Top rated Nature preserves in New York, United States to elevate your visit (Updated December, 2023)

Top rated Nature preserves in New York

Experience the best that New York has to offer with our curated list of top-rated places. Sorted by average review scores from venues boasting over 30 reviews, these establishments promise exceptional quality and experiences to elevate your visit in the city. This list contains 52 places from Nature preserve category.

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Within New York

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

State park

Large park featuring a system of historic carriage roads traversing woodlands, meadows & fields.

4.80 (2.1K reviews) (~29.32 km from centre)

The Pond at Central Park

Nature preserve

👍👍 It is very great and beautiful and plunges a person into the depths of peace. The Pond in Central Park is a good sized body of water with natural areas and great wildlife around it. The pond is relatively clean and very natural in appearance. Not only is this great for human visitors, but it also he...

4.80 (167 reviews) (~12.04 km from centre)

Marshlands Conservancy

Nature preserve

Large wildlife sanctuary bordering the harbor with a visitor center & 3 miles of hiking paths.

4.80 (165 reviews) (~19.1 km from centre)

Bronx River Forest

Nature preserve

Floodplain forest on an artificial island in the Bronx River, with walking trails & lookouts.

4.70 (3.4K reviews) (~2.39 km from centre)

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Nature preserve

Forested hiking trails lead to streams, meadows & a pond, with wildlife sightings & a playground.

4.70 (986 reviews) (~8.05 km from centre)

Harlem Meer

Nature preserve

Man-made body of water in Central Park with fishing, a seasonal ice skating rink & a visitor center.

4.70 (501 reviews) (~8.31 km from centre)

Stonewall National Monument

Monument

Landmark park & monument honoring past & current struggles for civil rights of LGBT Americans.

4.70 (483 reviews) (~16.33 km from centre)

Alley Pond Environmental Center

Nature preserve

Nature center promoting environmental education, with marshland trails, a windmill, snakes & birds.

4.70 (442 reviews) (~14.08 km from centre)

Cranberry Lake Preserve

Nature preserve

Protected lake, forest & swamp containing varied habitat types & an educational nature center.

4.70 (429 reviews) (~27.84 km from centre)

The Celery Farm

Nature preserve

A 107-acre wetlands preserve with trails, hosting 53 breeding bird species (with 240 sighted here).

4.70 (390 reviews) (~29.47 km from centre)

Hallett Nature Sanctuary

Nature preserve

Wooded area within the city's storied Central Park, offering trails, a pond & local bird species.

4.70 (224 reviews) (~12.04 km from centre)

Shu Swamp Nature Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Randomly went to this place after a client meeting cause it was just 5 mints away. My third round of jogging by the same spot I noticed a swan family and spent about half hour with them, watching them wake up from their nap, stretch, get into the water and start looking for food. Met a elder man alo...

4.70 (205 reviews) (~26.64 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) (~8.66 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) (~17.44 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) (~21.25 km from centre)

Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Trail

Hiking area

👍 Peaceful and relaxing park and trail. They have an information centre ) which was closed because of safety purpose during virus outbreak), a lot of bunches under the trees - that is really nice in hot and sunny summer days. If you come to opposite side of lake you can reach the beach (not good for s...

4.60 (649 reviews) (~27.36 km from centre)

Tenafly Nature Center

Nature preserve

Nonprofit 400-acre nature preserve since 1961, offering a visitor center, guided hikes & bird walks.

4.60 (351 reviews) (~10.31 km from centre)

Greenburgh Nature Center

Nature preserve

Gardens, trails & a pond over a 33-ac. nature preserve plus exhibits in a former manor house.

4.60 (199 reviews) (~18.55 km from centre)

Muttontown Preserve

Nature preserve

😐 Its ok, a little confusing if your not from around the area, had to ask for directions. Went to the Mansion &Garden first but by accident...then was directed to the right place. There's sufficient parking, and a little cabin,you'll find bathrooms in there and an info area. The trails start there...t...

4.60 (197 reviews) (~28.71 km from centre)

Ridgewood Reservoir

Nature preserve

👍👍 Early morning walks/runs are great.

4.60 (165 reviews) (~17.55 km from centre)

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Top rated Nature preserves in New York, United States