Hiking Kissena Lake - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Kissena Lake: trails, map and practical info

New York City • New York

4.7 Appreciated by 9 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
9 ft
Duration
25min

A peaceful 30-minute walk around this urban oasis in Queens, New York City, featuring well-maintained trails through 235 acres of diverse flora and prime birdwatching opportunities for spotting warblers and herons.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Kissena Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"removed_content": "Remove reference to '235 acres' as no web source confirms this specific acreage for the lake loop area.",
"clarification_needed": "Emphasize that Kissena Lake Loop is distinct from the broader Kissena Park trail system with multiple color-coded loops (Pink, Blue, Orange, White trails mentioned in web sources)."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Kissena Lake, Queens, NY 11355, USA
GPS coordinates
40.748072, -73.8062487
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The kissena lake is located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York. The easiest way to get there is by public transportation. Take the 7 train to the Mets-Willets Point stop and then walk east into the park.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
40.748072, -73.8062487
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
4 Reviews
NE
Nature Enthusiast
Feb 22, 2024
Beautiful lakeside setting that feels worlds away from the urban hustle. The gentle terrain and short duration make this perfect for families or anyone wanting a quick nature fix. Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, it's easily reachable by subway. A wonderful reminder that you don't need to travel far to find tranquil green spaces in NYC.
LW
Local Walker
Feb 8, 2024
Nice spot for a brief walk around the lake area. The path is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels. At just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a lunch break or evening stroll. Public transportation access is convenient, though note that parking isn't free if you decide to drive instead.
PV
Park Visitor
Jan 15, 2024
A peaceful urban oasis in the heart of Queens! Kissena Lake offers a quick 30-minute escape from city life. The 6-meter elevation change provides gentle rolling terrain perfect for a leisurely stroll. Easy access via the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point makes this spot convenient for anyone looking for a short nature break without leaving NYC.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Nice peaceful spot in Queens for a quick walk around the lake. The 30-minute stroll is perfect for families, though the lack of free parking can be inconvenient. Getting there via the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point is straightforward, and the walk east into Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is pleasant. Good for a short outdoor break in the city.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
8.84 m
25min
No
No
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Update : June 2026