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Great Kills Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,885 Google reviews · Running trail in Staten Island, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Great Kills 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.
This waterfront greenspace near Great Kills Harbor features trails, a salt marsh & 4 beaches.
What runners say about Great Kills Park
“Surprised at the clean efficient way the roads and parking lot snow removal was done as compared to the last major storm which had no snow removal done at all.”
“I saw deer, rabbits, and even a bunch of geese walking around like they owned the place The views of Staten Island were stunning, and the sea breeze made it even more refreshing.”
“I spent a few hours there this weekend and was genuinely surprised by how peaceful and full of life this place is.”
I spent a few hours there this weekend and was genuinely surprised by how peaceful and full of life this place is. I saw deer, rabbits, and even a bunch of geese walking around like they owned the place The views of Staten Island were stunning, and the sea breeze made it even more refreshing.
It a huge park with a variety of sights and things to do. They have a playground, Marina, ocean views, Bay views, hiking trails, running paths, biking and of course a beach. The beach is what I'm usually disappointed about. I really wish they kept the beach area around it cleaner rather than a tiny section.
You must go at sunset. Watch the sun go down over the marina and see the sky ablaze. The clouds turn red and dusk falls. The deer roam before settling in for the night. Walk by the boat launch and past to see the crabbers netting baby crabs.
Go down Ocean Ave from Father Cappodano Blvd and park in lot. Bike path will be directly in front of you. Head south, (to your right) and bike path will lead you from South Beach to Midland Beach to New Dorp Beach to Cedar Grove Beach and finally to Oakwood Beach.
Trail conditions & character
“I saw deer, rabbits, and even a bunch of geese walking around like they owned the place The views of Staten Island were stunning, and the sea breeze made it even more refreshing.”
“I spent a few hours there this weekend and was genuinely surprised by how peaceful and full of life this place is.”
“It has a nice little small park for kids, swing a great place to walk your dog, or go for a run, Bathroom are very dirty and nasty dont go in the Bathroom.”
“It has a nice little small park for kids, swing a great place to walk your dog, or go for a run, Bathroom are very dirty and nasty dont go in the Bathroom.”
“Surprised at the clean efficient way the roads and parking lot snow removal was done as compared to the last major storm which had no snow removal done at all.”
Plan your run at Great Kills Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenycgovparks.org
- Phone(212) 639-9675
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Friday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–1 AM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–1 AM |
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