Greenbelt Conservancy

This is the gem of Staten Island outdoor activity. You can hike for hours and not come across the same path. The trails are well preserved and if you’re into birding there are a decent number of species to see.

Having an entry to the Greenbelt literally steps away from my family’s home is a real treat for this nature loving NYer who is stuck in a desert with landscapes that while beautiful in their own right, are not the woodsy, lush and forest-​like which I prefer. Every day I made sure to at least take a short journey «Into the Woods» aka my Happy Place.
There’s quite literally something for everyone here and at more than three times the size of Central Park, plenty of space: trails, ponds, wildlife, flora and fauna abound. Another place that makes it fun to get outside and enjoy the beauty of my home state :)

Hop on the ferry and about 30 minutes later you’re in the middle of a forest that rivals anywhere on the east coast. A hidden gem, it quickly became my favorite park in the 5 boroughs. Natural and preserved, it completely changed the way I see the city and what it can offer.

I feel lucky that we have places like this on Staten Island. I would like to explore more of these beautiful trails. I wish there were less people trashing it with beer bottles and garbage. When the weather gets nicer I plan to go up and clean as much as I can. There are definitely great views and lots of different paths to take. Explore Staten Island!

This place is truly a gem right here on Staten Island. I feel like I am in another place in the country. There are miles of paths and wonderful scenery.
There are restrooms at the Nevada Ave entrance. You do have to walk into the park for them.
Anytime is a good time to visit. Late summer when all the pond and lake flowers bloom is a special time.
There are many events here as well, check in with visitors center.

I LOVE this nature preserve. It’s really my favorite place to go on Staten Island. We haven’t begun to explore all of the trails and we’d like to try one of the more challenging ones. So far, we’ve only taken the trails beginning at the Greenbelt Center on Rockland Ave. It is pet friendly so I’m able to bring my love along for the hike. It’s just a peaceful, nature filled, wonderful place.

I have never been here for walking, biking etc. but I have taken the boy I babysit to a kids class. It’s VERY educational and fun for them. Sometimes places are educational but don’t know how to make it fun for kids. The teachers are very friendly and attentive towards the children. They play music, read and have a project all dedicated to the animal they are learning about that day. There is also a nature walk at the end of the class. Very cheap as well. Just $ 6 for members and $ 8 for non members. The bathrooms are also very clean. There is a lobby with real nests, a snake and educational pictures. Very very nice for the kids. Thumbs up for this place !

The Greenbelt — heart of New York’s green side, park of all parks (almost 3000 acres of it!), and largest of city’s forest preserves. From wild life and bird watching to tennis and golf courses, from hiking trails to just enjoying the beauty of nature, it has it all.
With six major trails and more secondary ones, Greenbelt is hikers, runners and bikers dream. Clearly marked, varied in terrain and length, trails spread from Hylan to Victory Blvd with a heart in High Rock Park.
Must see: Willowbrook Lake, Nature Center & Carousel for kids.
There are also many wild streams, old ruins and foot bridges along the trail — enjoy the walk and the scenery! (wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring your camera!)
For more info and map of hiking trails:

Most people don’t realize that High Rock Park is the largest rural park in an urban area. In the US! You can walk for nine miles without seeing anything but nature.

love love love!
trees trails bugs and more.
animals rodents and have i said, bugs galore.
quiet shade and peace.
ponds ducks amphibians and geese.
all for you and me
how happy can we be?

there is so much wildlife here! trails are great, go off trail to see some really cool animals and mushrooms. very quiet. never mobbed like the more popular parks around nyc. a real jewel of staten island.

One of Staten Island s secret treasures…

Took a hike through here last week with some friends, the blue trail and lavendar, yellow whatever! It was a great hike, so much to see, beautiful ponds with Heron’s and big frogs, some birds I couldn’t quite indentify, you feel like you just stepped out of SI and into the wilderness, which is what it is!

It’s larger than Central Park. That’s how large it is. Lots of trees, and squirrels and birds. If you feel like getting away to wander around in the wilderness, but only have a Metrocard, this is a great place to go.