I came during the end of May. There were a lot birds making noises but most them were hiding in the bushes. Only the gravel road is open and the gravels are huge compared with other parks that I've been to. You can definitely get some good photos but I do wish the park opens up some trails that lead closer to the water.

This is a cool place for bridge watchers and people that like doing light hikes/walkers. They have clean bathrooms and a pretty cool gift shop. They also have nature, hikes and tours for free. Great place to take a date and/or take out the kids.

First time there, absolutely loaded with birds! I wanted to get in a quick first visit before it started to rain (again) and take some bird photos. The West trail is nice and wide (I'm thinking about avoiding ticks), and paved with coarse gravel. Great place for families , good view of the Manhattan skyline (my view was obstructed by the low cloud cover) and easy access. I'll be back

Love this place, this is the heaven of many birds. You can see Manhattan skyline from here too.

Had a decent walk yesterday, but just had to be sure and step carefully along the areas of the trail where there was snow. Since I came after school drop off, I had my sneakers on, only deciding at the last minute to come here. Since most of the snow was hard, I tried my best to step where footsteps already were for slightly better traction, or sometimes just walked along the perimeters where the snow had melted. In the areas along the trail that were snow free, I often stood still to deeply inhale the fresh air while listening to and watching the geese, or to look out over the bay. Save for a few slips here and there, thankfully, I managed well and was happy I came.

1.5 mile loop is the main trail. You walk around the West Pond and see all kinds of birds in a natural setting. The rest of the trail is through a forest. If you feel adventurous, cross the street and check out the East Pond. Tons of birds there and you can walk for miles. Big parking lot, visitor center, bus stop right in front and the A train station is a 12 minute walk away. Great place.

Hiking the Phallic-Shaped Loop trail is beautiful, though a 0/10 for difficulty. Encounter most people and bird watching around the "balls", which are paved w gravel. Beautiful views in every direction. Stay out of the tick grass. The "shaft" turns into more grass and dirt path, good for walking (though I couldn't call it hiking), and crosses the highway to return on the other side.

What a top place every time I visit something new, 50 species seen today. A flat walk around the west pond with restrooms open from 10am great for photography and bird watching

If you are a fan of bird watching you will faint from excitement here . Literally!! I had to control myself from screaming with joy as you definitely need to be quiet here to allow for bird viewing. This is one of the best spots in the country to view birds and has one of the highest species diversity of any bird watching spot . The visitors center will give you a guide of what you can expect to see at different seasons. This area has multiple habitats and is on a migratory path so you will see song birds as well as all types of aquatic birds . The staff has extensive background in conservation and can answer any question. They have a gift shop, parking lot and a kiosk with tools for bike repair for cyclists who pass by and need to check their bikes . Enjoy ! Have come multiple times and will come again. Stay in the path so you won’t disturb nesting areas and BRING MOSQUITO REPELLENT!!! Don’t forget your guidebook and binoculars.

First time to visit a few weeks into the aftermath of the big NYC snowstorm of 2021, I found it gorgeous and peaceful, everything still covered in snow but enough cleared to be able to rest in the various numbered benches along the main route around the freshwater lake, the wildlife info signs readable and the path walkable by our 4 year old. Would like to visit again in the spring. Side tip: there's a certain place along the path around the lake where we noticed some birds looked like they were carrying something in their beaks and then dropping them - then we realized there were at least half a dozen birds all doing the same thing over and over again - they were all lifting a mussel or clam high into the air and then dropping them on rocks, trying to break open the shells, over and over again. Fascinating to watch.

A very quiet and empty place compared to the rest of the city. Has a distant view of the Manhattan skyline. If you're looking to get away from the crowds of Forest Park, Central Park, Flushing Meadows Park or Prospect Park, this is it. Similar to a suburban park. Be careful if leaving in the evening: a bus passed us by at the nearby stop because they didn't see us and not a lot of people use the stop.

One of my favorite places to go, I went here with my boyfriend on a date 💕 🥰

Not as dirt as though But is great doing the cleaning People shouldn't thought garbage specially bags and straws

Really nice and cleaner then the other reviews mentioned. The only turn off for me was the amount of horse flies and mosquitoes. Not sure how to avoid them. Maybe wear a mosquito net... Otherwise very nice.

