Some of the best hiking trails in Brooklyn include the Ravine and Midwood trails in Prospect Park, which offer wooded paths, small waterfalls, and a quiet, forest-like atmosphere. Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail provides an easy loop with views of wetlands and abundant birdlife. At Shirley Chisholm State Park, multiple gravel and dirt trails wind along restored grasslands and hilltops with sweeping views of Jamaica Bay and the skyline. Brooklyn Bridge Park features waterfront paths with moderate inclines, ideal for scenic urban hikes along the East River. For a more rugged feel, the Greenbelt Gateway area near the Verrazzano Bridge connects to paths that offer longer, more continuous walks with fewer road crossings.

To match trails to your fitness level, start by checking distance, elevation gain, and surface type on trail and park websites, including NYC Parks, New York State Parks, and reputable trail apps. Shorter, mostly flat routes like the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail and many sections of Brooklyn Bridge Park are suitable for beginners or casual walkers. Intermediate hikers might prefer the longer loops in Prospect Park and the network of hilltop trails at Shirley Chisholm State Park, which provide gentle elevation and mixed surfaces. Pay attention to user reviews on trail platforms, which often describe how strenuous a route feels in real conditions, and begin with shorter sections of a trail to assess your comfort before committing to a full loop or out-and-back route.

Brooklyn offers several family-friendly hiking options with gentle terrain and clear paths. The Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail is a popular choice, featuring a relatively flat loop with boardwalks and interpretive signs about local wildlife, making it easy to navigate with children. In Prospect Park, the loop paths near the lake and the well-marked forested sections around the Ravine provide short, shaded walks with plenty of exit points back to open lawns and playgrounds. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers paved waterfront paths that feel like an urban hike, with frequent rest areas and restrooms nearby. At Shirley Chisholm State Park, the Shoreline and Fountain Avenue sections include wide, graded trails that work well for beginners, with multiple lookouts where families can stop, rest, and enjoy the views.

To research current conditions, start with the official websites for NYC Parks and New York State Parks, which post alerts about closures, construction, and seasonal changes for places like Prospect Park, Marine Park, and Shirley Chisholm State Park. Supplement this with recent reviews and photos on established trail and mapping apps that reflect how muddy, crowded, or overgrown a route might be. For safety, check local weather forecasts on the day of your hike and avoid wooded trails during severe weather or extreme heat. Review park maps beforehand so you know entry points, exit routes, and locations of facilities. It is also helpful to hike during daylight hours, stay on marked paths, carry basic essentials such as water and a charged phone, and let someone know your planned route and estimated return time if you are exploring less familiar areas.

Most Brooklyn hiking areas are accessible by subway and bus. Prospect Park can be reached via several subway lines, including the B, Q, F, and G, with entrances a short walk from the stations. To access Marine Park and its Salt Marsh Nature Trail, riders often use bus routes such as the B3 or B41 from central Brooklyn subway hubs. Shirley Chisholm State Park is reachable by taking the 3, 4, or L trains to nearby stations and transferring to local buses that stop close to the park entrances at Pennsylvania Avenue or Fountain Avenue. Brooklyn Bridge Park is served by multiple subway lines to Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO, as well as several bus routes and the NYC Ferry, which drop visitors near the waterfront. Before traveling, confirm schedules and walking distances with the MTA trip planner or a reliable transit app, especially on weekends or holidays when service patterns may differ.