hills and rugged terrain). For all hiking programs we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, and packing water and a light snack.

Bronx

Sunday, January 5
Nature Exploration: Croton Aqueduct Trail
(Moderate) / Van Cortlandt Park 11 A.M. /
Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street And Broadway

Saturday, February 22
Nature Exploration: Siwanoy Trail
(Moderate) / Pelham Bay Park 11 A.M. /
Bartow-Pell Mansion (Shore Road)

Brooklyn

Sunday, February 9
Nature Exploration (Moderate) / Prospect
Park 1 P.M. / Picnic House, Fifth Street And The West Drive

Sunday March 9
Fitness Hike (Vigorous) / Prospect Park
1 P.M. / Audubon Center, Lincoln Road And The East Drive

Manhattan

Saturday, February 8
Orienteering / Central Park 11 A.M. /
Belvedere Castle, 79th Street And Mid-Park

Sunday, March 2
Nature Exploration (Moderate) / Inwood
Hill Park 11 A.M. / Inwood Hill Park, West 218th Street And Indian Road

Queens

Sunday, January 12
Nature Exploration (Moderate) / Alley Pond
Park 11 A.M. / Alley Pond Park Adventure
Center, Enter Winchester Boulevard, Under The Grand Central Parkway

Sunday, March 9
Orienteering / Bayswater Park 1 P.M. /
B32 Street And Beach Channel Drive

Staten Island

Sunday, February 23\
Nature Exploration (Moderate) / High Rock Park 1 P.M. / High Rock Ranger Station,
Park In Lot At The End Of Nevada Avenue, Off Rockland Avenue And Follow Signs

Sunday, March 23
Orienteering / Bloomingdale Park 1 P.M. /
Playground At Ramona Avenue And Lenevar Avenue

Urban Park Ranger Nature And Visitor Centers

Bronx

Crotona Nature Center:
Crotona Park. Enter The Park At Charlotte St.
And Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061

Orchard Beach Nature Center:
Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 Of Orchard
Beach. 718.885.3466

Pelham Bay Ranger Station:
Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. And
Wilkinson Ave. 718.319.7258

Van Cortlandt Nature Center:
Van Cortlandt Park. Enter The Park At
West 246th St. And Broadway. 718.548.0912

Brooklyn

Salt Marsh Nature Center:
Marine Park. East 33rd St. And Avenue U.
718.421.2021

Fort Greene Visitor Center:
Fort Greene Park. Enter The Park At Myrtle
Avenue And Washington Park. 718.722.3218

Manhattan

Belvedere Castle:
Central Park. 79th St., Mid-Park.
212.628.2345

Inwood Hill Nature Center:
Inwood Hill Park. Enter Park At West 218th
St. And Indian Road. This Center Is Under Renovation Due To The Effects Of Hurricane Sandy

Queens

Alley Pond Park Adventure Center:
Alley Pond Park. Enter At Winchester Blvd.,
Under The Grand Central Parkway.
718.217.6034 Or 718.217.4685

Forest Park Visitor Center:
Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. And Forest
Park Drive. 718.846.2731

Fort Totten Visitors Center:
Fort Totten Park. Enter Park At Fort Entrance,
North Of Intersection Of 212 St. And Cross
Island Pkwy. And Follow Signs. 718.352.1769

Staten Island

Blue Heron Nature Center:
Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue,
Between Amboy Road And Hylan Boulevard.
718.967.3542

High Rock Ranger Station:
High Rock Park. Park In The Lot At The End Of
Nevada Avenue, Off Rockland Ave., And Follow Signs.