THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover a trail where history and nature collide in Queens’ Forest Park. Join a hike along the QueensWay, an abandoned rail line turned thriving green corridor, and see a side of Queens rarely experienced by visitors.
Discover a trail where history and nature collide in Queens’ Forest Park. Join a hike along the QueensWay, an abandoned rail line turned thriving green corridor, and see a side of Queens rarely experienced by visitors.
Book with Untapped New York
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Untapped New York · New York, New York
Queens, New York, offers a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts: the QueensWay, an abandoned rail trail weaving through Forest Park. This active rail corridor, once vital to transportation, has transformed into a vibrant multi-use trail that winds through one of Queens’ largest parks, providing a perfect backdrop for both history buffs and nature lovers.
The QueensWay presents a unique chance to walk through a landscape that blends natural beauty with industrial history. Along the trail, hikers can spot remnants of old rail ties and learn about the community-led project that aims to restore and revitalize this corridor. During summer, the foliage bursts with green and vibrant florals—ideal for capturing striking visuals or simply soaking in the warm, lively atmosphere. This trail isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s an immersion into Queens' evolving landscape.
Designed for active explorers, the hike traverses diverse terrain—from lush wooded sections to open viewpoints. It’s especially appealing for those interested in urban outdoor escapes that combine physical activity with cultural insights. The trail's accessible design makes it welcoming for most levels, and nearby community spots bustling with local flavor complete the experience.
As part of the Queens community project, visitors become part of a movement to turn this historic ruin into a lively, green corridor connecting neighborhoods and fostering ecological preservation. It’s a shining example of sustainable urban renewal, where nature and history converge. Whether you’re a local or visiting, the QueensWay offers a memorable, multi-layered adventure that highlights Queens' resilience and love for outdoor recreation.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; a comfortable walking shoe is recommended.
Yes, the QueensWay is accessible and easy to navigate for most hikers of all experience levels.
Leashed dogs are welcome, but owners should clean up after their pets and respect wildlife.
Biking may be permitted in certain sections; check local signage for guidance.
Yes, but seasonal weather can affect trail conditions; spring and fall offer the best weather.
Private and group tours are offered via local tour operators; check for booking options.
Yes, there are several parking areas around Forest Park that provide easy access to the trail.
The QueensWay follows the route of the former Long Island Rail Road's Rockaway Branch, dating back to the early 20th century.
Efforts focus on restoring native plants and creating habitats for urban wildlife while promoting sustainable recreation.
Untapped New York is a specialist tour operator based in Jersey City, New Jersey, offering immersive, history-focused experiences across the New York metropolitan area. The company curates guided walking tours, hard hat access trips, private tours, and urban exploration itineraries that reveal hidden architecture, abandoned spaces, and lesser-known cultural stories. Signature experiences include private tours of remnants of Old Penn Station with photographic documentation from noted photographers and railroad historians; Secrets of Grand Central led by award-winning guides; and multiple Ellis Island Hospital hard hat tours that explore century-old contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, and JR’s "Unframed" exhibition. Other offerings include underground subway explorations, Gilded Age mansions walks along Fifth Avenue, and thematic cultural routes such as NYC’s Irish History Tour. Tours are presented as focused, small-group experiences—private and public—designed for visitors and locals who want deep historical context and rare access. Untapped New York highlights tangible artifacts and architectural remnants, combining storytelling with visual materials to enrich each tour. The company works with specialist guides, photographers, and historians to document locations factually and compellingly. Booking options include private tours and scheduled public departures for select trips. Whether exploring abandoned hospital wards, hidden stations, or the opulent façades of Millionaire’s Row, Untapped New York emphasizes archival research, expert-led narration, and unique on-site photographs to convey the layered history of New York’s built environment. Scheduled experiences feature Remnants of Penn Station, Secrets of Grand Central, Ellis Island Hospital Hard Hat Tours, NYC’s Underground Subway Tour, Fifth Avenue Gilded Age mansion walks.
Book with Untapped New York