High Rock Park

Much nicer than I thought it would be. Definitely a hidden gem of the island. There several nature trails to make your way through. A great place to go for a run or a hike. I ended up getting lost at one point as it was way larger and windier than I expected.

A nice place to get away from the busy roads of Staten Island. It was slightly confusing finding the Ohrback Lake since we didnt c the on the right there was another trail. So we made a few circles. Other than that, it was beautiful. We found a swamp that was fillied with frogs and a black and white cat.

A really really wonderful place to go hiking while still actually staying in New York City. I've been here three times now and have enjoyed myself. I went in the fall last year and it was absolutely beautiful. The leaves were stunning. Oh! I forgot to say this is in Staten Island, so it's New York City! :)

I came a few weeks ago also and it was sooooo hot, but the trees offered up some shade. The Greenbelt Trail is super tranquil and peaceful.

A very good day out of the city and the opportunity to get to nature. We took the ferry over and it was worth it all three visits. I would like to go in the winter, so maybe again i'll visit after it snows.

The very heart of Greenbelt, High Rock Park is a relaxing place.
In the middle of Indian summer, I find myself drawn to it ornate gates, hilly hiking trails and beauty of woodlands.
With sun touching last of green leaves before fall foliage rolls over, I sit on a fallen tree and enjoy the tranquility of this park. Listen to whispers of the wind in the trees, birds singing, and just quietness.
There are several hiking trails here, ponds, bridges and wild life. Love it.
(This park is a Forever Wild Site.)

Living in a desert, one of the things I miss the most from home/being near any coast is green: leaves, grass, the "smell" of green...hiking in the woods and being surrounded by majestic trees. The Greenbelt Trail offers some super Zen moments in the middle of SI which usually surprises people.

It is part of the 2.5K acre Greenbelt Parks system and with three ponds, waterfowl, forest dwelling furry creatures, snakes, lots of trees (including a persimmon grove :) and many trails to hike or run: truly a place to explore. Every time I go, I find something new, or it looks different because foliage and the environment is ever changing. There are various ruins from yesteryear as within the entire Greenbelt system.

Whatever's clever in your book, just know that there's much more to NYC than meets the eye, even on the oft-maligned Staten Island.

I have gone on a number of runs through these woods and I never get bored. It's pristine, with plenty to see, the trails are of various difficulties and I'm pretty happy with how maintained it is year round.

I visited this park for the first time last week for a hike with my friends and we loved it so much we went back today! I had no idea High Rock was on Staten Island, it's like you're upstate or out in the Poconos (until those times when you hear traffic on Rockland or hear a golf ball being hit, but you get the idea). The park has a lot of trails to explore and provides a good workout. We got "lost" in there for 2 hours each time. I only wish that the bored youth of Staten Island didn't leave their broken beer bottles and garbage around when they think it's the cool thing to do on a Friday night. It could use a good clean up in areas. Moses Mountain was a little less than spectacular. I'm sure it's better in the fall when you can see through the trees and the changing foliage is probably very pretty. I will definitely be back for another hike!

A hidden gem. We live not far from it so we take walks here often. Fall in the park is absolutely gorgeous. These photos were taken by my iPhone, not the highest quality, but you can tell how peaceful and beautiful this place is --

Who knew such beauty could be found on Staten Island? You would never know you were in a NYC borough. There are many trails, which can be marked a little better, that you can definitely lose your way. We wandered around for two hours each time and found some really nice hidden gems. The lakes that are hidden in the woods are beautiful and peaceful. Moses Mountain was a bit of a disappointment, but probably nicer to see in the fall, with all the different colored leaves. I will definitely be back for another hike!

Nice connection to other woods, makes for a challenging little trek. You can get to Mt Moses through here pretty quickly too.