Hiking and Birding in NYC
Bird outing in Van Cortlandt Park. Photo: NYC Bird Alliance
Discover the Best Hiking Trails in NYC and Enhance Your Experience with Birding
Are you searching for the best hiking trails near you in New York City? Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a pleasant walk, combining hiking with birding can make your outdoor adventures even more enjoyable. Explore the top hiking spots in NYC and learn how to spot fascinating bird species along the way.
Why Combine Hiking and Birding?
Hiking allows you to immerse yourself in nature, and birding adds an extra layer of excitement to your outdoor activities. Here’s why you should consider integrating birding into your hikes.
Great Horned Owls are found many winters in wooded areas like Central Park and Inwood Hill Park. Photo: Dennis Church Flickr CC
A group watches birds while hiking in Central Park. Photo: Luke Franke / Audubon
Downy Woodpeckers are always a terrific find and can be seen on most hikes in forested areas like Prospect Park. Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / Flickr CC
Great Horned Owls are found many winters in wooded areas like Central Park and Inwood Hill Park. Photo: Dennis Church Flickr CC
A group watches birds while hiking in Central Park. Photo: Luke Franke / Audubon
Downy Woodpeckers are always a terrific find and can be seen on most hikes in forested areas like Prospect Park. Photo: Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren / Flickr CC
Benefits of Birding While Hiking:
- Immersive Experience: Get closer to nature by observing local wildlife.
- Educational: Learn about different bird species and their habitats.
- Relaxing: Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature and bird songs.
- Engaging: Turn your hike into a fun and rewarding wildlife adventure.
Top Hiking Trails for Birding in NYC
- Prospect Park:
- Great for: Easy to moderate hikes, bird watching, and picnicking
- Trail Highlights: Explore Lookout Hill, the Ravine, and the Lullwater for diverse bird species like warblers, raptors, and waterfowl.
- Central Park:
- Great for: Leisurely walks, jogging, and bird watching
- Trail Highlights: Follow the Ramble, North Woods, and the Reservoir trails to spot migratory birds like ducks, woodpeckers, and songbirds.
- Inwood Hill Park:
- Great for: Scenic hikes, bird watching, and historical sites
- Trail Highlights: Enjoy trails through natural forest and saltmarsh where you can see hawks, herons, and a variety of woodland birds.
- Van Cortlandt Park:
- Great for: Moderate hikes, nature walks, and bird watching
- Trail Highlights: Hike the John Muir Trail and the Putnam Trail to find woodpeckers, warblers, and waterfowl in the park’s lake and forested areas.
- Pelham Bay Park:
- Great for: Long hikes, coastal walks, and bird watching
- Trail Highlights: Explore the Kazimiroff Nature Trail and the Orchard Beach Salt Marsh to see shorebirds, raptors, and migratory species.
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- Bring the Essentials: Pack binoculars, a bird guidebook, and a notebook for sightings.
- Best Times to Bird: Birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Stay Quiet: Move slowly and quietly to avoid startling birds.
- Use Birding Apps: Apps like eBird can help you identify and log sightings.
Join Our Community
Ready to enhance your hiking adventures with birding? Stay connected with NYC Bird Alliance for more tips, events, and updates.
- Follow Us on Instagram: Follow Us
- Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Sign Up now!
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