Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a 265-acre nature preserve near Staten Island’s southwest shore, with wetlands, ponds, woodlands and more than six miles of marked trails. For hiking near Staten Island, it offers routes across varied natural terrain, including a trail to Sharrotts Pond.
- Location: Southwest shore of Staten Island.
- Trail network: Two roads and 18 marked trails, totaling more than six miles.
- Typical hours: Open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
What landscapes and habitats are at the preserve?
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve brings together wetlands, ponds, sand barrens, spring-fed streams and woodlands. The mix of habitats gives the landscape a varied character as trails pass through meadows, forests, wetlands and along streams.
The park’s name comes from abandoned clay mine pits that filled with rainwater and spring water. White kaolin clay from the pits was used to make bricks and terra cotta, leaving a connection between the preserve’s natural landscape and its industrial past.
The land also holds evidence of Lenape people, European settlers and the Free Black community of neighboring Sandy Ground. New York State Parks established the preserve in 1981, bringing together privately owned land, New York City-owned land and transportation rights-of-way.
Which trails and outdoor activities can you choose?
The preserve has two roads and 18 marked trails, with more than six miles of routes across natural and paved surfaces. New York State Parks describes the trail difficulty as easy to moderate, and its trail network includes a route to Sharrotts Pond.
For a pond destination, follow the white trail to Sharrotts Pond. A wooden overlook there provides a place to view the water. Other trails pass through the preserve’s meadows, forests, wetlands and streams, so you can choose a route based on the scenery and surface you prefer.
Hiking is allowed on designated trails. Horseback riding is permitted on more than five miles of bridle paths, but you must bring your own horse.
If you’re comparing parks in Staten Island for an outdoor outing, note that this preserve combines hiking routes with a separate bridle-path network. Graniteville Quarry Park is another local park to consider for a separate outing.
What are the hours and visitor rules?
The preserve is open every day, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The Interpretive Center has separate operating hours, and the New York State Parks pages give conflicting schedules; check the official site before you go if you plan to visit the center.
No pets are allowed. Stay on established, durable trails, leave natural objects where you find them, avoid littering and observe wildlife from a distance.
The Interpretive Center is described as fully accessible, and the visitor center and pavilions or shelters are also marked accessible. The park address is 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309. For general information, call (718) 967-1976.
How do you get to Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve?
From Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Staten Island, the preserve is about 11 minutes away by car. The park’s address is 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309; use it to plan your drive and identify the destination.
FAQs
How long are the trails at Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve?
The marked trail network covers more than six miles across two roads and 18 trails. Surfaces include natural and paved sections, and the listed difficulty is easy to moderate.
Can you ride horses at the preserve?
Yes. Horseback riding is allowed on more than five miles of bridle paths, and riders must provide their own horses.
Is the Interpretive Center accessible?
New York State Parks describes the Interpretive Center as fully accessible. The visitor center and pavilions or shelters are also marked accessible.