Newtown Creek Nature Walk

«Nature» walk might be a bit of a misnomer. But perhaps it’s used more like the word «democracy» or «freedom.» Something to strive for… Anyway, it’s certainly an interesting place with a very cool conceptual stairway that tapers down into the creek’s water. But be careful. Newtown Creek is an environmental disaster and is a designated superfund site. In the mid 1800s, the creek was «one of the busiest hubs of industrial activity in New York City. More than 50 refineries were located along its banks, including oil refineries, petrochemical plants, fertilizer and glue factories, sawmills, and lumber and coal yards.» Yikes. But I’d say this place is still worth a visit if only for the historic curiosity factor and to show support for what a greener, cleaner and «natural» creek could someday be like.

There’s not much to do in this area, so we just wandered into this Nature Walk by following signs during our idle walk from Brooklyn to Queens. Compared to the other options of things to see around the area, it’s pretty nice. You can look out onto the polluted waterfront amid some planted trees and flowers in the small garden area. The entrance looks super shady with its concrete slabs and location next to a large parking lot, but just keep walking.

A really well conceived pathway overlooking scrap yards and industrial factories. While enjoying all of the ‘nature’ on your stroll you’re forced to ask some interesting questions. How was this park commissioned? Who did they think would find it? When I stumbled onto it during a bike ride, I felt like I had just fallen down a rabbit hole.

Great place to see teens smoking pot.
But more than that, it’s actually a really nice little place to go for an industrial walk, inhale the greenpoint stench, and enjoy some quiet.

There’s something strangely endearing about this little stretch of… well… mostly concrete wedged between the water and the treatment plant. The entrance and walkway are pretty hideous, but then it gets better. There are a few rocks and gravel. Some plants and shrubs. A kayaking docking area (I think).
This is not a park, and calling it «nature walk» is a stretch. Don’t expect a lush oasis where you can get away from it all. It’s firmly rooted in its gross, smelly, industrial origins. There seems to be a junkyard and large barges nearby. It’s not the prettiest, but there’s something life-​affirming about a little stretch of plants and rocks adorning a hideous area. I guess planting shrubs on a superfund site could be a metaphor for life, or something. Testament to the human spirit and all that.
Either way, I left uplifted.
Taking one star off for the stench. I like industrial grittiness visually; the olfactory experience, however, is awful.

Out of the way by public transport, but not that far via car. It’s also great to explore Greenpoint before /​after.
I came on the wknd and was able to see the armada. Great experience. DON’T TOUCH ANYTHING. The artists all wear rubber gloves for a reason.

I wouldn’t call newtown creek pretty exactly, but it sure is a unique little corner of new york.
Sandwiched in the northern most end of Greenpoint, dividing brooklyn from queens is this creek that feeds the innards of industrial brooklyn. You will find some interesting characters sunning here, maybe a bicyclist or two. The water looks thick and uninviting as any you’ve ever seen. Interestingly there are sailboats moored on the Queens side.
Now I want to live on a houseboat.

Ignore the few negative and sarcastic reviews here. The «lipstick-​on-​a-​pig» quality of this park is what makes it great. It is a small but serene and well-​manicured walk along the banks of the country’s most polluted waterway. The surrounding landscape is purely industrial. Yes, there is sometimes a pungent stench in the air. But the fact that this park exists at all is amazing. Full credit to those who made this place a reality… it’s a tranquil oasis in the most befouled of places.

To call this a «nature walk» is quite a stretch. Sure, you can walk around. Sure, there is small amount of shrubbery and fauna. However, I think the ubiquitous factories, power plants, polluted water and view of the BQE detract from any sort of outdoor getaway you may be seeking.
When the weather is nice, I like to ride my bike to this tucked away spot on the far end of Greenpoint. It’s a cool place to relax, look at the water, read a book, and maybe even read their educational installation about the geologic history under your feet. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, expect a Nature Walk. You are in the industrial end of Greenpoint.

Nice Out of the way park, if a bit out of the way. If you are into industrial architecture, this place offers som great views.
Not very big and has a long narrow entrance but opens up to a nice waterfront plaza with plenty of interesting «installations».
It is not a big place, you can do the whole «walk» in under 5 minutes, but still worth checking out.

