Beautiful NYC Runs That Actually Make Us Want to Work Out

Sure , New York City is crazy crowded with taxis , pigeons , and a billion humans ( two - thirds of which are frightfully annoying ) . But it also has some of the good station to run in the entire country , with running game path so picturesque they canalmostmake you forget how hideous your rent is . To prove it , we found the most beautiful running road in New York City that are sure to give you that push you need to get off your sofa and start forge out .

Battery Park to the East River running path

This route begins at the tip of Manhattan in Battery Park and is certain to divert your thought from the torture – er , strong-arm exertion– that is running . You ’ll nock glance of the Statue of Liberty before rounding the boundary of Manhattan and lead up theEast River running pathfor more ( track down , that is ) . Once along the East River you could junket your eye on survey of Brooklyn ’s waterfront ; the Manhattan , Williamsburg , and Brooklyn Bridges ; and the South Street Seaport . And if you want to break off the path and head into Brooklyn , you ’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so – just take after the signs for the bridge of your choice !

Central Park’s Reservoir Loop

If you do n’t instinctively think of Central Park when you recall of Manhattan and running , are you even a runner ? Dumb doubtfulness : of course of action you are n’t . But here ’s a less obvious fact : the iconic park is a with child place to run , but the tough , rolling Benny Hill sometimes make us reconsider our path . For a plane open thatalsocomes with royal reservoir views ( especially at sundown or sunup ) , judge running loops around theJacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir . locate centrally within the park from eighty-fifth St to 96 St , the 1.58 - mi path is pure for multiple loops . The practiced part ? It ’s free of cyclists ( no offense ) .

Van Cortlandt Park

Want to forget you ’re in Manhattan ? you could make it pass by trek uptown to the trails ofVan Cortlandt Parkin the Bronx . Without a skyscraper in sight , you could beast through speed workouts on the park ’s 400 - meter path or get in hint with your inner Bambi by ramble on along the various cross body politic lead inside the “ urban forest ” ( which , no , is not a phrase we just made up ) . The ballpark is menage to 1,146 acres , over 14 miles of track to research , and a house where George Washington actually slept – so it ’s worth lacing up your sneakers and hop aboard the 1 wagon train to check out .

West Side Highway (north of the Intrepid) up the Hudson River Greenway

New Jersey may not be very exciting to gaze at ( even for those who were weirdly captivate byJersey Shore ) , but when you hunt north along the West Side Highway you ’ll be able to take in epic scene of the George Washington Bridge – and if you run far enough , theLittle Red Lighthouse . While the path is typically crowded during peak weekend hr , former morning minute ( both on weekdays and weekend ) are quieter and less engorged . And if you necessitate some motivation to lumber a few supererogatory miles , make love this : the farther you run Uptown , the less walker you ’ll need to duck !

Hudson River Park

Hudson River Parkis a mecca for other fitness caramel ( you ’ll see them , we predict ) and those who just care to take their activity outdoors . So if you ’re looking for a workout buddy or even somebody to , hem , hold your understructure during crunches , this is a neat area to get your gas mileage in . As you take on the footer course which parallels the Hudson River , you’re able to get get invigorate by all the other activities going on ( and make your summer bucket list ): think paddle boarding , kayaking , recreational mutation , and evenoutdoor bootcamp classes . The views of the Hoboken Terminal and the Hudson River are n’t wicked , either .

The High Line

run on theHigh Line– the 1.45 - mile - long linear Mungo Park built on an elevated section of an out - of - commission railroad demarcation – is like hold a breath of fresh air ( literally , because you ’re above the sewers ) . You ’ll score views of the Hudson River and the Meatpacking District in addition to street art , sculptures , and picturesque gardens . It ’s basically an Instagrammer ’s dream – which is why we recommend only hazard up there in the other morning , before it gets taken over with selfie - take holidaymaker .

Prospect Park

While thisBrooklyn - base green scenemay be smaller than the giant oasis that is Central Park , that unluckily does n’t mean it ’s any less hilly . However , itdoesmean the loops you ’ll run are poor , with the taboo loop of the common amounting to 3.68 miles ( as opposed to Central Park ’s six ) . Take in the sights ( Prospect Park Lake , the Bandshell , portion of nature ) and sounds of many recreational activities as you research the 585 - acre oasis on foot . After you eat up up you’re able to grab a post - run meal ( or beer ) at the park’sBluestone Cafe .

Roosevelt Island

While this island has a flighty history ( formerly Blackwell Island , the archipelago house a grim pen full of convict for a C ) , you ’re more probable to find toddlers than inmate living there today – though we ’re not trusted which choice is scary . Located between Manhattan and Queens , Roosevelt Island make for a unforesightful , flat , and scenic outpouring . As you make your means around the island ’s 3.6 - nautical mile circumference , you’re able to take in the scene of Midtown Manhattan and the Queensboro Bridge without any taxi horns or objectionable tourists testing your patience – which is very important , because road cult can happen even to the nicest runner .

Over the Brooklyn Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park

If there ’s one berth you shouldneverrun at 1 pm on a Saturday , it ’s the Brooklyn Bridge . The historic bodily structure will be insanely crowd , giving you a 90 % chance of being score in the boldness with a selfie joint . However , if you want to run over to Williamsburg at 6 am on a weekday , we strongly urge it . Not only is the architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge passably awesome to gaze at , but you ’ll also have the opportunity to grab glimpse of both upper and lower Manhattan . Once over the bridge , hang a right and make your means toBrooklyn Bridge Parkfor some more panoramic waterfront views of lower Manhattan .

Central Park reservoir running loop