Greenbelt Hiking Trails

William T. Davis Pink Trail

The William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge was established in 1928 by renowned local naturalist and a co-founder of the Natural Science Association of Staten Island, William T. Davis. At just under 0.5 miles, today the Pink Trail provides green space for outdoor recreation. Many bird species make their homes in this park’s marshes, including herons (Ardea), egrets (Egretta), ibis (Threskiornithinae), cormorants (Phalacrocorax), and gulls (Larus). On the ground and in the water, snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), fiddler crabs (Uca), and muskrats (Ondatra zibethica) can be seen throughout the site. Ample street parking is available and public transportation is accessible to Travis Avenue.

Paulo's Peak Trail

Paulo's Peak, a 200-foot "mountain" offering a 360-degree panorama of Staten Island, was formed when boulders and serpentine rock were removed to construct a highway that was designed during Robert Moses's tenure in the 1960s. Previously known by local residents as "Moses Mountain," it was renamed for former Staten Island Borough Parks Commissioner Thomas A. Paulo in 2022. Today a section of the Yellow Trail (0.25 miles) ascends Paulo's Peak as a scenic nexus to access multiple parks within the Greenbelt including Bloodroot Valley Park, High Rock Park, and LaTourette Park. Street parking is available at Meisner Avenue and public transportation is accessible to this portion of the Yellow Trail.

Points of Interest

Paulo's Peak at Richmond Parkway: One of the most iconic features in the Greenbelt is the artificial “mountain” renamed in 2022 as Paulo's Peak (formerly Moses Mountain). What was originally a pile of rubble from the abandoned parkway project historically defeated by environmental activists in the 1960s is now an epic hiking destination. Climb your way to the top to enjoy nearly panoramic views all year round.

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Red Trail

The Red Trail is a 3.2-mile loop trail located in the heart of LaTourette Park’s heavily forested trail network. There are a number of trails that can take you to the Red Trail loop including the Nature Center Trail, Yellow Trail, Blue Trail, and White Trail. The loop covers a majority of the northern section of LaTourette Park, making it a perfect trail to see the wide variety of plants and wildlife that call the Staten Island Greenbelt home. A brief detour from this trail takes you to the Heyerdahl Hill Ruins, an incredible glimpse into the past, if you follow the new Peach Trail markers. Buttonbush Swamp is a picturesque feature along the Red Trail loop located near the turn-off for the tail-end of the loop that leads you through the forest, alongside the community of Lighthouse Hill and to the LaTourette Golf House. There is parking available at the end of the Red Trail.

Points of Interest

Heyerdahl Hill Ruins at Latourette Park and Golf Course: A short detour off the Red Trail in LaTourette Park's northern section will lead park-goers to the historic ruins of Thorwald Heyerdahl’s house built in the 1860s on a hilltop. At 241 feet, Heyerdahl Hill is one of the highest points on the eastern coast. The Heyerdahl Family attempted to grow a grape orchard on the acres surrounding the hilltop, which, due to the serpentine rock underneath the soil, was doomed from the beginning. All that stands today is the house's stone foundation but it offers a glimpse into the lives of historic Staten Islanders. Ghost stories featuring Heyerdahl family members are still popular with local storytellers.

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Yellow Trail

The Yellow Trail is a long trail that extends eight miles through multiple Greenbelt parks. The Yellow Trail begins at Helena Road near St. Francis Woodlands in the community of Todt Hill. There is a parking lot to start your hike. Spanning nearly the entire distance of Richmond Parkway, the Yellow Trail splits for a quick trip up Paulo’s Peak for a view of the expansive Greenbelt woodlands before it crosses over the intersection of Manor Road and Rockland Ave, which serves as the confluence for four different Greenbelt parks. The Yellow Trail continues into the northern section of LaTourette Park entering at Meisner Avenue. It then works its way west across the forested trail network of the park's northern section and meets up with the NYC Greenway and Greenbelt Multipurpose Trail, running parallel to the LaTourette Public Golf Course. After crossing Richmond Road, the Yellow Trail winds through the scenic wetlands of LaTourette’s southern section until it reaches its terminus off Forest Hill Road. Street parking and public transportation are readily available at this trailhead.

