Green Trail, Moses' Mountain, New York

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, birding LENGTH OF HIKE: 2 miles OUT AND BACK OR LOOP: Out and back DIFFICULTY OF TERRAIN: Moderate ELEVATION GAIN: 200 feet PARKING FEE/PASS: No TOILETS: No CHANGING TABLE: No NURSING BENCHES: No DOGS ALLOWED: Yes BIKES/HORSES/MOTORS ON TRAIL: No DRINKING WATER AVAILABLE: No POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Uneven terrain, can be muddy, ticks GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Water The Green Trail is the Hike it Baby Staten Island pick because it is a friendly hike leading to Moses’ Mountain, with many interesting spots that are toddler height. This is part of the Greenbelt Trail system, which boasts six greenbelts to travel on and explore with terrain that will work for all abilities and access needs. Whether you’re on a bike, in a wheelchair, tandem-wearing kids, or leading a new walker down the trail, there’s something for everyone here. Four of the greenbelt trails are walking only. What we love about this trail are huge, hollowed-out oak trees to poke your head in, board walkways to venture across muddy spots, and a few streams with short bridges that are fun for watching stream life float by and for jumping off the end onto the trail. Thanks to Staten Island’s temperate climate, there are also trees like persimmon and sweet gum that one would expect only in the South. In the spring and summer months, there are vernal pools, which are breeding grounds where you can see tadpoles and salamanders grow. The stumps and roots of trees are great places to observe a multitude of crawly things, such as beetles, centipedes, a few varieties of ants, worms, etc. A variety of birds also call the green belt home. Expect to see chipmunks, gray and black squirrels, and the occasional deer. As you climb the gentle mountain, there are many excellent nature stopping points along the way. Once you reach the top of Moses’ Mountain, you can see all the way to New Jersey on a clear day. There are large rocks suitable for sitting, feeding, or changing a diaper. The only slight hazard you might find is one spot on the trail that crosses Manor Road. It is well signed, and rumble strips and a pedestrian crossing have been put in. There shouldn’t be any issue crossing, but it’s worth noting. Every so often you might see a dog or bike on the trail, so just be aware if your little one is running ahead. Of course, like most of the East Coast, ticks are a concern when it’s over 50 degrees. INSIDER’S TIP Staten Island and most likely these walking areas were home to famed naturalist Henry David Thoreau in the summer of 1843. He lived here with his friend, Ralph Waldo Emerson, tutoring his three children. Apparently he spent every morning walking through the area, exploring the landscape, and recording things such as the “17-year locust,” a hatching of cicadas that happens en masse every 13 to 17 years.