High Rock Park Conservation Center
High Rock Park was created in the mid 1960s by local residents of Staten Island who were concerned that this wooded area would be destroyed during this period of development on the island. Today, High Rock Park consists of 85 acres of deciduous forest. There are 6 walking trails where visitors can explore the hardwood forest, the swamp and glacial ponds.
High Rock also offers visitors a chance to experience three unique gardens. The Sensory Garden, where you will find fragrant herbs marked with Braille and situated in unusual containers, making this garden easily accessible for those with physical limitations. The Centennial Spring Wildflower Garden is a natural and untamed display of native wildflowers. The Interpretive Fern Garden showcases indigenous fern species. Trail maps are available at the Visitor's Center on weekends and at the Administration building on weekdays.
Getting there:
Bus: From the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island, take the 108
(Richmondtown) or 113 (Arthur Kill Road) to Richmond Road and Rockland
Avenue. Turn Right at Tonking Road. Follow this road uphill to the
pedestrian path which will lead you to the Visitors Center/High Rock Shop.
Subway: Take the Staten Island Ferry from the South Ferry Station on
Whitehall Street in Manhattan. Exit the Ferry at the intersection of
South Street and Bay Street. Take the Staten Island Railroad (S) from
St. George Station heading to Tottenville. Exit at the New Dorp stop.
Walk West on New Dorp Lane toward New Dorp Place. Turn left on to
Richmond Ave. Turn right on Rockland Ave. Turn right on to Nevada Ave.
Allow roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Ferry in Manhattan to
Nevada Ave.