Hunter Island
Hunter Island offers a rugged natural escape in NYC with diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and unique geological features. A haven for hikers and natur...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage
Hunter Island
Best Time
Spectacular fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hunter Island offers a rugged natural escape in NYC with diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and unique geological features. A haven for hikers and nature lovers.
"Outstanding place to go hiking and nature exploring with spectacular views and abundant wildlife."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails are rocky and can be muddy. Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers to navigate comfortably.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent Needed
Summer months bring pesky mosquitoes. Pack repellent to enjoy your hike without bites.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kazimiroff Nature Trail
Pelham Bay Park
A scenic loop trail offering diverse wildlife, water views, and historical markers. Perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The Grey Mare
Hunter Island
Discover this unique rock formation with Native American historical significance. A rewarding quest for explorers.
Wildlife Encounters
Hunter Island
Spot deer herds, various bird species (owls, herons, hawks), and even nocturnal flying squirrels. A haven for nature enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Side
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails are rocky and can be muddy. Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers to navigate comfortably.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent Needed
Summer months bring pesky mosquitoes. Pack repellent to enjoy your hike without bites.
📸 Camera Ready!
Unique rock formations and abundant wildlife make for great photo opportunities.
🦉 Birdwatcher's Paradise
Excellent spot for birding year-round, with owls, herons, and hawks commonly sighted.
Pelham Bay Park is the largest park in NYC, 3x the size of Central Park. This afternoon, we took a stroll through Hunter Island, and a friend spotted a deer! So absolutely beautiful!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails are rocky and can be muddy. Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers to navigate comfortably.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent Needed
Summer months bring pesky mosquitoes. Pack repellent to enjoy your hike without bites.
📸 Camera Ready!
Unique rock formations and abundant wildlife make for great photo opportunities.
🦉 Birdwatcher's Paradise
Excellent spot for birding year-round, with owls, herons, and hawks commonly sighted.
🦌 Respect the Wildlife
Friendly deer may approach. Be kind and maintain a respectful distance. Hunting is illegal here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hunter Island's stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique geological features, making it a top spot for hiking and birdwatching. While the trails can be rugged and mosquitoes a nuisance in summer, the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of the Long Island Sound offer a rewarding escape.
"Really awesome area to hike with a part of #nativeamerican #history located on it (the grey mare). *For us we made it a quest to locate the grey mare and see all of the surrounding islands: twin, Russian, two hat 🎩 it was extremely fun. The rock formations are very unique so bring your camera & Make sure you wear your timberlands because the trail is very rocky & muddy."
Sharon Pandolfo
"Outstanding place to go hiking and nature exploring. The main trail makes a loop around the outer perimeter and always leads back towards the parking lot. Therefore difficult to get lost, but always found someone disoriented. Best not to hike alone, and in the summer, mosquitoes are dreadful.
Again, spectacular especially for bird watching. Many woodpeckers, swallows, merganser, egrets, herons, hawks, ospreys and yes owls. (Even great Snowy Owls, but only in extreme cold winter time conditions.)
Common for at least three species (of owls) saw-wets and long ear owls in the winter. And great-horned owls all year.
Also one of the best known great-horned owl nest, the chicks (owlets) usually visible in February.
And of course, the deer herds have grown tremendously.
Many fawns, sometimes two at a time will approach you. Because they are babies, quite friendly and unafraid of humans.
Therefore, please be extremely kind to them. Fortunately the male bucks are growing rather large, and will protect their herds.
Henceforth, if you have a malicious heart, best to back away. Also always remember hunting is illegal in NYC. And there are always eyes watching you in this forest, seen and unseen. Here there be Dragons.
Also, in the evenings/nights very small flying squirrels with large eyes. They are nocturnal. 👍👍👍"
Dean Lorenzo Tartaglia (DeanLorenzo828)
"Beautiful place to relax next to the water or walk on to Kazimiroff Nature Trail enjoying nature and peacefulness. Well, until you come closer to the parking lot."
Zorica "Zora" Poljak, eXp Realty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hunter Island is accessible via car, with parking available near Orchard Beach and along the Kazimiroff Trail. Public transportation options include the Bx12 bus, which stops near Pelham Bay Park.
Yes, parking is available, especially near Orchard Beach. It can get busy, but visiting on weekdays or after Orchard Beach closes in the fall can offer easier access.
While technically possible, kayaking to Hunter Island from Manhattan can be challenging due to strong currents and distance. It's generally recommended for experienced kayakers.
Yes, Hunter Island is a significant part of Pelham Bay Park, the largest public park in the Bronx, offering extensive natural landscapes.
Hiking the Kazimiroff Nature Trail is a popular way to see the island's highlights. The trail forms a loop, making it difficult to get lost.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hunter Island and Pelham Bay Park are free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees for the park itself.
