Arden Heights Woods
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 2 Long Island City Office (M-F, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM), (718) 482-4900; reg2lands@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or 911
- Location: Staten Island, Richmond County
- Map: Arden Heights Woods Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Arden Heights Woods is comprised of 8 acres of forested freshwater wetlands. The view of the forest provides a unique experience in Staten Island where undeveloped forested land is rare. A single-track footpath from Woodrow Road 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 Woods Park (leaves DEC website), another wetland owned by New York City, which provides an additional 183-acre nature sanctuary amidst a bustling urban environment.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and 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 the neighboring Arden Woods Park (leaves DEC website). 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.
Wildlife
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 Bluebelt Program (leaves DEC website).
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, and 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.
Directions
Arden Heights can be accessed off of Woodrow Road. There is no designated parking, but vehicles can be parked on the shoulder of Woodrow Road.
- Arden Heights Woods (40.558106°N, 74.180493°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
All users of Arden Heights must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
For your safety and protection of the resource, the following regulations are in place:
- All state properties are carry in-carry out facilities.
- Unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited.
- No hunting is allowed on any Region 2 DEC property.
- Fishing is allowed in compliance with State regulations.
- No camping is allowed.
- Keep pets under control and on leash while other forest users are around.
- Unauthorized use of off-road motorized vehicles is prohibited. This includes cars, trucks, ATVs, and motorcycles.
***Stay Safe - Bring a Friend When Out On the Trails***
Illegal activities are strictly prohibited on state property.
Planning and Management
DEC has developed a Southern Staten Island Unit Management Plan (SSIUMP) (PDF) which describes the proposed management activities for this land. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r2.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Bloesser's Pond
- Clay Pit Ponds State Park (leaves DEC website)
- Goethals Pond Complex
- Pouch Camp Conservation Easement
- Todt Hill Woodlands
- Lemon Creek
- Mount Loretto Unique Area
- North Mount Loretto State Forest
- Old Place Creek
- Saint Francis Woodlands
- Sawmill Creek Wetland
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- 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.
Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
