For avid runners and beginners alike, New York City offers a wide range of places to hit the pavement, from it’s iconic bridges to green trails nestled in the city’s parks. The scenic routes provide unbeatable views of the river and skyline that can keep you motivated to keep going when you’re ready to give up.
Ahead, we round up the 10 most iconic spots to go for a run in the city, fit for regular marathoners, treadmill-devotees looking for a change of scenery, and total newbies.
1. Van Cortlandt Park Van Cortlandt Park via Flickr For those times when you want to feel like you’re outside of the city, Van Cortlandt Park is your best bet. Take the 1 to 242nd Street and start a 3.5-mile loop as soon as you enter the park. Along the way, you’ll pass by Vault Hill, the “Back Hills of Vanny,” the Tortoise & Hare Statue, and Van Cortlandt Park House Museum. If you’ve worked up an appetite, nearby Lloyd’s Carrot Cake will provide a decadent post-run treat.
2. Central Park Central Park Reservoir via Flickr Probably the first New York City running loop that comes to mind for both runners and non-runners is the Central Park Reservoir, which offers a 1.5-mile trail at a very gentle 2-degree slope. There are plenty of other options throughout Central Park , including a 6.1-mile full loop around the park or the more rugged Bridle Path loops. The shorter of the two […]
