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Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Erin Donahue
As someone who’s been in New York City for almost 15 years, one of my favorite things about The Big Apple is that it’s so walkable. Nothing beats the convenience. Some hidden gems in the city allow you to go on a hike without leaving the five boroughs. Recently, I shared my experience walking 32 miles in a day, but there’s a much shorter five-mile path winding through Queens. Have you ever heard of the “Hike New York – Long Island City” path?
An Art Exhibition
Created in 1994 as an art installation by Richard Deon in partnership with the Public Art Fund, this 5-mile route goes through Long Island City, Astoria, and Sunnyside. What makes it delightfully quirky is that a series of street signs mark it, depicting a logo of a cuffed trouser leg and black dress shoe in mid-stride.
According to Deon, the idea behind using a dress shoe design was to attract metropolitan “hikers” since NYC is such a walkable city. Originally, there were 44 pairs of these orange and blue signs stationed along major roads, such as Jackson Avenue and Vernon Boulevard. This path curates an urban hiking experience by blending outdoor trails with a tour of LIC’s diversity and transformation. You’ll meander through Long Island City’s gritty industrial areas, such as transportation hubs, highways, and electric infrastructure. Pass by cultural landmarks like Kaufman Studios, the original “America’s Hollywood” from the 1920s and 1930s in Astoria. You’ll also enjoy skyline views of Manhattan across the East River.
Pieces of New York City History
Part of the fun is feeling like you’re on a scavenger hunt. Those telltale trail signs have disappeared over the years, most likely because souvenir hunters swiped them! Additionally, a few of the original stop-off points, like certain institutions, are no longer in existence. That’s part of the experience and the ever-evolving nature of this hike. It’s not just about getting from point A to B, but glimpsing the past, present, and future of this part of Queens.
Whether you’re a born-and-bred New Yorker or visiting from out of town, I recommend walking along this “Hike New York – Long Island City” trail. It offers the perfect way to explore the Queens shoreline while stumbling upon cultural attractions, architectural gems, and local spots. The next time you find yourself in LIC, Astoria, or Sunnyside, keep your eyes peeled for those quirky dress shoe trail markers. You just might discover a whole new side of NYC you never knew existed!
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