A Guide to Universal Access NYC Trails

This National Trails Day, we want to celebrate our city’s beautiful natural areas and the trails that connect New Yorkers to them. We believe nature should be accessible to all, and while NYC still has a long way to go to ensure all of our nature trails are universally accessible to people with disabilities, there are still many that exist in our most beautiful parks and green spaces we’d like to highlight. Read on below to get a better understanding of what makes a trail universally accessible, and where in NYC you can find accessible trails.

The Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines outline specific limiting factors and technical provisions necessary to make a trail universally accessible. At a high level, below are the key considerations for trail accessibility: 

• Stable, firm surface 
• Consistent trail grade that isn’t too steep
• Trail width of at least 36 inches
• Clear trailhead and signage
• Minimal to no obstacles and protruding objects
• Presence of trail openings, resting spaces, and passing spaces

For more information and overview of the current research read the USDA Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails.

Universal Access Trails in NYC

Highland Park, Queens 

• Ridgewood Reservoir trail

Van Cortland Park, Bronx

• Putnam trail 
• Jerome Wetland Walk

Central Park, Manhattan

• North Woods trail 
• East and West Drive loop

Marine Park, Brooklyn

• Salt Marsh trail

Soundview Park, Bronx

• Bike Path

Canarsie Park, Brooklyn

• Blue Trail

Alley Pond Park, Queens

• Tulip Trails

Kissena Park, Queens

• Blue Trail
• Orange Trail
• Pink Trail

Conference House Park, Staten Island

• Blue Trail

Continue exploring NAC natural areas with the whole family! Check out our blog post on “Little Hikes for Little Legs” for kid-friendly trails in NYC.