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RoutesSeptember 28, 2026· 6 min

How Long Is the Prospect Park Loop? Brooklyn Running Questions, Answered

Loop distance, direction, hills and where to run long, answered for Brooklyn runners.

A runner on Park Drive in Prospect Park in the snow

Photo: Wil540 art, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The questions Brooklyn runners actually type into Google, answered fast. If yours isn't here, send it and I'll add it.

How long is the Prospect Park loop?

3.36 miles for the full loop of Park Drive, according to the Prospect Park Alliance. Two laps are about 6.7 miles, or 10.8 km, a little more than a 10K. See the Prospect Park loop guide for the detail.

Is Prospect Park closed to cars?

Yes, Park Drive is closed to cars. Look before you cross the bike lane on weekend mornings, because riders come through fast.

Which direction do you run it?

Counterclockwise. Running the other way puts you against the traffic.

Where can I run hills in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn has few hills. Use the hill in Prospect Park and the bridges. The full breakdown is in Running the Bridges.

Where do people do marathon long runs?

The Shore Parkway Greenway out of Bay Ridge is long and flat. Carry your own water, because fountains are scarce. More on putting together a 20 mile run in the marathon training post.

Any flat spot for track-style workouts?

Marine Park's loop is 0.75 miles according to NYC Parks, and flat, which suits tempos and intervals.

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