Probably most New Yorkers know no more about Staten Island than an occasional trip on the Ferry with visiting out-of-towners—if that. Staten Island is another world—with more designated parkland than any other borough. On this trip, as well as drinking in the humbling panorama of the world-renowned New York harbor from the Staten Island Ferry, we'll see forest, swamps, fresh water ponds, sandy beaches, rocky Atlantic coast and bluffs, and amazingly, open grasslands. We’ll begin walking through the North Mount Loretto State Forest (acquired in 2008) and then proceed to the sky-full vistas of Mount Loretto Unique Area on Staten Island's south shore. The rich greens of late spring should be spectacular. Resident songbirds are already nesting and raising families – the woods should be lively with their songs. Bring your lunch to enjoy on the beach if the weather is cooperative (swimming may be possible, though the water may be cold and the beach is pebbly!)
Meet at 8:30 am at the Manhattan Staten Island Ferry Terminal at South Ferry for the 9:00 am boat. (Check the MTA Weekender for any connecting subway weekend service changes. #1 Train to South Ferry or R Train to Whitehall Street/South Ferry.) Meet at the top of the escalators in the main waiting room of the Terminal. (Ferries leave every 1/2 hour so don't be late!) Staten Island Railway (SIR) to Richmond Valley. Approximately 5 mile walk. Return on the SIR to the St. George Ferry Terminal, and Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan. Plan on a full day outing – we will try to be back to Manhattan by 4:00 pm, but depending on train and ferry connections, it may be later!
Check out the Google Map here!
Want to meet other New Yorkers who live in the city and love the outdoors? Join us at our Final Expo on June 7th for an epic day of celebrating the NYC outdoors community.
