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Clay Pit Ponds State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 298 Google reviews · Running trail in Staten Island, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Clay Pit Ponds State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
265-ac. nature preserve including wetlands, ponds, hiking trails, an interpretive center & more.
What runners say about Clay Pit Ponds State Park
“I will visit again and do a longer walk to explore this beautiful place nestled in with homes”
“The trails and ponds were peaceful and scenic.”
“The preserve is managed to retain its unique ecology and to provide educational and recreational opportunities for people of all ages.”
Great trails. What a way to escape the hustle and bustle and just take in nature for a few hours. On this trip we saw deer, countless birds, a snake and a red fox but he was to quick to get a photo of. I suggest going on a dry day and not after a rain storm so you can really enjoy.
I love how peaceful and quiet it was . Yes, it was March and an unseasonably warm day. I have hiked or walked in places where I didn't feel safe as i was alone and there were wild animals. Concerned about bears, bison, wolf,etc, or other wild animals you find in the mountains; I felt safe walking here alone .
In my view best time to visit is winter and early spring due to swampy terrain in some places (bugs would be an issue). Great variety of trails and visitor center open all winter. Clay pit pond trail CPP is my favorite one (lots of pines).
Great secluded park in Staten Island. Deer preserve is amazing, hundreds of deer in the park. Some walking trails as well. Great place to forget you are on Staten Island for awhile
Trail conditions & character
“In my view best time to visit is winter and early spring due to swampy terrain in some places (bugs would be an issue).”
“The trails and ponds were peaceful and scenic.”
Plan your run at Clay Pit Ponds State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(718) 967-1976
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
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