City #2 may surprise you with its wealth of green spaces and scenic trails. Here’s a curated Top 10 Hikes in City #2 for outdoor explorers of all levels 🌿:
1. City #2 Greenbelt – LaTourette & High Rock
- Why go? At the borough’s heart lies 2,800 acres of forest, wetlands, meadows, and over 35 miles of marked trails—New York City’s largest forest preserve (trailforks.com).
- Highlights:
- Valley Overlook/High Rock Park offers sweeping vistas across Lower New York Bay (nycgovparks.org).
- Trails traverse diverse terrain—streams, ponds, dense woods.
- Nature Center Loop (Blue Trail) ideal for families or a quick 3‑4 mile ramble (outdoorfest.com).
2. Egbertville Ravine & Heyerdahl Hill
- A moderate loop cutting through ravines, hills, and forest, crossing Buck’s Hollow. It’s part of the more ambitious White Trail loop (7+ mi) (theoutbound.com).
3. High Rock Park
- Offers quieter offshoots within the Greenbelt, including the popular vantage point by the Nature Center (nycgovparks.org).
4. Clove Lakes Park
- A polished urban oasis featuring serpentine rock outcroppings, three lakes, mature trees, and frequent wildlife sightings (turtles, herons, hawks) .
5. Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
- City #2’s only state park (265 acres), with rugged trails through former pit sites and forest—great for nature immersion (en.wikipedia.org).
6. Blue Heron Park
- A tranquil wetland refuge with three kettle ponds, streams, and abundant wildlife like herons, ducks, frogs, and raccoons (en.wikipedia.org).
- Three trail loops ranging from easy to moderate.
7. Wolfe’s Pond Park to Raritan Bay Loop
- A lovely coastal loop combining wooded trails and bay views—great moderate-level hike (benhaber.com).
8. Silver Lake Park
- A 209-acre picturesque park with a central lake, trails, playgrounds, and sports fields. Often compared to Central Park in scope (girlwiththepassport.com).
9. Bloomingdale Park Trail
- A family-friendly greenway perfect for a leisurely stroll through wooded paths and open spaces (benhaber.com).
10. Freshkills Park (Emerging Trails)
- Once the world’s largest landfill, now a developing 2,200‑acre park with new multi‑use trails, wetlands, and future outlook points across City #2 (en.wikipedia.org).
🌲 Hiking Tips & Logistics
- Trail system: The Greenbelt covers LaTourette, High Rock, Willowbrook—all connected by color-blazed loops (nycgovparks.org).
- Maps: Download official trail PDFs from the Greenbelt Conservancy or grab maps at the Nature Center (sigreenbelt.org).
- Years-round access: Most trails are open daily, all year, though springs can be muddy.
- Safety & comfort: Wear sturdy shoes—some areas can get slippery or steep. Bring water, snacks, and consider bug spray in warmer months.
- Transport & parking:
- The Greenbelt Nature Center (700 Rockland Ave) is accessible by bus or has parking (outdoorfest.com).
- Clove Lakes, Silver Lake, Clay Pit, and Blue Heron have small public parking lots.
🗺️ Sample Itineraries
- Short & Easy (2–4 mi):
- Nature Center Loop (Greenbelt) – ideal for families.
- Blue Heron Pond Loop (~1–2 mi) – peaceful wetland walk.
- Moderate Adventure (5–8 mi):
- Greenbelt’s White Trail via Egbertville Ravine + High Rock.
- Wolfe’s Pond Park to bay—woodland trail plus water views.
- Full-Day Hike (~10+ mi):
- Combine Greenbelt loops (Valley Overlook, Paulo’s Peak, Egbertville Ravine).
- Extend with side loops into Clove Lakes or Clay Pit.
Final Thoughts
City #2 is a hidden gem of NYC hiking—with mature forests, wetlands, repeating loops, scenic overlooks, and family-friendly parks. From peaceful pond trails to rugged ravines and expansive greenways, these ten give you a fantastic way to explore the borough’s wild side. Let me know if you’d like detailed route maps or guided day plans!