North Mt Loretto State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contract Information:
- DEC Region 2 Long Island City Office (M-F, 8:45AM - 4:45PM), (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: Mt. Loretto State Forest Map PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 74-acre North Mt. Loretto State Forest is a unique and diverse green space in southern Staten Island. The property includes both mixed hardwood forest and wetland habitats. These features make it a beautiful area to hike and one of the best places to spot amphibians in the area.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
North Mt. Loretto State Forest features five trails which traverse the property passing through forests and around wetlands, one of which is wheelchair accessible.
Biking
General information on biking includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.
The 2 miles of trails in North Mt. Loretto State Forest are open to bicycles. The trails are single track and shared with hikers.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
The diverse terrain of North Mt. Loretto State Forest preserves critical habitat for both plants and wildlife. The combination of ephemeral ponds and flooded channels with mature woods provides an ideal habitat for several species including white-tailed deer, salamanders, rabbits, turtles, geese, hawks, wood thrush, frogs, and raccoons.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
North Mount Loretto State Forest features a universally accessible parking lot and wheelchair accessible trail.
Directions
- Amboy Road Parking Lot is located east of 6647 Amboy Road. (40.518196°N, 74.223822°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 North Mount Loretto State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Specific Rules
- This is a carry in, carry out facility, meaning there are no trash cans and you must be prepared to take your trash out with you.
- Unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited.
- Keep pets under control and on leash while other forest users are around.
- Unauthorized use of motor vehicles is prohibited. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs.
- No hunting on any Region 2 properties.
- No camping.
***Stay Safe - Bring a Friend When Visiting the Property***
Illegal activities are strictly prohibited on state property.
Planning and Management
DEC has developed a Draft Southern Staten Island Draft UMP (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.
History
North Mt. Loretto State Forest was added in 2008 to the list of properties placed under the stewardship of the DEC through the collaborative efforts and aid of the Trust for Public Land (leaves DEC website), a nonprofit land conservation organization, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. North Mt. Loretto will complement neighboring Mount Loretto Unique Area, located just south of the property, in bringing continued biological diversity and recreational enjoyment to the area.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Arden Heights Woods
- Bloesser's Pond
- Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve (leaves DEC website)
- Lemon Creek
- Mount Loretto Unique Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies as well as dining and lodging opportunities can be found in the nearby community of Staten Island.
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.
