The 15 Best Places to Run in New York City
- Diego Tobias
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 6
New York City might be a concrete jungle, but it’s also home to some of the most iconic and scenic running routes in the world. Whether you’re looking for a long riverside path, a challenging trail run, or an urban adventure across a historic bridge, NYC has it all.
From Central Park’s legendary loops to waterfront escapes in Staten Island, here’s a guide to the 15 best places to run in the Big Apple.
1. Central Park
📍 Location: Manhattan⭐ Best for: Marathon training, scenic jogs, and variety
New York’s most famous park is also one of the best places to run in the world. With a 6-mile loop, smaller trails, and scenic paths around Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Central Park offers endless variety for runners. Whether you’re training for the New York City Marathon or just want a leisurely morning jog, this is the ultimate NYC running destination.
🏃 Best Routes:✔️ Full 6-mile loop✔️ The Reservoir loop (1.58 miles)✔️ Bridle Path for softer terrain
2. Hudson River Greenway
📍 Location: Manhattan (West Side)⭐ Best for: Long-distance running, waterfront views
This flat, scenic 12-mile trail runs along the Hudson River, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, the George Washington Bridge, and the New Jersey skyline. It’s perfect for marathon training, with plenty of rest stops, water fountains, and smooth pavement.
🏃 Best Routes:✔️ Battery Park to 59th Street (5 miles)✔️ Full stretch from Battery Park to George Washington Bridge (12 miles)
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