The best running trails around Prospect Park
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327
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Jogging around Prospect Park offers a diverse landscape for runners, featuring expansive meadows, rolling hills, and winding pathways. The park, covering over 500 acres, includes a dedicated 3.36-mile car-free running lane along its Park Drive, providing a consistent route. Beyond the main drive, numerous trails weave through inner areas, offering varied surfaces and gradients for different running experiences. Natural features like the 90-acre Long Meadow, Brooklyn's only lake, and The Ravine, known as "The Last Forest of Brooklyn," contribute to the park's varied terrain.
Best jogging routes around Prospect Park
- The most popular jogging route is Garret Mountain Yellow Trail Loop, a 3.1 miles (5.0 km) trail that takes 37 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a steady elevation gain of 164 feet (50 meters).
- Another top favourite among local runners is Barbour Pond loop from Woodland Park, a moderate 3.3 miles (5.3 km) path. This route offers a varied terrain with an elevation gain of 212 feet (65 meters).
- Local runners also love the Running loop from Paterson, a 2.1 miles (3.3 km) trail leading through urban and natural landscapes, often completed in about 23 minutes.
- Jogging around Prospect Park is defined by varied terrain, including dedicated running lanes, open meadows, and wooded trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging paths with elevation changes.
- The routes in Prospect Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 119 runners have used komoot to explore Prospect Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
3
runners
5.05km
00:37
50m
50m
The Garret Mountain Yellow Trail Loop is a dynamic jogging route that feels surprisingly rugged despite its urban proximity. You'll navigate a mix of dirt paths, rocky sections, and even some paved stretches, all while enjoying the serene waters of Barbour Pond and the wooded surroundings. The highlight for many is the chance to catch impressive, sweeping views of the New York City skyline from various overlooks, making it a rewarding experience for a relatively short effort.
This moderate 3.1-mile (5.0 km) loop involves 164 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, which you can typically complete in about 37 minutes. The trail is well-marked with yellow blazes, ensuring easy navigation. While specific parking details aren't highlighted, planning your visit for a clear day will maximize your chances of enjoying those iconic skyline views.
What truly sets this trail apart is its blend of natural beauty and historical context. Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers Firm, known for Central Park, the reservation offers an unexpected escape. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the park as a significant stopover point for over 150 species of migrating birds, adding another layer of interest to your run.
33
runners
5.32km
00:36
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
runners
8.25km
00:52
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
runners
8.27km
00:51
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
runners
3.25km
00:22
50m
50m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Great view from Garret Mountain Reservation of the New York City Skyline. There are several spots in the park where you can catch a glimpse, but this is one of the most popular spots.
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Garret Mountain Reservation is a 300-acre park that is a popular spot for a variety of recreational activities. There are miles of trails for hikers and trail runners in the park, as well as two historical sites: Lambert Castle and Lambert Tower.
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Barbour Pond is the largest body of water in Garret Mountain Reservation. There is a trail that runs along the banks of the pond, so you can get a good view of the water during your run.
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The Saddle River County Park Path stretches from Duck Pond to Rochelle Park, traversing several parks along the Saddle River. Along the way, there are numerous spots to pause and relish the river view, with some areas even allowing you to dip your feet in the water.
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Saddle River County Park encompasses over 500 acres as it follows the banks of the Saddle River and a few of its branches. There is a great bike path that travels right through the middle of the park.
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Barbour Pond is the biggest reservoir within the Garret Mountain Reservation. The park features hiking trails that travel on both sides of Barbour Pond and are often utilized by those looking to fish the waters. There are a couple cool overlooks of the pond just off the side of the trail.
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Runs North South along (you guessed it) the Saddle River from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park in Bergen County. There are nearly 8 miles of car-free, paved pathway, here, frequented by joggers and walkers as well as cyclists. Path is pleasant and shaded, and fairly smooth, with small bridges back and forth across the water. Wayfinding isn't great, with forks that lead to parking lots every so often, but those detours might get you a few extra miles if you don't mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on the running trails in Prospect Park?
Prospect Park offers a diverse running experience with varied terrain. You'll find a dedicated 3.36-mile car-free running lane along the Park Drive for a consistent surface. Beyond that, numerous paths and trails weave through inner areas, some offering singletrack experiences, others covered with mulch, and some shared with horses. The park's landscape includes hills, meadows, and winding pathways, providing options for different gradients and surfaces.
Are there any easy running routes suitable for beginners in Prospect Park?
Yes, Prospect Park offers routes suitable for various ability levels. For an easier run, consider the Running loop from Paterson, which is 2.1 miles (3.3 km) long and has a moderate elevation gain, making it a good option for those looking for a less strenuous path.
What are some of the natural features or landmarks I can see while jogging in Prospect Park?
Prospect Park is rich in natural beauty and notable features. You can run past the vast 90-acre Long Meadow, Brooklyn's only 60-acre lake, and explore The Ravine, often called 'The Last Forest of Brooklyn.' For scenic views, Lookout Hill is the highest point in the park. While jogging, you might also encounter picturesque waterways and wetlands. Specific highlights include Wild Duck Pond and Barbour Pond.
How many running routes are available in and around Prospect Park?
There are over 19 running routes available in and around Prospect Park, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. These include 1 easy route and 18 moderate routes, ensuring a good selection for all runners.
What do other runners think about the trails in Prospect Park?
The running routes in Prospect Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 119 runners have used komoot to explore the park's varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscape and well-maintained paths.
Are there any circular running routes in Prospect Park?
Yes, many of the running routes in Prospect Park are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the popular Garret Mountain Yellow Trail Loop is a 3.1-mile (5.0 km) circular route, and the Barbour Pond loop from Woodland Park is another excellent circular option at 3.3 miles (5.3 km).
Can I find routes with significant elevation changes for a more challenging run?
Yes, Prospect Park's varied landscape includes hills that provide opportunities for challenging runs. Routes like the Ridgewood loop from Ridgewood, at 8.5 miles (13.7 km), features an elevation gain of 337 feet (103 meters), offering a good workout for those seeking more significant climbs.
What is the best time of year to go running in Prospect Park?
Prospect Park is a great place for running year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer mornings and evenings are ideal to avoid the heat, and winter running can be scenic, especially after a fresh snowfall. The park's diverse terrain and dedicated running lane make it accessible in most seasons.
Are there any running routes that offer scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely. Lookout Hill, the highest point in Prospect Park, offers scenic views of Brooklyn and potentially even Coney Island. While not a specific route, many trails will lead you through areas with picturesque vistas. You can also find a View of Paterson from Garrett Mountain Scenic Overlook on some of the longer routes in the vicinity.
Are there any less crowded running options in Prospect Park?
While the main Park Drive loop can be popular, exploring the numerous additional paths and trails that weave through the park's inner areas can offer a more secluded experience. These trails, some with singletrack or mulch surfaces, provide opportunities for more adventurous runs away from the main thoroughfares.
What is the longest running route available in this guide?
The longest running route featured in this guide is the Ridgewood loop from Ridgewood, which spans 8.5 miles (13.7 km) and takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete. This moderate route also includes a notable elevation gain.
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