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Pat Dolan Trail

4.1 ★★★★☆ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Forest Hills, New York · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Pat Dolan Trail'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.

Natural surfaceScenicQuiet

What runners say about Pat Dolan Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (25 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“Quiet clean trail with lots of lovely trees, shade, nice flower smell all over.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Quiet clean trail with lots of lovely trees, shade, nice flower smell all over.”

Even though it was winter it was a great train to explore. Saw a lot of ducks and geese in the lake and also other birds on the trail. It can be a little muddy but it’s not too bad. Most of the wet/muddy parts of the trail had wooden board wall style areas to walk on. Highly recommend it.

★★★★☆ — Mauroof , Mar 2023

This is a trail in the back of flushing meadows park, it's separated form the front part as there is swamp land that is not stable to be waked on around here. And eventually to get back to the front of the park you have to take and over pass over the highway and walk through a neighborhood hood for a while till you…

★★★★★ — Keith , Sep 2025

This is a trail in the back of flushing meadows park, and that people need to cross on an overpass over grand central parkway or the van Wyck expressway to get to the trail. Also, that some people will take this trail because to see birds, flower and other things.

★★★★★ — Jonathan , Jul 2025

This is a quiet clean trail with lots of lovely trees, shade, and nice flowers. The trail is easy and people can walk from one side of the park to the other side. Also, there is wildlife like birds and a wooden bridge—the rustic natural paths which is nice.

★★★★★ — Jonathan , Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 25 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“I do hope they've maintained it regarding the bugs/mosquitos and lanternflies, though --still beautiful otherwise ☺️ and gave my wedding pics a natural/rustic look”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“After rainfall, be prepared for some muddy patches along the way.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Quiet clean trail with lots of lovely trees, shade, nice flower smell all over.”

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Plan your run at Pat Dolan Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Websitenycgovparks.org
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–10 pm
Tuesday 6 am–10 pm
Wednesday 6 am–10 pm
Thursday 6 am–10 pm
Friday 6 am–10 pm
Saturday 6 am–10 pm
Sunday 6 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Pat Dolan Trail

6 Grand Central Pkwy, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Get directions

Running trails near Forest Hills

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Water Hole Trail Head

4.6 ★★★★★ 18 reviews

Jamaica, NY

1.1 miles away

Forest Park forest trails

4.2 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews

Flushing, NY

1.2 miles away

Forest Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 7,402 reviews

Woodhaven, NY

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Large forested park featuring hiking trails & bridle paths, plus a bandshell, golf & other sports.

1.3 miles away

Forest Park Hiking Trails

4.8 ★★★★★ 79 reviews

Richmond Hill, NY

ScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area with a variety of paths, including some that are kid-friendly, plus wildlife.

1.3 miles away

Forest Park Blue Trail Head

4.5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Richmond Hill, NY

1.6 miles away

Victory Field

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,013 reviews

Woodhaven, NY

Crushed gravelScenicDog-friendly

Sports complex in Forest Park with a running track & 2 artificial turf baseball fields.

1.7 miles away

All running trails in Forest Hills, NY →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.