Active NYC
Running, walking, and cycling routes across all five boroughs — with live air quality so you know when it's safe to go
Find a Run Near You
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All Routes
14 routes across 5 boroughs
Borough
Surface
Difficulty
Central Park Full Loop
CAR-FREEThe classic NYC run — counterclockwise, car-free. Gentle hills on the north end.
6.1 mi
Central Park Reservoir (Bridle Path)
CAR-FREESofter surface, great skyline views, less crowded than the main loop.
1.58 mi
Hudson River Greenway
CAR-FREEManhattan's west side waterfront — Battery Park to Inwood. Flat, scenic, car-free.
12.9 mi
East River Greenway (South)
CAR-FREEMidtown to Battery Park with stunning bridge views. Best at sunset.
4.4 mi
The High Line
CAR-FREEElevated walking path — go before 9am. Too crowded for running later.
1.5 mi
Prospect Park Loop
CAR-FREEBrooklyn's Central Park — car-free, beautiful rolling hills. Run counterclockwise.
3.35 mi
Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
CAR-FREEDumbo to Red Hook to Bay Ridge waterfront. Flat with incredible harbor views.
14+ mi
Brooklyn Bridge
Iconic but crowded — run early or late. Slight incline from Brooklyn side.
1.3 mi
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
CAR-FREEPast the Unisphere and USTA tennis center. Wide paths, flat, family-friendly.
2.5 mi
Forest Park (Oak Trail)
CAR-FREEQueens' hidden gem — largest continuous oak forest in NYC. Real trail running.
3.5 mi
Van Cortlandt Park (XC Trail)
CAR-FREEClassic cross-country course. The Putnam Trail is flatter if you want an easier option.
3.1 mi
Pelham Bay / Orchard Beach
CAR-FREENYC's largest park — feels like you left the city. Flat shore path.
1.8 mi
Staten Island Greenbelt (White Trail)
CAR-FREENYC's best trail running — dense forest, rolling hills. Feels like upstate.
8+ mi
FDR Boardwalk
CAR-FREESouth Beach to Midland Beach — ocean views, flat boardwalk. Great morning run.
2.5 mi
Distances are approximate. Check park hours and seasonal closures at nycgovparks.org.
NYC Running Tips
- • Check AQI before you go — our Air Quality page shows real-time PM2.5. If AQI is above 100, consider indoor exercise
- • Central Park runs counterclockwise — follow the flow or you'll be running against traffic (bikes, runners, horses)
- • Dawn and dusk are prime time — the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge, and popular paths are packed midday. Early morning is magic
- • NYC Parks restrooms close at dusk. Plan water stops — drinking fountains are turned off November through March
- • Shape Up NYC offers free outdoor fitness classes in parks across the city — yoga, boot camp, Zumba, and more
- • Citi Bike is great for active commuting — check the Environment page for live station data near you
Routes curated by local runners · Air quality live from EPA AirNow + NYCCAS