Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (Gateway National Recreation Area)
Directions
By car, take the Belt Parkway to Exit 17 Cross Bay Blvd. Continue south for 3 miles to reach the visitor center. GPS Coordinates: 40.616784, -73.82502
Bus Directions
Take the Q21 from Liberty Avenue (Queens) or 116th Street (Rockaway) to the Refuge.
Alternate: take the Q53 bus from 61st Street & Roosevelt Avenue (Queens) to the Refuge.
Train Directions
By subway, take the Rockaway bound "A" to Broad Channel Station. Walk along Noel Road to Cross Bay Boulevard. Turn right and walk about three quarters of a mile to the Refuge Visitor Center -- GPS Coordinates: 40.616784, -73.82502
Park Overview
A very large wildlife refuge -- 18,000 acres -- primarily for migratory birds that is entirely within NYC limits, spanning Brooklyn and Queens.
Trail Overview
Take a self-guided trail at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Try the Upland, East Pond and West Pond trails. Pets are not permitted anywhere within the refuge.
Use the Web Map link on this site to view a trail map surrounding the Visitor Contact Station.
Park Description
Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, the refuge encompasses open bay and islands, fresh and saltwater ponds, fields, woods and marsh. It is an important stop for migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. The region currently hosts over 325 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies and 100 species of fish.