Spring has arrived in New York City, and there is no better time to take your workout outside. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or you’re a seasoned pavement-pounder looking for a new challenge, NYC’s parks and waterways offer some of the most spectacular running terrain in the world — completely free. Here are the best outdoor running routes in the city right now, organized by distance and difficulty.
Beginner-Friendly: Start Here
Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway — 2 to 3.5 Miles
If you’re new to running outdoors or want a flat, scenic warm-up route, Brooklyn Bridge Park is hard to beat. The greenway runs along the waterfront from Pier 1 to Pier 6, offering unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. The path is wide, well-maintained, and separated from bike traffic on most stretches.
Distance: 2–3.5 miles depending on your route
Terrain: Flat, paved
Getting There: A/C/F train to Jay St–MetroTech, or 2/3 to Clark Street in Brooklyn Heights
Safety Note: The path is shared with cyclists — stay in the designated pedestrian lane and stay alert near the pier entrances.
Coney Island Boardwalk — 2.5 Miles
The Coney Island Boardwalk stretches 2.5 miles along the waterfront, offering wide-open Atlantic views and sea air that makes the run feel effortless. In April, before the summer crowds arrive, this is one of the most peaceful morning runs in the city. The flat, hard-packed surface is forgiving for beginners.
Distance: 2.5 miles one way (5 miles out-and-back)
Terrain: Flat boardwalk
Getting There: D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island–Stillwell Av
What to Bring: Layers — it’s breezy on the water in April. Wind-resistant shell recommended.
Intermediate: The Best Loops in the City
Prospect Park Loop — 3.4 Miles
Prospect Park’s main loop is one of the most beloved running routes in Brooklyn. At 3.4 miles, it’s a satisfying distance that takes you through meadows, past the lake, and through some of the park’s most beautiful wooded sections. In April, the park is alive with flowering trees and the smell of fresh earth. The loop is car-free on weekends and early mornings.
Distance: 3.4 miles (inner loop); 3.7 miles (outer loop)
Elevation: Rolling hills, about 154 feet total gain
Getting There: 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza or Q/B to Prospect Park station
Pro Tip: Run the loop counter-clockwise to go with traffic flow. The long flat stretch along Parkside Avenue is perfect for picking up pace.
Riverside Park Bloom Run — 4 to 6 Miles
Right now, Riverside Park is arguably the most beautiful running corridor in Manhattan. The park stretches four miles along the Hudson River from 72nd to 158th Street, and in mid-April the cherry and crabapple trees create tunnels of bloom along the path. The terrain is mostly flat along the lower promenade, with gentle hills on the upper paths closer to Riverside Drive.
Start at 72nd Street and run north toward 122nd Street (where Sakura Park begins) for a continuous bloom experience. Return the same way for a 6-mile out-and-back, or connect to the Hudson River Greenway for more distance.
Distance: 4–6 miles depending on turnaround point
Getting There: 1 train to 72nd, 79th, or 86th St
Safety Note: The lower riverside path can get slippery after rain — use the upper path if it’s been wet.
Advanced: Go the Distance
Hudson River Greenway — Up to 12.9 Miles
The Hudson River Greenway is a paved, continuous path running nearly 13 miles up the entire west side of Manhattan, from Battery Park at the southern tip to the George Washington Bridge. It’s one of the longest car-free running corridors in any American city, with sweeping river views the entire way.
Most runners tackle a section rather than the full length — the stretch from 72nd Street to the GWB (about 7.5 miles one way) is a classic long-run route. The path is fully separated from vehicle traffic and wide enough to accommodate both runners and cyclists comfortably.
Distance: Up to 12.9 miles one way
Terrain: Flat, paved
Getting There: 1 train to any UWS stop; A/C/E to 34th St for a midpoint start
Safety Note: The Greenway is shared with cyclists — stay in the running lane (typically the left side) and be aware of faster bike traffic, especially on weekends.
Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway — Up to 20 Miles
For runners who want to explore Brooklyn from the water, the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway currently offers around 20 miles of trail running along 26 miles of Brooklyn’s waterfront. The route connects multiple parks and neighborhoods, with open views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline at various points.
The segment from DUMBO through Red Hook and along the Sunset Park waterfront is particularly scenic. This is a great route to explore in sections across multiple training runs.
Distance: Up to 20 miles (run in sections)
Getting There: F/A/C to Jay St–MetroTech or Jay St for DUMBO start
What to Bring: A downloaded map or GPS watch — wayfinding can be tricky in the industrial sections near Red Hook.
Run With a Community: NYRR Open Run
Running solo is great, but running with a community is better. The New York Road Runners’ NYRR Open Run program offers free, weekly community-led runs of approximately 3 miles in neighborhood parks across all five boroughs. Runs are open to all ages and paces — no registration required, just show up.
Open Run locations include parks in every borough: Astoria Park, Canarsie Park, Morningside Park, Highland Park, Soundview Park, St. Mary’s Park, and more. Check the full schedule at nyrr.org/openrun to find a run near you this week.
Cost: Free
Who It’s For: All runners and walkers, any pace
How to Join: No registration needed — find your local location on the NYRR website and show up
Your Spring Running Checklist
Before you head out this April, a few quick tips for spring running in NYC:
- Layer up in the morning — April temperatures in NYC can swing from the 40s at sunrise to the low 60s by noon. A lightweight shell you can tie around your waist is ideal.
- Watch for wet paths — Spring rain makes paved surfaces slippery, especially on shaded riverside paths. If it’s been raining, opt for a park path with better drainage.
- Hydrate anyway — Cool temperatures can mask how much you’re sweating. NYC Parks has water fountains at most park facilities, though many are just turning back on for the season — bring a bottle just in case.
- Share the path — Cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians all share most NYC greenways. Stay right, pass left, and call out before overtaking.
The city is your gym right now. Get outside.