Points of Interest

Forest View at Bloodroot Valley Park: Along the trail connecting the Yellow Trail to the Blue Trail in the northern section of Bloodroot Valley, there is a good amount of uphill hiking. At this point on the trail, you realize your efforts have paid off and you’re offered a wide-open view of the forested scenery that encompasses Bloodroot Valley.

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LaTourette Golf Course rolling hills at Latourette Park and Golf Course: The NYC Greenway that runs through LaTourette Park is mostly flat and has an easy-to-navigate gravel tread. It is perfect for parkgoers of any skill level. Here in the northern section of the Greenway there are spectacular views of the rolling grassy hills belonging to the LaTourette Park Public Golf Course.

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rolling hills on the map

Gretta Moulton Trail

Located in High Rock Park, this circular trail is named after Greenbelt activist Gretta Moulton, who effectively mobilized the community to protect High Rock Park from development in the 1960s. Parts of this trail will take you out of High Rock Park and into Richmond Parkway. From here you can loop back to your start point in High Rock or embark on the Blue or Yellow trails through Richmond Parkway into Deere Park. The total length of the Gretta Moulton trail is 0.6 miles, and it loops around a hilly section of the park with a picturesque stream running through the center of it, with easy to moderate hiking. Parking is available at the Nevada Avenue parking lot, and public transportation brings you to the base of Nevada Avenue.

Orange Trail

This is a short but hilly, easy to moderate, hiking trail through the charming wetlands of Reed’s Basket Willow Swamp Park. Jerome X. Wetland Pond is an excellent site for bird watching with possible sightings of the Great Blue Heron. The trail winds around the pond where egrets and belted kingfishers can be seen on your way to the ruins of what is believed to be the Reed family home, which was burned down by John Reed after he sold the property in the late 19th century. The length of this trail is 0.8 miles, with many historical ruins to be uncovered along your journey. Parking is available at the Chapin Avenue trailhead, and public transportation is a short walk from nearby Richmond Road.

Points of Interest

Wetland Pond at Reed's Basket Willow Swamp Park: Reeds Basket is one of the least known of the Greenbelt parks. Tucked away in a suburban Staten Island neighborhood, this park is frequented by locals and for good reason, it is home to one of the most scenic natural bodies of water in all of New York City. Escape the fast-paced city life and enjoy some time in undisturbed nature.

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Creek View to Wetland Pond at Reed's Basket Willow Swamp Park: A scenic view from a small bridge down the creek with a view to Wetland Pond. With fewer visitors, this park is bustling with wildlife and the pond is a perfect place to sight native birds such as Great Blue Herons.

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on the map

White Trail

The White Trail spans nearly six miles across three Greenbelt parks, with mostly easy, but sometimes moderate hiking. Starting in Willowbrook Park and then crossing Rockland Ave into LaTourette Park, 1.5 miles of this trail go through the northern section of LaTourette Park. The White Trail moves out of LaTourette and into Willowbrook Parkway where it continues to the Gateway National Recreation Area, by winding through the scenic forests and extensive trail network of Bucks Hollow, passing through Egbertville Ravine, and following the section of the trail known as the Amundsen Trail to its terminus at Hylan Boulevard. Along your hike, you’ll pass along many streams, ponds, swamps, and even the Richmond Creek, with plenty of opportunities for observation of aquatic species of flora and fauna. Parking is widely available at both ends of the White Trail, and it is easily accessible by public transportation. Restrooms are available in Willowbrook Park.

Points of Interest

Historic Stone Chimney at Willowbrook Park: Along the White Trail, as it winds through the forests of Willowbrook Park, lies the remains of an unknown historic building. A lone chimney stands among the trees, all that remains of a building that once stood along the creek that runs through the park. Some speculate this structure was once used by George Washington during the American Revolution.

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Willowbrook Pond at Willowbrook Park: One of the most scenic bodies of water in Staten Island, Willowbrook Pond is a haven for local wildlife and is surrounded by a paved and accessible trail so that park-goers of all ability levels are able to enjoy the pond's natural beauty. The pond is lined with several weeping willow trees and is one of the best locations in the Greenbelt to observe these spectacular trees. Fishing is permitted in Willowbrook Pond making this a very popular destination for park-goers with the required fishing license. Note that NYS DEC requires Catch and Release for Freshwater Fishing.

