Hidden gems - Nature preserves in New York, United States not to miss (Updated December, 2023)

Hidden gems: Nature preserves in New York

Discover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in New York. This list contains 18 places from Nature preserve category.

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Within New York

Guggenheim Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Beautiful and well-kept gardens, works of art and sculptures worth seeing.

5.00 (8 reviews) (~22.63 km from centre)

Secaucus greenway

Nature preserve

👍👍 Beautiful place with 2 great playgrounds for kids

4.90 (26 reviews) (~7.33 km from centre)

Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Loved this little nature preserve. Went around 10am and spotted a rabbit, 3 deer, and tons of birds. Super peaceful and really well kept.

4.90 (13 reviews) (~9.06 km from centre)

Shooter's Island

Nature preserve

👍👍 Got shot, 10/10 would go again.

4.90 (7 reviews) (~23.42 km from centre)

Forest Park Pine Grove

Historical landmark

👍👍 This is a great place for walking, bike riding or hiking through the trails any time of year!

4.80 (29 reviews) (~13.84 km from centre)

Mill Rock Park

Nature preserve

👍👍 A very underrated city park that is often overshadowed by the other more well-known parks. You'll find very few tourists and no cyclists. The beaches are never crowded. The best time to visit is probably in the dead of night.

4.80 (27 reviews) (~2.07 km from centre)

Oakland Lake Wildflower Meadow

Nature preserve

👍👍 No words could describe this nature beautiful scene.

4.80 (17 reviews) (~17.33 km from centre)

Green Brook Waterfall

Nature preserve

4.80 (14 reviews) (~14.74 km from centre)

The Ravine

Nature preserve

A 90-acre, deciduous woodland & stream tucked into Central Park, inspired by the Adirondacks.

4.70 (101 reviews) (~0.7 km from centre)

Otter Creek Preserve

Park

👍👍 Beautiful short walk through what I think is a "marsh" – it's quiet with relatively few people, has a clear path to walk on, and includes some information / museum-esque signage along the way. The only downside is that it kind of feels like you're walking through private property - but as long as y...

4.70 (75 reviews) (~26.76 km from centre)

The Donald And Barbara Zucker Natural Exploration Area

Nature preserve

👍 Great place to have an event for kids! Like a natural playground! Needs a little care though! Great sunlight during the day the whole year!

4.70 (68 reviews) (~13.55 km from centre)

Greenbrook Nature Sanctuary (Membership Required)

Nature preserve

👍👍 An oasis of serenity amid chaos of everyday life. Surrounded by greenery and abundance of life as nature intended.

4.60 (69 reviews) (~14.1 km from centre)

Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof & Community Engagement Center

Nature preserve

👍👍 Nice area to become educated about Newtown Creek. Great work is being done here. Open to the public for visits. I believe appointments are needed.

4.60 (67 reviews) (~6.28 km from centre)

Reed's Basket Willow Swamp Park

Nature preserve

👍👍 Nice light hiking trail with easy to find Yellow trail markers. However, the entrance is hard to find as it seems like it's in someone's backyard.

4.60 (52 reviews) (~24.19 km from centre)

Udall's Cove Park Preserve

Nature preserve

This tranquil, marshy nature preserve area offers many wildlife viewing opportunities.

4.50 (108 reviews) (~18.22 km from centre)

Clearview Park

Nature preserve

This 111-acre preserve & golf course has rolling terrain & views of the river & Long Island Sound.

4.50 (20 reviews) (~14.74 km from centre)

Ho-Ho-Kus Brook Ravine

Nature preserve

👍👍 This is a small to medium Brook and Ravine with a Spillway and deep pool that is in the middle of a highly developed area. With that being said, you feel quite remote and is a stunning place for a walk. With the leaves starting to change this place is even better! Go enjoy!

4.50 (12 reviews) (~26.73 km from centre)

Idlewild Environmental Center

Nature preserve

👍👍 New, beautiful facility. State of the art and has a ton of outdoor space

4.50 (6 reviews) (~22.31 km from centre)

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Hidden gems: Nature preserves in New York, United States