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Forest Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 7,402 Google reviews · Running trail in Woodhaven, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large forested park featuring hiking trails & bridle paths, plus a bandshell, golf & other sports.
What runners say about Forest Park
“It has beautiful, winding trails for bird watching and nature walks, plus Victory Field provides a well-maintained space to get a solid run in.”
“It has beautiful, winding trails for bird watching and nature walks, plus Victory Field provides a well-maintained space to get a solid run in.”
“Great and clean roads and paths to run and walk for exercise.”
“The trails are surprisingly peaceful, with long stretches of shaded paths that make it easier to stay comfortable even when you’re still building endurance.”
“What I appreciated most is how beginner-friendly the park is.”
Great park to walk or relax in. It's seriously a massive park with lots of trails to choose from and also has great spots for picnics and just spending time with family. There's also a carousel and a lot of vendors selling italian ice and frozen treats around the park.
Forest Park is where Queens quietly flexes its natural muscle. Nestled between Kew Gardens and Woodhaven, this 543-acre sanctuary is a runner’s dream and a hiker’s playground. The terrain is shaped by the ancient Harbor Hill Moraine, a glacial legacy that left behind rolling hills and kettle ponds.
This is the tenth largest park in NYC and third in Queens. It consists of 543 acres of flatlands and hills, and simple to hard trails with 165 acres of forest. It provides oxygen, shelter, jobs, water, nourishment and fuel. It’s larger than Central Park.
I’m a spring baby and this park was my haven this year. So many interesting surprises along my hike through it. One of my little gems. It’s clean and never crowded. I spot blue jays and other colorful birds and wild cats. Feels great being wrapped up in nature.
Trail conditions & character
“It has beautiful, winding trails for bird watching and nature walks, plus Victory Field provides a well-maintained space to get a solid run in.”
“There are clear paths, gentle hills, and plenty of spots where you can slow down, catch your breath, and just take in the scenery.”
“The trails are surprisingly peaceful, with long stretches of shaded paths that make it easier to stay comfortable even when you’re still building endurance.”
“The trails are surprisingly peaceful, with long stretches of shaded paths that make it easier to stay comfortable even when you’re still building endurance.”
“There’s a running track, tennis courts, dog runs, and a golf course modeled after Scottish links.”
Plan your run at Forest Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenycgovparks.org
- Phone(718) 235-0815
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Woodhaven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Forest Park forest trails
4.2 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews
Forest Park Hiking Trails
4.8 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Hiking area with a variety of paths, including some that are kid-friendly, plus wildlife.
Water Hole Trail Head
4.6 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
Forest Park Blue Trail Head
4.5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
Victory Field
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,013 reviews
Sports complex in Forest Park with a running track & 2 artificial turf baseball fields.
