Shirley Chisholm State Park
Brooklyn’s Urban State Park
Shirley Chisholm is New York’s newest state park (2019) on a restored landfill in Brooklyn—407 acres of hills, trails, and Manhattan skyline views!
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main Loop | 3.5 mi | Hiking/biking |
| Views | – | Manhattan, Jamaica Bay |
About Shirley Chisholm
Named for the Brooklyn congresswoman—first Black woman elected to Congress (1968).
Was this a landfill?
Yes! The park was built on Pennsylvania and Fountain Avenue landfills—a remarkable restoration project.
Location & Getting There
Shirley Chisholm State Park is located in New York. The park’s coordinates are 40.6431, -73.8756. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: New York
- Coordinates: 40.6431, -73.8756
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
New York’s state park system spans glacier-carved Finger Lakes gorges, wild Adirondack backcountry, Hudson Valley cliffs, Long Island beaches, and Niagara Falls. Activities include hiking dramatic gorge trails, swimming at supervised beaches, fishing world-class trout streams, camping in old-growth forests, cross-country skiing, rock climbing the Shawangunk Ridge, and kayaking the Thousand Islands.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is peak for swimming and waterfalls. Fall brings world-class foliage peaking mid-to-late October. Spring delivers peak waterfall flow. Winter turns Adirondack parks into skiing paradises. Many gorge trails are closed November through May.
Visitor Tips
Parking fees range from $6 to $10. An Empire Pass ($80/year) covers all state parks. Camping through ReserveAmerica up to 9 months in advance. Popular gorge parks require parking reservations on peak weekends.
Explore More New York State Parks
Shirley Chisholm State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New York. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New York guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
