Pat Dolan Trail, Flushing: Photos, Reviews & Location

At a glance

#7 of 10 Tourist attractions in Flushing

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.47

4.4 km from the center of Flushing

Rating breakdown

5 ★64%
4 ★24%
3 ★7%
2 ★3%
1 ★2%

Willow Lake Preserve Trail, Flushing, NY 11367

nycgovparks.org

Photos of Pat Dolan Trail (165)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Pat Dolan Trail?: Pat Dolan Trail is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 58 reviews.
How does Pat Dolan Trail rank in Flushing?: Pat Dolan Trail is #7 of 10 Tourist attractions in Flushing by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Pat Dolan Trail located?: Willow Lake Preserve Trail, Flushing, NY 11367 — 4.4 km from the center of Flushing.
How can I contact Pat Dolan Trail?: Website: nycgovparks.org

Reviews (8)

carisma_no_H _ 2023 Aug 02

They finally renovated and finished the rest of the trail!! Ddnt need too much bug spray either so that was nice. Come on down to this mini oasis :)

Florence Maxine Pil 2023 Mar 12

I highly recommend using your phone as a guide while walking this trail and bring a battery pack too.

I walked this trail on a whim and was hesitant to continue walking because the trail was not maintained well (garbage and toys dumped along the trail). Which is why I was confused when I read reviews about how well maintained the trail is after I completed it, but most of those reviews seem to be during the spring/summer seasons so perhaps that’s when it gets tidied up.

The step stones and the wooden planks were walkable but if you’re not paying attention some of the stones are either spaced too far apart or submerged, and as someone who already commented this, the trail is not walking accessible for everyone. The trail is short and near the highway, however I had to keep checking my surroundings for my own safety because the weeds or tall and dense and there’s only two entries/exits that are far from each other. Thankfully there were a good number of families and couples walking along so I enjoyed the trail knowing that there are other people there.

This is trail is in the wetlands, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing. Overall, this trail is a hidden gem because it’s a step into nature that removes you from the city. I’ve lived here all my life but never thought that NYC had wetlands, it was refreshing to be giddy about hopping the step stones and getting muddy.

Danielle Donnelly 2022 May 01

This is a fun little trail to check out on a beautiful spring day when you don't feel like traveling far for a little nature adventure. We saw some pretty wildflowers, birds and a snake in the brush that thankfully slithered away quickly.

It is a wetland area even if it hasn't rained in recent memory, so definitely wear sneakers or boots you don't mind getting muddy. I would not go here in the summer when bugs are out in full force. I also wouldn't go here alone, mainly because there are very few people around, but it’s a peaceful escape with a buddy.

I highly recommend crossing the footbridge to Kew Gardens Hills and stopping at Max and Mina's for ice cream. Such a fun shop and the ice cream is legit.

Sean Chen 2022 Mar 06

Peaceful walk. Certain areas are a little muddy. There are some stone blocks and wooden things place around to aid with some of the muddy and wet areas.

Joseph Dinas 2021 Sep 19

I would not recommend this trail. Especially don't come here without boots that can handle mud. I guess probably from all the recent storms, this walk way has become very flooded and nasty. It is a nice attempt at pure nature that's hidden in this big city. But doesn't look very safe and doesn't seem to be updated in a very very long time. Lots of bugs and mosquitoes as well. Walk this trail only covered in bug spray. Won't come back here until it gets a major update.

Miriam Noyola 2021 Sep 05

The Pat Dolan Trail is a tourist attraction located at Willow Lake Preserve Trail, Flushing, NY. It’s open everyday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. The Trail was named after its founder and first president of the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy. Today, she’s remembered as a dedicated park advocate who frequented the trail, which crosses the Willow Lake Forever Wild Preserve. We accessed the trail from the west at 72nd Road and the Grand Central Parkway Service Road, although it can also be accessed from the east at the Van Wyck Expressway overpass at Mauro Playground (73rd Terrace and Park Drive East).

K Ng 2020 Jun 23

A nice nature trail tucked away in a urban landscape. Just to note this trail does not loop around so if you parked at one end you have to double back.

Simon Landsberg 2018 Jul 10

We had a great time on the trail taking pictures and seeing lots of flowers and certain butterflies. My daughters loved it. Most of the paths were well maintained, son needed to get checked out and either repaved or have the wood cleaned up.
Definitely wear comfortable shoes but ones that you don't mind getting a little dirty.