My favorite place in the city. It’s truly magical and filled with miraculous nature at all times of the year from the influx of swallows during migration to the loud chatter of snow geese in the winter or the blooming wild roses. I’m in love with this place.

A place so serene at sunrise or sunset it will renew a soul. Easy access to an oasis of beauty in the fiery cauldron of life in NYC

Trumpet creeper and yucca flowers are blooming now at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. We also saw a large flock of mute swans! Mother ducks were there with their newly hatched ducklings. There's a wonderful gravel path loop trail through the refuge. At times, you can see Manhattan skyline in the background. This refuge is close in, and makes a wonderful break from the city!

Nice place to watch birds. Recovery efforts are still going on since hurricane Sandy. It's an essential habitat for migrating birds.

A gem in New York City. A nature preserve with lots of waterfowl, seaonally migratory birds and beautiful vegetation. The walkways are well maintained. The National Park Service organizes fun events for families and adults year-round.

I'm glad dogs are not allowed on these trails bc I didn't have to dodge poop😁there is a bathroom at the visitor site that's accessible from the outside👍🏾. I didn't get to explore this wonderful nature place like I wanted to but my children and I will be returning😊

Nature is this close to New York City? Amazing! Beautiful place for a walk. Check it out and get your passport book stamped!

Superb setting and birding. Easily reached by train from city with a couple of changes. 2 well marked trails with superb array of wildfowl. Great visitors centre with helpful rangers. Beware centre building is closed Tuesday and Thursday but toilets still accessible.

Such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Amazing opportunities for bird photography. Gift shop is lovely.

Absolutely beautiful nature at its best right here in the neighborhood. Walk gravel lines paths or explore the grassy pathways to quiet benches. Watch the sunset beyond the water as birds dip for dinner, and swans bathe.

Great place to go for a walk and being surrounded by nature . Came here to get a break from the city even if it was just for a couple hours .

This is one of many great destinations to get close enough to observe migratory birds in NYC. Granted, public transportation is available but it would be a commitment. We are fortunate to have access to a car which makes this one of our top three destinations for birds. We have seen many types (too many to name) but even if you don’t like birds, it’s a great round trip trail suitable for small children (just not strollers).

Even though the parts of the trail are closed due to maintenance it was still gorgeous and there were plenty of birds! Gulls, terns, swans, ospreys, and a beautiful kingfisher.

This place is great for a good social distance walk with the kids! My 5 year old niece and I had a great time walking the trail! Wear comfortable shoes and bring a snack. If you looking to get in easy exercise by walking while taking in views this is the place for it. Also had fun bird watching! I would definitely visit again.

Photography is a love 💘 of mines when I go I feel a call of nature. This is a great place for bird watching 👀.

Very nice place to visit. A bit smelly but that is negligible. The trail is partially closed due to construction. Still you can see many animals & the views are great.

Amazing place, can hike for maybe 1-2 hours here around the park. Beautiful plants around, tons of birds. The bathrooms are not open outside of visitor center hours. I asked around online and emailed nps and everything, no response, couldn't find out until I actually got there. That's the answer if you're looking for it.

Beautiful place with tons of migratory birds to see. The rehabilitation efforts post-sandy are very admirable and much appreciated. The visitor center was closed when we visited due to staffing but luckily the bathrooms were still available. It’s important to pay attention to the signs while here and stay only on the gravel paths. This is a wildlife refuge first and a tourist attraction last.

This refuge is very well known to many bird watchers. There is nice visitor center with restrooms and network of hiking trails around. Good to visit any season of the year, expansive pond and Jamaica Bay views.

Something so simple yet tremendously rewarding. My 5 year old son loved it. We walked the trail... We didn't see much but it's nature... That's life. The staff was very supportive and informative. We packed a lunch, snacks, and water... Which were an added experience for him. Learning about the different birds and turtles in our area was also an exciting experience.

It's a nice place to visit, if you like nature, and bird watching, just make sure you go prepared for the mosquitoes 🦟

Fall is my favorite time! Note! All walking paths remain OPEN, so don't be misled by Joe's recent photos, which show the CLOSED West Pond Loop sign. True, vital repairs are underway right at the breech, but you can do most of this loop by circling back from opposite end.