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Scenic Wetland & Birdwatching at Willowbrook Parkway: In this thin strip of parkland in between two residential Staten Island neighborhoods lies this scenic wetland. It is home to an abundance of native wildlife. The bustling wetland ecosystem is the perfect place to see a variety of native birds.

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at Willowbrook Parkway on the map

Stream Crossing at Willowbrook Parkway: Willowbrook Parkway is a unique park - a scenic natural area nestled in between two busy Staten Island roads. This scenic view at the beginning of the White Trail is an oasis of natural beauty in the middle of the hustle and bustle of suburban Staten Island. It features a beautiful stream with a bridge crossing.

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Willowbrook Parkway on the map

Environmental Education Trail

This loop trail located just off of the Nature Center Trail is very short at only .06 miles but packs in some of the best forest scenery that LaTourette Park has to offer. On top of its scenery, the trail is incredibly educational because of the excellent examples of native trees and plants. Located in close proximity to the Nature center, it is a great destination for park goers seeking a shorter and more accessible experience, and it is often used as a closer nature trail to visit for Early Education programs.

Nature Center Trail

The one-mile-long Nature Center Trail begins at “Mitchell Crossing,” the wooden footbridge on the eastern edge of the Nature Center grounds, and maintains a mostly easy hike all the way through. The semi-circular trail leads to a native fern garden stretching out under a canopy of tall tulip, beech, and birch trees. The first straight-away of the trail has been renovated to install durable surfaces that are easier to navigate by wheelchair, walker, or stroller- making this nature trail more accessible to a wider range of park-goers. In spring, Canada mayflower, trout lilies and wild violets proliferate. Public transportation is readily available, as is ample parking in the Greenbelt Nature Center lot. Restrooms are available at the Greenbelt Nature Center.

Points of Interest

Scenic Wetland & Birdwatching at LaTourette Park & Golf Course: Shortly after embarking on the Nature Center Trail, park goers will encounter this scenic swamp among the dense forests of LaTourette park's northern section. Native trees tower above the swampy terrain making this an incredible spot for birdwatching.

View Scenic Wetland & Birdwatching at
LaTourette Park & Golf Course on the map

Multipurpose Trail

The Multipurpose Trail differs greatly from the Greenbelt’s woodland trails. This new, pedestrian-friendly trail is also the only trail on which bike riding is permitted. The mostly flat 2.6-mile circuit has a crushed gravel surface and six-foot wide walkways. It extends westward from Rockland Avenue along Forest Hill Road, hugging the perimeter of LaTourette golf course toward Richmond Avenue. The view over the golf course with the forest of the Greenbelt in the distance is unlike anything else you’ll find. There is a split in the trail which gives park-goers the option to travel towards Historic Richmond Town, or continue straight to Field of Dreams. For a time, the Blue and Yellow Trails both travel the same path as the Multipurpose Trail, giving hikers more options to continue their nature exploration. There is street parking and lot parking available, as well as ample public transportation along Forest Hill Road.

Points of Interest

LaTourette Golf Course rolling hills at Latourette Park and Golf Course: The NYC Greenway that runs through LaTourette Park is mostly flat and has an easy-to-navigate gravel tread. It is perfect for parkgoers of any skill level. Here in the northern section of the Greenway there are spectacular views of the rolling grassy hills belonging to the LaTourette Park Public Golf Course.

View LaTourette Golf Course
rolling hills on the map

Stream Crossing at LaTourette Park & Golf Course: This stream crossing at the southern Terminus of the NYC Greenway trail affords a view with a mix of forest and wetland scenery. The Greenway is mostly flat and has an easy-to-navigate gravel tread that is perfect for parkgoers of any skill level.

View Stream Crossing at LaTourette Park
& Golf Course on the map

Lavender Trail

A short but extremely scenic loop, the Lavender Trail in High Rock Park traverses through one of the most biologically diverse sections of the Greenbelt. The Lavender Trail easily connects to many other trails within the park, bringing visitors around the scenic Loosestrife Swamp. Jewelweed, skunk cabbage, and various grasses, ferns, and water plants can be found, along with black water snakes, snapping turtles, and spring peepers. The total length of this trail, which is perfect for environmental education trips and family hikes is 0.3 miles, with other short High Rock trails nearby to continue your nature exploration. Parking is available at the Nevada Avenue parking lot, and restrooms are available in the park.

