Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Pelham Bay Park spans approximately 2,772 acres in the Bronx, making it the largest public park in New York City. It features a range of landscapes including salt marshes, rocky shorelines, forests, and meadows. The park’s geography includes the western portion of Hunter Island, Twin Island, Rat Island, and the mainland area rich with freshwater and saltwater environments. Ecologically, Pelham Bay supports migratory birds, fish, turtles, and numerous plant species, making it a valuable urban wildlife habitat. Historically, the park sits on land once inhabited by the Siwanoy tribe, and later developed for private estates before becoming a public park in 1888. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, and swimming at Orchard Beach, known as “The Riviera of New York.” Notable landmarks include the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion, the Kazimiroff Nature Trail, and Pelham Bay Golf Course. The park is also part of the Bronx River Greenway and contains several trail networks connecting natural areas. Its combination of natural areas and recreational facilities draws a wide variety of visitors, from families to avid outdoor enthusiasts, making it an integral natural resource within the metropolitan region.
