New York City's 6 best running routes

31.07.2024 - 10:22 / lonelyplanet.com

Jul 30, 2024 • 5 min read

There's no question that New York City is the USA's most exciting city, but for those who enjoy exploring while keeping fit, this concrete jungle might not seem to be the place perfect runs are made of. Fear not, though, jogging junkies; the Big Apple has some excellent routes to raise your heart rate and spirits, from riverside runs and park paths to bridge-crossing, icon-spotting breath-takers. For those who prefer the slow lane, these can all be enjoyed at a walking pace, or check out a local stroll from the top to tip of Manhattan.

Here are our top six running routes in NYC.

Best for views of the Lower Manhattan skyline

"Short but spectacular" sums up this run. Start along the Brooklyn waterfront: the renovated piers are now attractions in their own right, but the stars of the show – the skyscrapers of Wall Street – draw the eye across the East River (peek left and you'll spot the Statue of Liberty too, but more of her later).

From Pier 1 (warning: confusing street layout ahead!) go along Old Fulton St and Prospect St and up the slightly hidden stairs in the underpass to reach the city's most iconic bridge. If the run hasn't left you breathless, the view of Lower Manhattan through the Brooklyn Bridge's support cables will. The promenade across the bridge and the run finish at City Hill Park, next to the subway station. 

Start/finish: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 ferry stop/City Hall subway station
Distance: 2.5 miles (more if you detour around the Brooklyn Bridge Park piers)
When: Sunrise or sunset for beautiful light and fewer crowds (Brooklyn Bridge Promenade gets very busy)
Watch out for: The not-obvious access point for the bridge from Anchorage Plaza, and cyclists on the bridge – stay out of their lane

Best for joining locals on a classic run

Manhattan more than makes up for its general lack of green spaces with one of the world's best and most famous: Central Park. And within the park, the loop around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a firm favorite with New York runners.

It's a straightforward circuit, too: head counterclockwise on the flat path that follows the reservoir (once a major source of water for the city but decommissioned in 1993), enjoying the shade of the trees and views of the fancy apartment blocks that border the park and the Midtown skyline. Repeat as needed.

Start/finish: 86 St subway station (A, B, C lines)
Distance: 2 miles (more laps, more miles)
When: Any time
Watch out for: Jogger jams – it's a very popular route

Best for fresh air and famous sights

If the Reservoir Loop has whetted your appetite for more Central Park perambulations then you're not short of options. A full circuit, beginning at the southeast corner, roughly follows the park's