Pat Dolan Trail — Attraction in New York

I highly recommend using your phone as a guide while walking this trail and bring a battery pack too.

I walked this trail on a whim and was hesitant to continue walking because the trail was not maintained well (garbage and toys dumped along the trail). Which is why I was confused when I read reviews about how well maintained the trail is after I completed it, but most of those reviews seem to be during the spring/summer seasons so perhaps that’s when it gets tidied up.

The step stones and the wooden planks were walkable but if you’re not paying attention some of the stones are either spaced too far apart or submerged, and as someone who already commented this, the trail is not walking accessible for everyone. The trail is short and near the highway, however I had to keep checking my surroundings for my own safety because the weeds or tall and dense and there’s only two entries/exits that are far from each other. Thankfully there were a good number of families and couples walking along so I enjoyed the trail knowing that there are other people there.

This is trail is in the wetlands, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing. Overall, this trail is a hidden gem because it’s a step into nature that removes you from the city. I’ve lived here all my life but never thought that NYC had wetlands, it was refreshing to be giddy about hopping the step stones and...

The trail goes between the southern end of Willow Lake and a NYCMTA Subway Yard. This is at the southern end of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Trail was accessed from Grand Central Parkway Service Road at 72nd Road, though Google has the "Pat Dolan Trail, Willow Lake Preserve" labeled at the other, east, entrance, which is at Park Drive East near 73rd Terrace. It looks pretty clean from Google Earth on the east side of Willow Lake. The footbridge crosses what seems to be a gazillion lanes of Grand Central Parkway traffic and boy it sure is noisy. I expect that the east entrance is similar as it crosses the Van Wyck Expressway by similar footbridge. Bring your boots as the trail is mucky (see photos) but remarkable in that it is fairly pristine, despite the road roar of the Grand...

This is a fun little trail to check out on a beautiful spring day when you don't feel like traveling far for a little nature adventure. We saw some pretty wildflowers, birds and a snake in the brush that thankfully slithered away quickly.

It is a wetland area even if it hasn't rained in recent memory, so definitely wear sneakers or boots you don't mind getting muddy. I would not go here in the summer when bugs are out in full force. I also wouldn't go here alone, mainly because there are very few people around, but it’s a peaceful escape with a buddy.

I highly recommend crossing the footbridge to Kew Gardens Hills and stopping at Max and Mina's for ice cream. Such a fun shop and the ice...