Clay Pits Pond Preserve

The Clay Pits Pond Preserve covers 265 acres on Staten Island, and offers a variety of terrain for you and your adventure pup to explore, including wetlands, sand areas, streams, woods, and ponds. This is a natural paradise unlike any other that will stimulate your dog's senses!

Once used as a settling ground for a number of different peoples, including the Leni Lenape Indians, early European immigrants, and the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, it's visited today for it's nature areas, bird watching, picnicking, and hiking and horseback riding on its forest trails. The Interpretive Center at Clay Pit Ponds can also be found here, a museum which outlines the rich history and geology of the region. The museum observes different hours than the preserve, and houses bathrooms for people, although dogs are not allowed in the building. 

Your pupper can join you throughout all of the day use areas, including the picnic areas and all the pawsome trails, unless otherwise marked. Keep your dog leashed on a lead no longer than 6 feet, and be aware of any signs noting prohibitions. Trails are well-maintained and are at a low elevation, making it easy for all kinds of dogs to enjoy. Along these lovely paths, you can spot the Preserve's 170 species of birds that flit through forests and marshlands. Butterflies and deer, and lots of other critters, also call this pawtastic place home. All trails are under a mile and can easily be combined to form loops and longer expeditions. If you end up near the office and aviary at 83 Nielson Avenue, note there's a compost toilet available there. Be sure to bring clean-up bags for your pup though, and do your part to keep this furbulous habitat clean. Have water to share on hand too!

Admission to Clay Pits Pond Preserve is $6 to $10 per vehicle for the day, or you can purchase a variety of other passes, such as one of the Empire Passes which allows year round admission in any of the state's parks. 

For a great day reconnecting with nature in a stunning New York preserve, plan a visit to Clay Pits Pond Preserve! Your dog will love it!