New York City contains a preserved mature forest within the limits of Queens. Spanning over 500 acres across a ridge formed by prehistoric glacial activity, Forest Park is one of the larger public parks in the borough.
The defining feature of Forest Park is its continuous canopy of mature trees, some of which are over a century old. The park’s northern and eastern sections contain a 165-acre "Forever Wild" nature preserve. The topography includes kettles and steep ridges, which are geological formations left by the Wisconsin Glacier.
A network of unpaved hiking paths runs through this woodland. The primary route is the Orange Trail, a 2.4-mile loop that passes through stands of red oaks, tulip trees, shagbark hickories, and sweetgums. The terrain is hilly, serving as a location for hikers and trail runners. Because the preserve is separated from major roads, the interior paths have low ambient noise, populated primarily by local and migratory birds.
Beyond the woods, Forest Park includes various historical and recreational spaces. It is one of the few parks in the five boroughs to feature dedicated, unpaved bridle paths reserved for horseback riding, which run parallel to the walking trails.
On the western edge of the park near Woodhaven is the historic Forest Park Carousel. This landmarked structure was built by carver D.C. Müller and features detailed, hand-carved wooden horses and animals dating back to the early twentieth century.
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