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Van Cortlandt Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,130 Google reviews · Running trail in Bronx, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Van Cortlandt 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.
Park with a museum, playgrounds, sports facilities, dog runs, BBQ areas, trails & more.
What runners say about Van Cortlandt Park
“Spent the afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park and the trails are stunning, clean, and well maintained.”
“LOVED all of the amenities in this beautiful verdant area, would 100% reccomend especially for the kids- bought my two little ones dan and phil here and they had a whale of a time!”
“As soon as you enter the park, you immediately notice the peaceful atmosphere, fresh air, and the large open spaces that make it feel very relaxing.”
Growing up in NYC, didn’t realize there were so many miles of beautiful trails available right in my backyard. Spent the afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park and the trails are stunning, clean, and well maintained. Segments were isolated but saw lots of bikers.
I love this park so much. It so peaceful with its lush greenery and beautiful scenery. Theres a playground for the kiddos, track field and athletic field that i love to take walks on. And best of all the hiking trails that makes me feel like I just stepped into a storybook.
My visit to Van Cortlandt Park was a wonderful and refreshing experience. This park is one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in the Bronx, and it offers a perfect escape from the busy city life of New York.
The park has a lot of open areas, but the infrastructure and maintenance could be improved, especially for the climb up to Vault Hill.
Trail conditions & character
“LOVED all of the amenities in this beautiful verdant area, would 100% reccomend especially for the kids- bought my two little ones dan and phil here and they had a whale of a time!”
“You can also see many people jogging, cycling, and walking their dogs along the trails.”
“As soon as you enter the park, you immediately notice the peaceful atmosphere, fresh air, and the large open spaces that make it feel very relaxing.”
“The park has many different trails, open fields, and wooded areas that make it perfect for exploring.”
“The park has a lot of open areas, but the infrastructure and maintenance could be improved, especially for the climb up to Vault Hill.”
“The downside is parking around, and near the park is scarce and challenging.”
Plan your run at Van Cortlandt Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitevancortlandt.org
- Phone+1 718-430-1890
- 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 |
Running trails near Bronx
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fay Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 81 reviews
Clean green space featuring a playground, tennis courts and a baseball field.
Riverdale Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Hiking and biking area featuring baseball fields, tennis courts, woodlands and Hudson River views.
