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Prospect Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 28,472 Google reviews · Running trail in Brooklyn, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Prospect 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.
Sprawling city park featuring the Audubon Center in the historic Boathouse, plus Prospect Park Zoo.
What runners say about Prospect Park
“This park is very spacious, clean and perfect for walks or other family and friends activities or just looking to detach yourself from the busyness of city life.”
“The park’s landscape is stunning: wide open meadows, peaceful wooded trails, ponds filled with wildlife, and scenic bridges that make every corner feel unique.”
“It’s great for a solo run, a family picnic, or just reading a book under a massive oak tree.”
“It features meadows, woodlands, a lake, and recreational areas, offering visitors a peaceful escape from city life and a place for sports, picnics, and cultural events.”
Prospect Park is truly one of New York’s hidden gems. Unlike the hustle and intensity of Manhattan, the park offers a calm, spacious, and beautifully designed escape right in the heart of Brooklyn.
Better than Central Park. Great nature trails, unleashed dog hours, cafe called Winner, ice skating/roller skating rink, Audubon Society headquarters and the Brooklyn Bird Society, Farmers market on Saturdays, solid bike lanes and running lanes, no gimmicky street performances, no horses used to pull a carriage until…
Prospect Park is one of those rare places that feels almost enchanted—an escape so complete that you genuinely forget you’re standing in the heart of New York City.
Prospect Park is a true Brooklyn treasure and my favorite escape from the city bustle. I love starting with a walk around the loop, where you get a perfect mix of people-watching and peaceful nature. The lake by the Boathouse is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the fall.
Trail conditions & character
“It features meadows, woodlands, a lake, and recreational areas, offering visitors a peaceful escape from city life and a place for sports, picnics, and cultural events.”
“The park’s landscape is stunning: wide open meadows, peaceful wooded trails, ponds filled with wildlife, and scenic bridges that make every corner feel unique.”
“The restrooms are very limited, and only the one on the large building is somewhat passable.”
“The atmosphere is lively but never overwhelming — families, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, and nature lovers all share the space comfortably.”
“I love starting with a walk around the loop, where you get a perfect mix of people-watching and peaceful nature.”
Plan your run at Prospect 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteprospectpark.org
- Phone(718) 965-8951
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Friday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–1 AM |
Running trails near Brooklyn
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Breeze Hill Walk
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
Ravine
4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Brooklyn's only forest, this urban oasis in Prospect Park is the setting for weekend nature tours.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 43,091 reviews
This urban oasis features shaded picnic tables, hibachi-style BBQ grills & river views.
