• Gateway offers surprising natural diversity, outdoor recreation and historic discoveries within the largest metropolitan area in the U.S.

    Gateway

    National Recreation Area NY,NJ

Outdoor Activities

Gateway has outdoor activities every season of the year. Find out what's happening This Week at Gateway NRA in all three units of the park: Sandy Hook, Staten Island and Jamaica Bay. You can also check out a calendar of events for the entire season.

 
"Last Saturday I cross country skied using the tracks laid down by one of the Park Rangers. I enjoyed the skiing very much and appreciate your efforts to maintain the trail. Keep up the good work." ---Andre Montero, Brooklyn NY

NPS PHOTO

Ski cross-country through the mixed woodland area at Floyd Bennett Field.

Cross Country Skiing at Floyd Bennett Field (Winter Only!)

"Last Saturday I cross-country skied using the tracks laid down by one of the park rangers. I enjoyed the skiing very much and appreciate your efforts to maintain the trail. Keep up the good work." ---Andre Montero, Brooklyn, via email

When it snows in New York City, bring your skis to Floyd Bennett Field and lay some tracks. Rangers cut a track for cross country skiing beginning at the Aviator Sports parking lot and looping through the "North Forty" mixed woodland area.

Cross country skiing is only available after significant snowfalls. Call the Ranger Station at 718-338-3799 for more information about trail conditions and for accurate information about access.

Thank you to Volunteer-in-Park Alison Branco for creating this trail map!

 
Camp Tamarack at Floyd Bennett Field. Doesn't look like Brooklyn, but it is!

NPS PHOTO

Camp Tamarack at Floyd Bennett Field. Doesn't look like Brooklyn, but it is!

Camping at Floyd Bennett Field: New and Improved!

Gateway is proud to announce the addition of 40 camp sites at its existing campgrounds in Floyd Bennett Field, including six sites for recreational vehicles. As of the Fourth of July 2011, camping reservations must be made online at www.recreation.gov.

 
Kayaking is a great way to get a different view of the New York metropolitan area.

NPS PHOTO

Kayaking is a great way to get a different view of the New York metropolitan area.

Sail, Canoe and Kayak in Jamaica Bay (seasonal)

"I learned a great deal not only about kayaking, but also on the history and ecosystems of our area along with what our parks have to offer... and I can't wait to learn more!" --Jan Michhalesko, kayaker

In 2012, look forward to Walk-up Kayaking, Excursions for all skill levels, Friday Family Sailing and Kayak Skills Workshops. e-mail us for more information about boating programs.Start planning now by downloading the latest launch locations map from the Jamaica Bay Map page. Or better yet, get directions using Google Earth by downloading the launch sites. 

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Did You Know?

Women's Army Corps soldiers crossing out the

Did you know that Fort Hancock had an integrated unit in World War II?  The 1225th Army Service Unit had African-American soldiers and in 1943 received a group from the Women's Army Corps. More...