Blue Heron, Falcon and Gull Loop

The Great Blue Heron, Falcon and Gull Trail begins near the main entrance of Shirley Chisholm State Park, located along the Brooklyn–Queens border. This well-marked route combines several interconnected trails to form a mellow loop across reclaimed landfill hills, with views over Jamaica Bay and the surrounding city. Hikers can start in either direction; heading clockwise, stay right at the first Y-intersection to ascend gently toward the Sky Bowl overlook, a central highlight of the route. The trail continues along open ridgelines, with breezy bay vistas and scattered benches for breaks. Surface conditions vary between packed gravel and pavement, with mostly level grades and wide paths throughout. While not remote, the trail offers a quiet escape for walking, running, or nature watching, and is especially enjoyable from early spring through late fall. There is no water on the trail, and dogs are not allowed. The route ends back at the starting point near the main park entrance, making it ideal for a relaxed, no-fuss outing with views of water and sky.