Escape the City Without Leaving It
Who says you need to drive hours upstate to find great hiking in New York? Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx offers some of the most diverse and rewarding hiking experiences you’ll find within the five boroughs. With over 2,700 acres of varied terrain including forests, wetlands, rocky shores, and meadows, this urban wilderness provides weekend warriors with the perfect escape from city life—all accessible by subway.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for your next urban adventure or someone just getting into hiking who wants to start close to home, Pelham Bay Park’s trail system offers something for every skill level and interest. From easy nature walks perfect for a Saturday morning to more challenging routes that will give you a real workout, these five trails represent the best hiking the Bronx has to offer.
1. Kazimiroff Nature Trail: The Crown Jewel
Named after Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff, a passionate advocate for Bronx ecology, this trail system is the park’s most popular and for good reason. The Kazimiroff Nature Trail actually consists of two interconnected loops that can be hiked separately or combined for a longer adventure.
The shorter loop (approximately 1.5 miles) takes you through the heart of Hunter Island’s diverse ecosystems. You’ll start in dense woodland, emerge onto rocky shoreline with stunning views of Long Island Sound, and pass through wetland areas where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. The trail is well-marked with interpretive signs that help you understand the unique ecology you’re experiencing.
The longer loop extends the hike to about 3 miles and includes more challenging terrain with some moderate elevation changes. This route takes you deeper into the island’s interior forests and provides access to some of the most secluded spots in the entire park. The combination of both loops creates a comprehensive hiking experience that showcases everything Pelham Bay Park has to offer.
Best for: Hikers of all levels, nature photographers, and anyone interested in urban ecology. The shorter loop is perfect for families with older children, while the full route challenges more experienced hikers.
2. Siwanoy Trail: Walking in Historical Footsteps
The Siwanoy Trail offers something unique among New York City hiking experiences: a route that follows paths used by the area’s indigenous inhabitants for centuries. This 1.8-mile trail traces routes once used by the Siwanoy people for trade and travel, adding a profound historical dimension to your hiking experience.
The trail winds through varied terrain including mature forests, open meadows, and along the edges of the park’s extensive wetland systems. What makes this hike special isn’t just the historical significance—it’s also one of the most peaceful trails in the park, often providing a sense of solitude that’s rare in urban hiking.
The path includes several moderate hills that provide good exercise without being overly strenuous. Along the way, you’ll encounter several vantage points that offer excellent views of the surrounding landscape, including glimpses of the Long Island Sound through the trees.
Best for: History enthusiasts, intermediate hikers looking for a moderate workout, and anyone seeking a more contemplative hiking experience away from the busier areas of the park.
3. Split Rock Trail: Geological Wonders
The Split Rock Trail gets its name from one of the park’s most fascinating geological features: a massive glacial boulder that was literally split in half by glacial forces approximately 10,000 years ago. This 1.5-mile trail takes you directly to this remarkable natural landmark while providing an excellent introduction to the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary.
The trail begins in dense forest and gradually opens up as you approach the wetland areas of the sanctuary. The path is relatively flat, making it accessible to hikers of various fitness levels, but the terrain can be muddy after rain, so proper footwear is essential.
What sets this trail apart is the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The route takes you through some of the park’s most pristine habitat areas, where you’re likely to spot various bird species, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some of the deer that call the park home. The trail also provides excellent access to the salt marshes, where the ecosystem is particularly rich and diverse.
Best for: Geology enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and hikers who prefer flatter terrain with interesting natural features to explore.
4. Bridle Trail: The Long-Distance Option
For hikers who want a real workout and the chance to see large portions of the park in a single outing, the Bridle Trail is your best bet. Originally designed for horseback riding when it opened in 1931, this four-mile trail provides the longest continuous hiking experience in Pelham Bay Park.
The trail takes you through the heart of the Thomas Pell Wildlife Sanctuary, offering unparalleled views of the marshlands and surrounding woodlands. The path includes several moderate hills and varied terrain that will challenge your endurance while rewarding you with constantly changing scenery.
One of the highlights of the Bridle Trail is the elevated sections that provide panoramic views of the wetlands below. These vantage points are perfect for photography and offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the park. The trail also connects to several other trail systems, allowing experienced hikers to create custom routes of varying lengths.
Best for: Experienced hikers seeking a longer challenge, trail runners, and anyone who wants to see the maximum amount of the park’s diverse ecosystems in a single outing.
5. Orchard Beach Shoreline Walk: The Scenic Route
While not a traditional hiking trail, the shoreline walk along Orchard Beach and the surrounding rocky coastline provides a unique hiking experience that combines beach walking with more rugged coastal terrain. This route can be customized to any length, from a casual 1-mile stroll to a more ambitious 3-mile exploration of the entire coastline.
The walk begins on the sandy beach itself, where you can enjoy easy walking with beautiful water views. As you move away from the main beach area, the terrain becomes more interesting with rocky outcroppings, tidal pools, and small coves that provide excellent opportunities for exploration and photography.
This route is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the lighting creates spectacular photo opportunities. The combination of sand, rocks, and water also provides a completely different hiking experience from the forest trails, making it a perfect complement to the other options in the park.
Best for: Photographers, casual hikers, families with children who enjoy beach exploration, and anyone looking for a more relaxed hiking experience with beautiful water views.
Trail Tips and Safety
Before heading out on any of these trails, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. First, while the trails are generally well-maintained, proper footwear is essential. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with good traction are recommended, especially for the wetland areas which can be muddy.
Bring plenty of water, especially during summer months. While the park has water fountains and facilities near the main areas, the trails themselves don’t have water sources. A small first aid kit is also recommended for longer hikes.
Cell phone coverage is generally good throughout the park, but it’s always wise to let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time. The park is large enough that some areas can feel quite remote, especially during off-peak times.
Best Times to Hike
Each season offers different advantages for hiking in Pelham Bay Park. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, making it excellent for nature photography. Summer provides the warmest weather but can be more crowded, especially on weekends. Fall offers spectacular foliage and comfortable temperatures, while winter provides solitude and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
For the best experience, consider hiking during weekday mornings when the trails are less crowded and wildlife is more active. Early morning also provides the best lighting for photography and the most comfortable temperatures during summer months.
Your Urban Hiking Adventure Awaits
Pelham Bay Park’s trail system proves that you don’t need to leave New York City to find excellent hiking opportunities. These five trails offer everything from easy nature walks to challenging workouts, all while providing access to some of the most diverse and beautiful natural areas in the five boroughs.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for your next adventure or someone just discovering the joys of hiking, Pelham Bay Park provides the perfect urban wilderness experience. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and discover why this Bronx treasure is quickly becoming a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the city.
