Great Kills Park - Staten Island, NY
Great Kills Park – Dog-Friendly Trails & Nature in Staten Island, NY
Great Kills Park, located at 3270 Hylan Blvd in Staten Island, New York, is a unique blend of natural beauty and pet-friendly amenities. This dog-friendly park is beloved by locals for its tranquil walking trails, opportunities to spot wildlife like deer, rabbits, geese, and even foxes, and sweeping views of Staten Island’s beaches and harbors. With its expansive green spaces and refreshing sea breezes, it’s an ideal destination for pet owners seeking open skies and dog-friendly hikes in the heart of NYC’s greenest borough.
Dog owners praise Great Kills Park for providing a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for long walks and quality time outdoors with your pet. While the park has experienced some maintenance challenges and restroom facilities may be lacking, the scenery and wilderness more than make up for it. There are several walking paths, plentiful shade from mature trees, and ample space for dogs to enjoy nature safely on leash. Parking is available, though some areas may be reduced due to ongoing erosion work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Great Kills Park features several walking and nature trails ideal for dog-friendly hikes.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there is plenty of natural shade from the park’s abundant trees, making it comfortable during warmer months.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking is available within the park, though some lots may be reduced due to land erosion.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Restrooms are available, but they may not always be clean or well-maintained.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Great Kills Park is open year-round for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are various nature and hiking trails popular with dog owners.
Reviews
I spent a few hours there this weekend and was genuinely surprised by how peaceful and full of life this place is. I saw deer, rabbits, and even a bunch of geese walking around like they owned the place
The views of Staten Island were stunning, and the sea breeze made it even more refreshing. If you love nature, open skies, and quiet walks, this park is definitely worth the visit.
I’m already planning to come back…
Absolutely amazing park, 5 mins drive from Hyland Blvd shopping center.. Staten Island is notorious for its amazing wilderness and great parks in the middle of this NYC borrow.
I absolutely love bringing my dog to Great Kills Park!
It’s one of our favorite places for long, peaceful walks. The trails are perfect for stretching your legs, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some cool wildlife—I’ve seen foxes, groundhogs, snakes, and even deer on a few occasions. It’s such a refreshing place to get some clean air. What makes it even better is that you get the best of both worlds: the greenery of the park and the relaxing views of the beach. It’s a well-rounded outdoor experience that never gets old. Highly recommend for fellow nature lovers and dog owners!
Beautiful park with amazing views of the wildlife.
In the 39 years I have been living on Staten Island, I have enjoyed going to the park fishing at Crooks Point and later with my granddaughter in the harbor. Ever since the complete and total neglect of restoration from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, the park is in decline. The areas where we fished on the bay side is crumbling and closed off. The massive amount of erosion which toppled trees onto the beach below started to claim the walkway. Instead of restoring the 50 or so yards taken by years of erosion, the solution by the Federal Park Service was to take away more land and 1/3rd of the parking lot, but nothing is being done to prevent continuing soil erosion.
The toilets are horrendous. Almost always filthy and the doors are barely hanging on the hinges. It was once a place I looked forward to visiting, but it no longer has any appeal