Red Dot Trail

This short loop trail is located in the heart of High Rock Park moving through forested woodlands with scenic ponds throughout. At times, this steep terrain can make for moderate hiking, and perfect for exercising. This is a great trail to observe native plants and trees and is also a great location to potentially see wildlife such as deer, Great Blue Herons, Painted Turtles, and more! The length of this trail is 0.5 miles. Parking is available in the High Rock parking lot and restrooms are available.

Heyerdahl Trail

Points of Interest

Heyerdahl Hill Ruins at Latourette Park and Golf Course: A short detour off the Red Trail in LaTourette Park's northern section will lead park-goers to the historic ruins of Thorwald Heyerdahl’s house built in the 1860s on a hilltop. At 241 feet, Heyerdahl Hill is one of the highest points on the eastern coast. The Heyerdahl Family attempted to grow a grape orchard on the acres surrounding the hilltop, which, due to the serpentine rock underneath the soil, was doomed from the beginning. All that stands today is the house's stone foundation but it offers a glimpse into the lives of historic Staten Islanders. Ghost stories featuring Heyerdahl family members are still popular with local storytellers.

View Heyerdahl Hill Ruins on the map

Paw Trail

The Paw Trail is a beautiful, secluded ½-mile long path which extends from the Gypsy Hollow Building at the Red Dot Trail, one of the highest areas of the park, to the park entrance on Summit Avenue. As it passes the Greenbelt administrative and environmental education buildings, the trail is paved path, but it leaves pavement behind as it overlaps with the Blue Trail and begins its descent. The grade is mostly gentle, with a few short steep sections. During the descent, a careful observer can catch a glimpse of Lower New York Bay. The Paw Trail diverges from the Blue Trail where it curves around the shore of Walker Pond before reaching its terminus at Summit Avenue.

Unnamed Official Trails

Points of Interest

Scenic Forest View at Deere Park: Deere Park is one of the least visited of the Greenbelt parks, which makes it one of the best places to go to see wildlife. In this section of the park, enjoy some of the more difficult hiking terrain that the Greenbelt has to offer. The significant topography offers incredible views. This scenic point on the ridge allows you to take in a significant portion of the park; if you’re quiet enough you’ll certainly run into some Staten Island deer.

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Ridgeline View at High Rock Park: High Rock Park is known for its variety of different landscapes and this ridgeline trail seems to have it all. Overlooking the Lavender Trails’ wetlands on one side and the scenic forests of the Greta Moulton Trail on the other, this ridgeline trail boasts spectacular scenery offering a near panoramic view of the best High Rock Park has to offer.

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Historic Stone Structure at Latourette Park and Golf Course: Near the Greenbelt “Field of Dreams” at the southern end of LaTourette Park rests a historic structure. A stone ruins of a structure built around the natural stream that may have been used to harness the water source for a variety of purposes.

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Ridgeline Forest View at Latourette Park and Golf Course: A short detour off the Blue Trail in the southern section of LaTourette Park brings you along a scenic ridgeline overlooking the NYC Greenway.

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Brookfield Park Wetlands View at Latourette Park and Golf Course: This section of LaTourette Park runs alongside the Brookfield Park wetlands giving park goers an excellent opportunity to view the natural beauty of the wetland without damaging the fragile ecosystem by passing through it. This location offers a view that extends across the wetland.

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Forest View at Bloodroot Valley Park: Along the trail connecting the Yellow Trail to the Blue Trail in the northern section of Bloodroot Valley, there is a good amount of uphill hiking. At this point on the trail, you realize your efforts have paid off and you’re offered a wide-open view of the forested scenery that encompasses Bloodroot Valley.

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Ohrbach Lake at Richmond Parkway: Here on the Border of Richmond Parkway and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) owned Pouch Camp lies one of the most significant bodies of fresh water on Staten Island, Ohrbach Lake. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and you'll almost forget you're in New York City.

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Walker Pond at High Rock Park: At the end of the Blue Trail in High Rock Park visitors encounter the iconic and very scenic Walker Pond. There is a reason outdoor educators frequently lead their nature hikes to this location - it is an excellent place to see an abundance of native trees and wildlife including a variety of native fish and birds. As you continue along the trail there are additional views of the pond and surrounding forest.

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