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October 2023 by Emily A.
Forest Park is a true urban oasis, a sprawling green haven that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the moment you step foot into the park, you're greeted by lush landscapes, towering trees, and a sense of tranquility that's hard to find in an urban environment.The park's vastness is impressive, offering something for everyone. Whether you're an avid jogger, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful place to relax, Forest Park has you covered. The winding trails are perfect for a leisurely walk, a vigorous run, or a scenic bike ride. The park's natural beauty shines through in every season, from the vibrant blooms in spring to the stunning foliage in autumn.For families, Forest Park is a paradise. The playgrounds are well-maintained and provide hours of fun for children. The picnic areas are perfect for gatherings, and the tranquil ponds offer opportunities for bird-watching or a leisurely paddleboat ride.
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August 2023 by Jeffery K.
Ah, the charming landscape of Forest Park -- a veritable Eden for our four-legged friends. But, much like Eden, there is always that one rotten apple, isn't there?Enter our protagonist: the embodiment of midlife crisis in human form. If one could visually capture the lament of wasted youth, it would look like this bloke, who's evidently misplaced his dog as often as he's lost his driver's license (which, word on the street, had a run-in with Floridian laws after a few too many margaritas).And while his fluffy mane might whisper "rock star" in a dimly lit room, his mugshot loudly proclaims, "Billy Squier's less successful cousin who never made it past the cover band circuit." (It also murmurs something about bad decisions, but we won't linger there.)But our man isn't content with just being the joke of the dog park. No, he fancies himself a connoisseur of the written word. You see, every time he graces us with his presence, he graces us twice: first with his own stumbling, bumbling self, and then with Yelp reviews so pompous they'd make Hemingway roll his eyes (and maybe grab a drink himself).So if you fancy an afternoon in a dog park where the entertainment is as much about the human follies as it is about our beloved pets, then this is your spot. But if you, like me, prefer a peaceful afternoon without the theatrical woes of Mr. 'Lost-in-the-80s', you might want to look elsewhere. And to our dear friend, a simple plea: consider a leash. Not just for your dog, but perhaps for your ego too.
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May 2023 by James I.
First time REALLY exploring Forest Park's trails in Queens today. If you are looking for a nice peaceful nature walk I definitely recommend coming here. We did a little over a mile & wished we could have kept going. I definitely will be coming back sometime soon to explore more.
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September 2022 by Stanislav V.
Our lungs need high-quality oxygen so that they do not deteriorate over the years! Unfortunately, it is only found in forests, so I highly recommend moving most of your meetings with people and playing sports to forest parks and, if possible, build your own routes for moving around the city through them too!
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August 2022 by Robert Z.
Mostly loud crude prople with no manners , loud music , it's pretty much shot , like 5 boroughs , sad , urban decay !
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July 2022 by S S.
Not a super grassy park, but super chill. I came here for a spur of the moment family fun day and that's what it was. You can easily find a spot to bbq, have a birthday party or pull out a blanket and enjoy the sun. They also have an area that has a few rides for the kiddos to enjoy, like a carousel. They have some grills and tables. Come early to get a good spot. As well as a lot of shady areas and space to kick a soccer ball around.
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July 2021 by Timothy A.
I nice little park to take a walk in without fear of getting run over by a car driven by someone on their cell phone. Lots of areas to walk and explore. A dog park for dogs to play and meet other dogs. Trails through the woods. Trails on the road (also known as a road). The overlook area doesn't really overlook anything, but maybe it did back in the day when the trees weren't as tall. Walked about three miles with the family the other day. According to the stalker on my arm. Overall, good park for a walk with nice grass and big trees.
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June 2021 by James C.
I remember coming here to bird watch years ago. I spotted red cardinals, woodpeckers,and Jay's. That was cool. However, as someone who used MTA to come here it was a bit difficult and tiresome to navigate for me. Lots of walking. Lots of tall trees, dark inside. Can be a bit scary to come here alone on a dark day. Inside the woods. Confusing inside as well to explore. Not a bad park at all, just not my favorite. I just remember walking a lot and not seeing much.
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March 2021 by Lawrence R.
