State Land

Old Place Creek

On this page

The 70-acre Old Place Creek features critical tidal and subtidal wetland habitat located in northwestern Staten Island. The headwaters for the creek begin in the forested wetlands of Graniteville Swamp Woods and then slowly meander toward the northern end of the Arthur Kill next to Goethals Bridge, providing a wonderful stretch of tidal salt marsh.

Featured Activities

General information on marine fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Schools of small striped killifish and Atlantic silversides attract winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass.

General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

An accessible hand boat launch provides access to the creek, which connects to the Arthur Kill in about 2 miles.

For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Richmond County page.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

Primarily dominated by cord grass, spike grass, common reed, cattail and marsh elder, the saltwater wetlands have extremely high biological productivity, making them an excellent habitat for many varieties of fish, birds, and insects.

Wading birds in particular forage extensively on the plentiful supplies of fish and invertebrates found within the marshes, including bluefish, striped bass, and young winter flounder. Black-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, glossy ibis, cattle egret, great egret, green-backed heron, yellow-crowned night-heron, and little blue heron have all been identified within the area.

In addition, many species of nesting waterfowl have also made use of the critical wetland habitat within Old Place Creek, including the American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, wood duck, Canada goose, and the gadwall.

Accessible Features

From the Gulf Avenue Parking Area, off Route 278, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Hand boat launch; and
  • Viewing platform

The hand boat launch and viewing platform of wetlands are 100 feet from the parking area.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

Bounded by Forest Avenue and Gulf Avenue on its eastern section, Old Place Creek is located behind Keyspan near the Goethals Bridge Toll Booth.

  • Parking area (40.6277654°N, 74.1830386°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles 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 Old Place Creek 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:

  • Most state properties are carry in/carry out facilities, meaning there are no trash cans and you must take your trash with you when you leave.
  • Unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited.
  • No hunting is allowed on any Region 2 DEC properties.
  • 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 Visiting the Property***

Illegal activities are strictly prohibited on state property.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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 [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

  • Gas, food and other supplies as well as dining and lodging can be found in the nearby community of Staten Island.

Staten Island Tourism 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 for information on outdoor guides.

Important Links

Tips for Using State Forests
Staten Island Tourism
Contact for this Page

NYSDEC Region2 Lands and Forests Hunter's Point Plaza
47-40 21st Street Long Is
City, NY 11101

This Page Covers
Region 2 - New York City
Icon