The QueensWay is a ghost railway swallowed by forest, and its overgrown corridor through Forest Park concentrates fall migrants into a walkable green line — which makes for surprisingly productive birding minutes from the J train. A guided walk here pairs two rare pleasures: peak-migration warblers and a legal look at one of the city's most intriguing abandoned spaces. Bring binoculars and let the guides do the finding.
What to expect
Expect a slow walk along wooded paths and the old rail corridor with frequent listening stops, guides calling out species, and a modest group of mixed-experience birders. Mornings are birdiest; dress for shade and uneven ground.
Good to know
- Guided walk through Forest Park's QueensWay corridor
- The J/Z to Woodhaven Blvd or 85th St-Forest Pkwy gets you close
- Bring binoculars if you have them
- Wear sturdy shoes — paths are unpaved in stretches
- September mornings are peak songbird migration
- Quiet feet and voices see more birds
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
What is the QueensWay?
The abandoned Rockaway Beach rail branch running through central Queens — long proposed as a High Line-style park — whose wooded corridor cuts through Forest Park.
Is the walk beginner-friendly?
Yes — guided group walks welcome first-time birders, and fall migration guarantees enough activity to keep newcomers hooked.
