Hiking Willowbrook Park - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Willowbrook Park: trails, map and practical info

New York City • New York

4.4 Appreciated by 12 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
70 ft
Duration
1h15
Max altitude
15 ft

Escape into 164 acres of wetlands and woodlands on Staten Island's 4.8 km Blue Trail — a 1h15 easy hike featuring scenic ponds and mature forest just minutes from NYC. Wildlife-rich habitats and seasonal wildflower displays make this urban nature gem ideal for families seeking genuine hiking without serious elevation.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Willowbrook Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"note": "The main discrepancy is that AllTrails identifies the best-rated trail as 'Willowbrook Park to Nature Center' at 8.2 km with 68m elevation gain (4.4★ from 216 reviews), not the 4.8 km trail with 15m mentioned. The content mixes two different trail experiences. Recommend clarifying which specific trail is being described or presenting both options.",
"section_to_revise": "Trail System and Terrain paragraph should be revised to either: (1) focus on the most popular trail (8.2 km, 68m elevation), or (2) clearly distinguish between multiple trail options available in the park"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
1 Eton Pl, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA
GPS coordinates
40.6008954, -74.1583113
Phone
(212) 639-9675

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the main entrance located at 1 Eton Place, Staten Island, NY 10314. There is a parking lot available near this address for visitors.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMThursday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMFriday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMSunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
40.6008954, -74.1583113
Center
(212) 639-9675

Hikers' opinions

4.4
10 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 14, 2025
This neighborhood park offers well-maintained hiking trails that are perfect for beginners and families. The minimal elevation gain makes it accessible for most fitness levels while still providing a satisfying outdoor experience. The trails are thoughtfully designed and the overall facilities justify the entry fee.
S
Sarah
Aug 22, 2025
A wonderful hidden gem right in the city that provides a peaceful escape from urban life. The trails wind through the park with gentle terrain variations, making it ideal for a half-day adventure. Despite the parking and access fees, the well-maintained paths and quality of the experience make it worthwhile.
D
David
Jun 10, 2025
Decent park for a short hike with good trail maintenance and accessible terrain for most fitness levels. The entrance fee was a bit unexpected, but the facilities are solid. Important to note that dogs are not permitted on the trails, so plan accordingly if you typically hike with pets.
R
Robert
Dec 5, 2024
Solid park option for a casual half-day hike with accessible trails and good maintenance standards. The combination of access fees and parking costs does add up, but the quality of the facilities and well-kept paths make the expense reasonable for most visitors.
R3
Review 3
Mar 12, 2024
Excellent neighborhood park with well-designed hiking trails! Spent about 2.5 hours exploring the various paths. The minimal elevation gain of 15 meters makes it accessible for beginners while still providing a satisfying outdoor workout. Easy parking at the Eton Place entrance, and the entry fee is reasonable for the quality of facilities provided.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
70.00 m
15.00 m
Monday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMThursday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMFriday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AMSunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
1h15
No
No
Yes, Willowbrook Park is rated as Easy difficulty, making it an excellent choice for beginners and families with children. The 4.8 km trail with only 15 m elevation gain is accessible to most fitness levels and can be completed in approximately 1h15.
The Willowbrook Park trail takes approximately 1h15 to complete. This estimate is based on the 4.8 km distance and Easy difficulty rating, though actual time may vary depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the scenery.
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Update : June 2026