Arden Heights Woods
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Location: Southern Staten Island, Richmond County
- Map: View Arden Heights Wood Map || View Same Map in PDF(1.6 MB) || Google Earth || State Lands Interactive Mapper
Arden Heights Woods is comprised of 8 acres of forested freshwater wetlands. The view of the forest stand provides a unique experience in Staten Island where undeveloped forested land is rare. A single-track footpath leads into the property from Woodrow Road. It leads to the western edge of the property and the pond. This is a popular destination for hiking, bird-watching, nature viewing and photography. The property is located adjacent to Arden Heights Woods Park, another class 1 wetland owned by New York City, which provides an additional 183-acre nature sanctuary amidst a bustling urban environment.
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.
Along with a hiking trail which begins on Woodrow Road, another single track footpath runs through the woods connecting Arden Heights to the trails within a neighboring municipal park. Many area residents have taken advantage of this convenient arrangement, and consequently become quite fond of using this area for bird watching, dog-walking, leisurely strolls, nature study, wildlife viewing, photography, and simply as an open space retreat.
***Stay Safe- Bring a Friend When Out On the Trails***
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Arden Heights Woods is largely composed of a somewhat primitive-feeling forested wetland currently included in the Blue-Belt program.
Within this property, a stream slowly meanders through the trees leading toward a large woodland pond, allowing for an abundance of plants and wildlife to thrive.
The hardwood forest surrounding the wetland further contributes to the already diverse habitat available within Arden Heights, which, together with the adjacent marsh attracts an incredible assortment of wildlife including hawks, owls, warblers and sparrows, as well as spring peepers, tree frogs, salamanders, along with a variety of small mammals.
One of the unique geologic features identified within Arden Heights Woods is a ground moraine that was created from glacial till derived from Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic shale and sandstone. The ground moraine was created during the Wisconsinan glacial period and is part of the Harbor Hill moraine, which deposited material in a distinct northwest-southeasterly band across Staten Island.
Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Pleasant Plains, Heartland Village and Great Kills.
Staten Island Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.