Number of visits: Lived in the area for 25 years. As someone who grew up in the area, I never fully appreciated Forest Park for what it truly is: a hidden gem where one or more could get away, could get lost in, could tell stories about. Add to that is the fact that it offers so many amenities. It's also a park that's so big that you can start in Cypress Hills and end up in Forest Hills, two different neighborhoods of almost opposite classes. Let's take a walk shall we? If you know where to go, one could take a short hike to the hills overlooking the cemetery and a view looking down at Brooklyn. If you've dirtied your pants climbing over soil, you'll look just as presentable as the amateur painter you may run into, who looks like he's seen the wild side of life, trying to capture the view. Walk east along Park Lane South and you'll find people doing meditation in the morning, a playground where kids play and throw dog feces at each other, some guy getting into a car and ditching his friend, private tennis courts, sunbathers next to a dog park, and Victorian houses on the opposite side of the street that are rich in history. If you stray off trail and walk through the woods, be wary as you may find plants that make you itch like poison ivy, local kids hiding out for some alone time, and hangout spots with litter and logs for seats where groups could share things besides stories and laughter. Walk along Forest Park Drive and you'll find a huge golf course and remnants of someone's dream wedding. One could have an outdoor ceremony at the Bandshell and take a lengthy walk to Oak Ridge. You may find out that Oak Ridge does hold parties if you ever get into a car accident while passing by and you see party-goers dressed up, watching you while you wait for police to arrive. Continuing east on Forest Park Drive and you will find picnic areas next to a huge parking lot where one could teach their kids how to drive, or where one could leave their car next to some guy in his car who's glaring at you, only to return and find that your tire has been slashed. Going past the parking lot and you'll find (if it's still there) a carousel that once teased youngsters who waited years for it to open so they may bring unrequited love out for a date there. On the opposite side, hidden away, is Strack Pond, which you could walk around. Cross over Woodhaven Boulevard and you'll find baseball fields, basketball courts, handball courts, and Victory Field, which comes with a track and where there may be a crowd. Bring a friend and you can play catch, but be sure to catch that ball, sonny, or it will wander into a group of soccer players and one of them will angrily zoom your ball faster and farther away than you thought possible. You can walk a mile's worth jogging path and explore off-road trails that branch out from it and make it feel like you're not in the city anymore. Some would giggle at true-or-untrue tales that late-night encounters occur there. In a movie (that may or may not be released in the future), a grave somewhere is reserved for someone who went missing. Finally, at the east end of Forest Park is an open area where one could take a break after that long walk and contemplate about life before heading all the way back (regret). Forest Park is a hidden gem for outsiders who don't live in the residential neighborhoods it borders. It's comparable to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and it beats the lesser and more tame parks located in eastern Queens. I don't live in the area anymore, but if it weren't for the congestion in and around the park, I would be back more often. If you do end up there, be sure to take your time. You can't take it all in in one day... Oh and don't mind me: all those good memories are coming back to me. Hopefully, someday, they will for you too.
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December 2020 by Colette H.
I love this place! It's super convenient to get to and pretty spacious. I have come here multiple times and enjoy the trails and nature. I'll definitely be back here again soon.
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September 2020 by Bo H.
Hands down, this is THE best park in Queens. The whole point of a park is an escape from it all and Forest Park doesn't disappoint. Over 500 acres of parkland, most of it undisturbed from back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Lots of trees and trails for a run, hike, or scenic walk. But hey, if that isn't your thing, there is golf, tennis, handball, running track with bleachers, multiple ballfields and playgrounds, horseback riding, and when things are normal again, a gorgeous Carousel. Don't forget the entertainment either at the Bandshell. So bring the workout gear and/or your four-legged training partner and leave the headphones at home!
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August 2020 by Jando S.
Compared to the famous parks throughout NYC, Forest Park certainly flies under the radar given its plain name and less than touristy vibe. Folks are more likely to flock to the more popular neighborhoods over a place like Woodhaven, Queens. Yet if folks just took the time to explore the premises, one would find that Forest Park has plenty to offer. With over 500 acres to offer, the park is not exactly small. In fact, it's the third largest park in the borough and in the top 10 for park sizes in all of NYC. Nature lovers would appreciate the lush greenery throughout the park, which is extra vibrant during good weather days. Everything from hiking trails to bird watching to walking pets to just spending some time in the woods can all be done here. So many parks are one dimensional, but Forest Park is far from it. There is also a small lake (i.e. Strack's Pond) to take in the IG'esque scenery, railroad tracks for a good photo shoot (which I believe still are in service), a kid's playground / amusement park / carousel, courts and a track for sports, benches along the main roads, and a cool spot in the Overlook. There's even free parking. The subway offers many options for getting to this park, I prefer the J and Z to 75th or 85th, but the north part of the park is easier to get to from the E / F trains.
