Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is a 265-acre nature preserve on Staten Island, New York, with wetlands, ponds, woodlands and marked trails. You can visit year-round for a walk, birdwatching or a look at the landscape and local history.
- Location: Southwest shore of Staten Island, at 2351 Veterans Road West.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Trail options: Designated hiking trails and more than 5 miles of bridle paths.
- Admission: No general admission price is stated; bus and private event fees apply.
Where is Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, and how do you get there?
Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve is on the southwest shore of Staten Island, New York, at 2351 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309.
The address is a practical destination for navigation; the preserve’s coordinates are 40.542389, -74.236671. For a local orientation before you set out, this guide to getting around Rahway city centre covers the nearby city centre.
New York State Parks provides a trail map, and its getting-there page also links a PDF trail map and a Google Earth KMZ map. Use one to identify trail access and plan your route within the preserve. For general questions, call (718) 967-1976.
From Express Inn-Rahway rooms, the preserve is about 4.5 miles away.
What can you do on the Clay Pit Ponds trails?
The preserve’s designated trails take you through a mix of wetland, pond and woodland habitats. Its landscape includes sand barrens, spring-fed streams, meadows and forests, so the surroundings change as you move through the preserve.
For a specific destination, the White Trail leads to Sharrotts Pond, where a wooden overlook provides a place to view the water. The preserve also has more than 5 miles of bridle paths. Horses are not available to rent, so bring your own if you plan to ride.
Other ways to spend time here include birdwatching, nature walks, pond ecology, and programs on identifying trees and flowers. Picnicking is permitted on designated trails. Stay on marked routes and share trails with other users.
What are the hours, facilities and visitor rules?
The preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. The Interpretive Center has interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, wildlife specimens, classroom space and games; the building is described as fully accessible.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The center’s hours differ between New York State Parks pages, so check the official site before you go. The visitor center, pavilions and shelter rentals are listed as accessible amenities. Bus entry and private event permits have fees; confirm current terms with New York State Parks if either applies to your visit.
Pets are not allowed. Stay on established, designated trails, leave natural objects where you find them, keep a respectful distance from wildlife and take litter with you. The bird checklist advises visitors to avoid red-marked horse trails and the area north of Clay Pit Road.
Why does the preserve have its name?
The name refers to abandoned clay mine pits that filled with rainwater and spring water. The white kaolin clay mined here was used to make bricks and terra cotta.
New York State Parks created the preserve in 1981, bringing together approximately 123 acres of privately owned land, 110 acres of New York City-owned land and transportation rights-of-way. The preserve’s interpretive displays also cover the area’s natural history and the histories of the Lenape, European settlers and Free Blacks of neighboring Sandy Ground.
FAQs
Is Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve open year-round?
Open daily. Yes. The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.
Can you bring a dog to Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve?
No. Pets are not allowed at the preserve.
Can you ride a horse at the preserve?
The preserve has more than 5 miles of bridle paths, but it does not rent horses. Riders need to bring their own.
Is there a trail to a pond overlook?
Yes. The White Trail provides access to Sharrotts Pond and its wooden viewing overlook.