To find trails that match your experience level on Staten Island, start with official and curated sources. The NYC Parks website lists parks with mapped trails, difficulty indications, and mileage, especially for the Greenbelt, Conference House Park, and Clove Lakes Park. The Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy website also offers detailed trail maps, suggested routes, and guidance for beginners, intermediate hikers, and more advanced walkers.

Supplement this with hiking apps and websites that allow you to filter by distance, elevation gain, and user ratings, so you can choose routes that match your fitness and comfort level. Reading recent reviews helps you understand current trail conditions, crowd levels, and any closures or detours before you go.

Staten Island’s most popular area for hiking is the Staten Island Greenbelt, a large network of forests, ridges, and wetlands in the center of the island with multiple marked trails such as the Blue, White, and Red Trails. High Rock Park within the Greenbelt offers some of the more scenic and serene routes.

Other notable areas include Clove Lakes Park, with easier lakeside and woodland paths, and Conference House Park on the South Shore, which combines waterfront views with historical sites and meadow walks. These hubs are well documented by NYC Parks and local conservancies, making it easy to select routes based on desired scenery and distance.

Before heading out, verify trail status through official sources and recent user reports. NYC Parks publishes alerts and service changes for Staten Island parks, including temporary trail closures, storm damage, or construction work. The Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy often shares timely information on trail maintenance, recommended routes, and seasonal advisories on its website and social media channels.

In addition, hiking apps and mapping platforms frequently display user-submitted updates on mud, fallen trees, flooding, or unmarked detours. For longer outings, consider calling visitor centers such as the Greenbelt Nature Center, which can provide current, on-the-ground information about conditions.

For a first hike on Staten Island, focus on safety, comfort, and navigation. Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good traction, since trails can be muddy, rocky, or rooted, especially in the Greenbelt. Bring sufficient water, light snacks, and a small daypack to carry essentials.

Carry a printed or downloaded map of your chosen trail system, as cell reception can be inconsistent in some wooded areas. Basic items such as a fully charged phone, sun protection, insect repellent, and a small first-aid kit are recommended. Check the weather forecast in advance and dress in layers that can be added or removed as conditions change. Even on shorter local hikes, preparing properly helps you avoid getting lost, dehydrated, or uncomfortable.

Guided hikes and hiking groups are an effective way to discover Staten Island trails, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. The Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy regularly offers guided walks, nature hikes, and themed programs led by naturalists or trained staff, which are advertised on its website and event calendars. These outings often cover trail etiquette, local ecology, and navigation, making them useful for new hikers.

You may also find local outdoor clubs, meetup groups, and regional hiking organizations that schedule regular walks in the Greenbelt, Clove Lakes Park, and other Staten Island green spaces. Joining these groups provides an opportunity to learn new routes, hike safely in a group setting, and benefit from the experience of more seasoned hikers.