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August 2020 by Karoline L.
Popular for walkers, joggers, families, and kids of all ages! It is odd to have such busy streets and highways right outside this park, but once you really step inside, you forget all that! Come here every now and then to jog, enjoy nature, and take in a nice breath of fresh air. Forest Park offers a variety of trails for "hiking" (in quotation marks since you dont get much elevation on these trails), walking, and jogging. And of course, as with any forested area, you'll occasionally come across kids and adults enjoying nature in their own way, if you catch my drift. Forest Park is spacious and accessible by car, MTA bus or train (about 10-15 min walk from the E/F train on Queens Blvd). Depending on where you enter the park from and time of day, you can easily find street parking. Besides an abundance of tall green trees and clearly marked trails, you wont find much more diversity in terms of plant life like flowers or whatnot. Havent seen any wildlife here either, but I guess that's a good thing. It's not too well-lit inside the park so I wouldnt suggest coming here alone past sunset hours, unless you have a headlamp or you use your cell phone light.
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July 2020 by Ryan F.
Went for a hike at Forest Park on Saturday morning. The park is a huge space full of wonderful things to do including surprisingly legitimate hiking trails. Quality: Forest Park is a pretty incredible place to hike, right in the middle of Queens. While it may not have the same isolated feel or elevation as hiking upstate, it is still a great alternative for those unable to get out of the city. The park itself is very expansive with all the standard park amenities like sport fields, picnic setups, and even a dog park. But it also has horse riding paths, a long bike route, and multiple hiking trails. Considering the location, it is a surprise how beautiful and peaceful it is. Quantity: Three hiking trails ranging from 1mile to 2.5miles, along with plenty of space for other activities. Value: Free for the public to enjoy. Ambiance: Forest Park is located in Queens, New York. The massive park surrounds the Jackie Robinson Parkway from Glendale to Kew Gardens. Full of lush greenery, it is a wonderful place to step away from the city and enjoy a hike or picnic. It is also a great place to exercise with a bike path that attracts tons of runners. While some areas of the Park are adjacent to the highway, if you hike into the heart, you can truly forget you are even in the City. Crowd: There were lots of people biking, walking, and running throughout the park, but with plenty of space, it was perfect for social distancing. Service: Cleaner than I expected for a park in the middle of the city, but still a lot of garbage and broken glass along the trails. Also, could use some refreshers on the trail markers that disappear at times. Parking: There is a free parking lot on the northeast end of the park.
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June 2020 by Valery C.
This unimaginatively named park is actually a rather versatile public park with many different aspects to it. Right on the Brooklyn/Queens border, multiple transit routes cross through it, notably the Jackie Robinson Pkwy, Myrtle Ave, Woodhaven Blvd, Forest Park Drive, an active LIRR line and some abandoned tracks too. The major streets that form its boundaries are Union Turnpike, Myrtle Avenue, and Park Lane South. A full map of the park is here: forestparktrust.org/park… The park is essentially divided into two sections by Woodhaven Blvd. The western side is the site of a large golf course as well as a multitude of sporting fields, a music venue (Seuffert Bandshell), dog run, and barbecue area. At the Woodhaven Ave dividing point is the visitor's center, a carousel, and synthetic turf field. The eastern side is fully deserving of the name "Forest Park," an oasis of hiking trails and bridle paths, offering a fairly easy trio of loop trails (orange, 2.4 mi; blue, 1.75 mi; yellow, 1 mi) that cuts through very pretty forest. The bridle paths are paved, wide, and even easier to walk, and you may come across horses and riders. These paths and loop trails criss-cross each other, offering many routes to take (trail map here: nycgovparks.org/park-fea… ). It was a great experience to hike it, and the ease of the trails (limited inclines/declines and uneven ground) makes it accessible to many. A total of seven children's playgrounds (with public restrooms) are scattered along the streets bordering the park on both sides, although all are currently temporarily closed. Bikes are not permitted on the trails or bridle paths. Bikers can take the Greenway Bike Trail that runs all the way from one end of the park (Myrtle Ave & 79th Lane) to the other (Park Lane & 80th Rd). In the six years I've lived in Forest Hills, I've not visited Forest Park anywhere nearly enough. The eastern side is a terrific escape from the urban, without ever actually being that far from it, and quite beautiful. I've not visited the western side but will check it out sometime.