Pelham Bay Park, including Hunter Island, is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific trail access might vary, but the natural areas are accessible during daylight hours.
While official guided tours might be limited, local groups sometimes organize events like the 'Boogie Down Horror Fest' on Hunter Island, transforming trails for Halloween.
Parking is typically free, especially after Orchard Beach closes for the season. During peak times, there might be fees associated with Orchard Beach parking.
While the park is generally open until dusk, nighttime exploration is not recommended due to safety concerns and limited visibility on the trails. Some nocturnal wildlife can be observed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trails are a mix of natural, rocky, and sometimes muddy paths. The Kazimiroff Nature Trail is well-maintained, but other areas can be more rugged.
Expect to see deer herds, various bird species like owls, herons, and hawks, as well as chipmunks and potentially nocturnal flying squirrels.
Absolutely! It's a prime spot for birdwatching year-round, with a high diversity of species, including owls, woodpeckers, and waterfowl.
Restroom facilities are available, particularly near Orchard Beach and other developed areas within Pelham Bay Park.
While the main loop trail is easy to follow, it's generally advised not to hike completely alone, especially in more secluded areas. Stick to well-trafficked paths if you're solo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hunter Island itself doesn't have restaurants. However, nearby City Island offers a wide array of seafood restaurants and casual eateries.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are scenic spots along the water and within the park where you can enjoy a meal. Remember to pack out all your trash.
City Island, a short drive away, is famous for its seafood restaurants. You can also find local delis and cafes in the surrounding Bronx neighborhoods.
During peak season, there might be seasonal food vendors near Orchard Beach. It's best to check park advisories or bring your own food.
Many visitors head to City Island for a post-hike meal, enjoying the waterfront dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique rock formations, water views of the Long Island Sound and surrounding islands, and abundant wildlife offer numerous picturesque opportunities.
Yes, especially during sunrise and sunset, and during the fall foliage season. The varied terrain and water vistas provide excellent landscape subjects.
You can capture images of deer, various bird species (including owls and herons), and smaller mammals. Patience is key for wildlife shots.
The Grey Mare rock formation is a notable historical and geological feature that makes for interesting photographs.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. Fall colors in October and November are particularly vibrant.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. While the island is beautiful, be mindful of mosquitoes during the summer months and bring repellent. The sense of adventure exploring the trails and spotting wildlife can make for a memorable family outing. It's a great way to introduce children to the natural world within the city limits.
🚶 Solo Explorers & Hikers
It's advisable to stick to the main trails and be aware of your surroundings. While generally safe, it's always wise to let someone know your plans and expected return time. The island offers a great escape for a few hours of nature exploration and birdwatching without venturing too far from the city.
📸 Nature Photographers
Aim for the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon – for the best light. The Grey Mare rock formation and the water vistas are iconic spots. Don't forget your telephoto lens for capturing the island's rich birdlife and deer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural Beauty of Hunter Island
This island is a haven for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for herds of deer, often seen grazing peacefully and sometimes approaching visitors. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of species, including woodpeckers, swallows, egrets, herons, hawks, ospreys, and various owls (great-horned owls year-round, and snowy owls in extreme winters). In the evenings, you might even spot nocturnal flying squirrels.
Beyond the trails, Hunter Island holds historical significance. The Grey Mare, a unique rock formation, is a point of interest with Native American historical connections. While the island offers a sense of remoteness, it's important to remember it's still within an urban environment. Be mindful of the seasons; mosquitoes can be intense in the summer, making repellent a must.
A Photographer's Paradise
Wildlife photography is another major draw. The friendly deer often allow for close-up shots, and the diverse bird population offers chances to capture images of herons, hawks, and owls in their natural habitat. Patience and a good zoom lens are key to successful wildlife photography here. The Grey Mare rock formation also offers a unique subject, blending natural geology with historical intrigue.
Consider the time of day and year for your photographic endeavors. While the trails are accessible year-round, the visual appeal shifts dramatically with the seasons. The contrast between the rugged coastline, the lush greenery, and the ever-changing sky creates dynamic compositions. Remember to pack appropriate gear, including a tripod for low-light conditions and a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas.
Historical Whispers and Local Legends
There are also more modern, albeit less documented, tales. One TikTok video mentions a 'haunted, abandoned island' off the coast of Manhattan, referring to North Brother Island, which is near Hunter Island. While Hunter Island itself isn't typically described as haunted, its isolated feel and the presence of historical elements can spark the imagination.
For those interested in local lore and the island's transformation, understanding its role within Pelham Bay Park provides context. The park has evolved over time, and Hunter Island remains a vital natural preserve within the bustling city. Events like the 'Boogie Down Horror Fest' have even transformed its trails into temporary haunted attractions, adding a modern layer to its narrative.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit