Conference House Park Hiking Trails

At Conference House Park, you can hike through American history. The Conference House Blue Trail extends from Shore Road and Satterlee Street all the way south to Brighton Street and Surf Avenue. Along the way, you can see a number of historic buildings, including the famed Conference House, and enjoy beautiful waterfront views of this beachside park.

Interactive Map

Download the Conference House Park Trail Guide.

Points of Interest

Henry Hogg Biddle House

The Biddle House was built in 1845 by Henry H. Biddle, who established a successful ferryboat service between Tottenville and Perth Amboy NJ. The house and its double portico on the front and back sides represent a rare example of Greek Revival architecture in New York City. 

View the Henry Hogg Biddle House on the map

The Rutan-Beckett House

The Rutan-Beckett House was built by ship builder and New York State Assemblyman William H. Rutan in 1850. He and his brother James owned a successful ship building yard and docks on nearby Ellis Street. 

View The Rutan-Beckett House on the map

The Pavilion at Conference House

The Pavilion at Conference House Park was first was erected in 1935 to honor Almer G. Russell, a community resident who was killed in the battle of Meuse-Argonne in France during World War I. After severe damage from Superstorm Sandy, a new storm/weather resilient pavilion will be reconstructed.

View The Pavilion on the map

The Conference House

The Park's namesake, the Conference House is a grand manor house that reflects the colonial vernacular building style of the time. It is constructed of native field stone and Dutch 'ballast' stone, and was famously the site of a Revolutionary War peace conference between England and the American colonies held on September 11, 1776. John Adams, Edward Rutledge and Benjamin Franklin represented the Continental Congress, and Admiral Lord Richard Howe represented King George III of England. Unfortunately no peace agreement was brokered and the war continued on for another seven years.

View The Conference House on the map

The South Pole

The 'South Pole' marks the geographic southernmost point in New York City, and New York State. From this point to the west, the Arthur Kill separates Staten Island from New Jersey, while you can view Raritan Bay to the east and to the south.

View the "South Pole" on the map

See the Trails

Join our Urban Park Rangers on a video hike of Conference House Park, and see the trails for yourself!