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    Clay Pit Ponds

    4.9 (7 reviews)
    Closed 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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    So adorable!
    Nadia Z.

    Parks don't move, you know. Preserves stay, if we manage to keep thy intact. But yet, somehow, ylp managed to screw'up old listing for this one... And while park did not move, listing did. So, I am re-posting my old review - with few additions, since I did come back here, many times, and over again... My exploration of Staten Island parks, preserves & greenbelt brought me to my next destination - Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve. First time I came here, the main gate were closed, but I got an amazing up-and-close encounter with white-tailed deer, that came right to the wooden barrier. On my next visit I was determined to walk the trails and see all that this park has to offer. I came on holiday - it was open and very quiet. No one was around except me and the wilderness... ..And time after time, I am coming here... On weird days, on rainy days, when noone is around, when deer running wild, with those white rabbit-like tails up in the air... When rain drops lend on my camera and on my nose, just to make me laugh. When streams are full of life, and greenery is all washed and bright.... This place is truly unique - with all the parks on the island, I assure you, this is the best place to bird-watch or encounter wild life. There are hawks, and cuckoos, turtles and frogs, rabbits and, of course, large numbers of white-tailed deer. The latter ones are absolutely adorable with those white tails up in the wind as they walk and run around! There are few easy hike trails - it is more recreational and relaxing than actual hard core hiking. Ponds, bogs & swamp add to the charm. (Horseback riding permitted on certain trails as well!) Trails are incredibly well-maintained - with wooden bridges over ponds, and benches in few key areas so you can take a break and watch 'em turtles. I feel like I am turning into turtle walking here - slow hike, breath of fresh air and not a worry on my mind. This is serene.

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    Fort Wadsworth

    Fort Wadsworth

    4.6
    (53 reviews)
    10.1 mi

    Very nice location. I was able to visit for the 2025 5 boro bike tour event. Great views of the…read moreVerrazano bridge. Next time I visit SI, I will plan to explore Fort Wadsworth better. Alot of information surrounding Fort Wadsworth.

    Before artillery and ordinance became too powerful, coastal defenses were a critical part of…read morenational war efforts to protect our young cities from naval bombardment. The Narrows dividing Upper and Lower New York Bay were the best spot to position those military efforts and the Fort Wadsworth complex on northeastern Staten Island was selected to build those primary fortifications. As we know, the British occupied New York City and Staten Island early in the Revolutionary War. The Reds were aware of the value of this locale, but did not fear the fledgling American Navy. It was not until after independence that our weak central government began to take steps to utilize the area for defense of what became our most important harbor. First sandstone, later granite, were set to allow over 200 cannon to be placed facing the lower harbor to repel invaders. The War of 1812 and the Civil War saw the most activity and growth, until Fort Wadsworth was the largest and most formidable redoubt on the Atlantic seaboard. By the early 20th Century coastal defenses were no longer relevant due to the firepower on ships and the birth of the modern Air Force. Today, the fort has been decommissioned and become part of the Gateway National Recreation Area run by the National Park Service. The 226 acres bracketing the north end of the Verrazano Bridge is now a great place to walk, explore the old naval station and see a spectacular view of Lower Manhattan from the promontory facing Upper New York Harbor that sits directly under the bridge. This whole stretch of eastern Staten Island is mostly deserted in winter, making an ideal time to visit and allow your imagination to run wild with how different this spot was earlier in our national history. I have driven over the VNB hundreds of times, remarked on the fantastic view of city and harbor from the steel span, but never realized Fort Wadsworth was there beneath me. I guess getting onto the Belt Parkway required all my attention. Now that I know and have visited its historic granite walls, I will at the very least acknowledge its stony presence and tip my cap in passing to thank all who served there in defense of our young nation.

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    Clay Pit Ponds - parks - Updated July 2026

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