Very good effort, but more has to be done with this space, especially the «entrance trench» to get to it.
You make your way to this nature walk by walking through a narrow concrete walkway from a parking lot at the end of Paidge Avenue. Since there aren’t many (or any) people around this walkway is rather awkward. It has two 90-​degree blind turns.
Once you get to the water this spot is quite nice. I don’t really care about the water quality — it is what it is. There is some landscaping and there are a bunch of benches. Usually you’ll encounter one or two people during a fifteen-​minute stay.
Once you get to the water this nature walk isn’t so bad. I’d give it three stars. But something has to be done about the approach, which is technically part of the walk.
You should, however, look up this nature walk on Google Maps in satellite view, which is still pre-​redevelopment. Quite the improvement.

In a perfect world, this would be as popular as the High Line.

Great secret place to swim!
I really like the primitive map of the Creek on the top of the steps, this is usually where I leave my towel to dry while I explore the rest of the Bushes after my swim.
The best part about swimming here is the lack of people, the worst part is the abundance of large barges.
The water itself is mild refreshing and interestingly enough has a molasses like viscosity & taste. Wow 2 for 1!
As for the trail itself, be careful and make sure to bring a weapon, I am convinced this place was where Melvin Junko first turned into the Toxic Avenger.
Its kind of a post-​modern, pro-​concrete, anti-​nature, sewage-​friendly, stroll past office buildings, a truck parking lot, and down to the Newtown Creek via ghats.
Blink and you’ll feel like you’re in Varanasi.

Seriously, Greenpoint?! You know I love you baby, but who are you trying to kid? Even if I were blind I could tell that this is about 10 miles away from anything resembling a nature walk, because I could still smell the fetid stench emanating from the waste treatment plant which comprises most of the «view.»
The walk begins with a tall concrete wall on one side and an asphalt manufacturer on the other. No nature yet. After several paces, it opens up to the waterfront. Ah, nature! Oh, wait. No. That’s a polluted stream with a vista across the way of garbage barges, smokestacks, and a highway.
Moving on, I spotted some weedlike plants which are apparently local vegetation. Oooh, things are looking more naturey. Yes! Leaves! Brush! Sprouting miraculously right out of the concrete! Some of it is even green… but then, WHAM. It’s over. The «nature walk» ends abruptly, smack dab in front of the aforementioned sewage treatment plant that smells like you’re bobbing for apples in a big bucket of cow poop.
Oh, Greenpoint. I like you for what you are, pollution and all. Please don’t ever try to go all «lipstick on a pig» on me again.

When I heard there was a nature walk in Greenpoint I was a little stunned. The parts that aren’t dotted with boutiques, Polish restaurants, Polish drunks, and bars are mostly industrial and disgusting. My roommate promptly announced that after breakfast this past weekend we would stroll across the neighborhood and enjoy the naturey natureness of the Newtown Creek Nature Walk.
When we arrived at the entrance I very nearly laughed. We were surrounded by hideous industrial plants and garbage. The walkway seemed to guide us through the bizarre factories of the neighborhood. We joked about the sand pits and called them the dunes of the Greenpoint Riviera, completely 100% integral to the equilibrium of Newtown Creek’s natural smörgåsbord.
Finally, we reached the creek and took in the nature. A) steps leading to, and into the water (calling all kayakers!). B) Greasy tan male lying on bench. C) MINNOWS!!!
Strolling down the walk we took in the native plants, and it reminded me a lot of the Highline. There’s a similar bare bones, modern feel, and the attention to local plants is the same. I saw some beautiful horsetails and flowers, and we (I can’t believe I am getting this nerdy) jumped over a locked fence to find a geocache that my roommate was excited about. It was cool to see the different kinds of people that had sought out the film canister with the little charm inside.
I feel like Newtown Creek is a really silly excuse for a «Nature Walk» (I tend to think of some Audubon shit), but it’s a great attempt at beautifying a hideous part of town. It’s not even close to being finished, but it’s already a great stop on a bike ride or somewhere to take a stroll to.