Nailed By Dreaa

The national forest on W 142nd St barely feels like midtown—just under the el’s shadow, 145 W 142nd St hides the only remnant of woodland within three miles of Times Square. Nailed By Dreaa sits at ground level where concrete gives way to oaks and black birch, a pocket that stays unexpectedly quiet no matter how the avenue roars. Bird calls break above car horns along a single narrow entrance that’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for the forest’s subtle bronze trail sign.

Inside the fence the network of mulched paths winds through 21 acres of second-growth forest—old enough to have chest-high ferns underfoot but young enough that the canopy still lets late afternoon light blotch the dirt. The terrain stays level for the first quarter-mile, perfect for a quick circle before the subway back downtown. Benches appear only where erosion gullies might tempt visitors off the main loop, so footing stays firm year-round.

Call ahead to confirm access—some seasonal footbridges close after heavy rain. A map is two clicks away if you need to trace the route first: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c2f79bad2c8dc3:0xac51d70b504148e4. Dial (347) 451-4217 to check gate status; staff usually reply within an hour on weekdays.