Long Island has it all, from bagels to beautiful beaches. This place has enticed travelers from near and far. It offers a range of amazing accommodation options too - from the top family resorts to the best Vrbo vacation rentals in Long Island. However, some of the better-kept secrets of this charming island are its beautiful hiking trails. Beginners, as well as experienced hikers, will appreciate the innumerable types of trails offered on this island. If you are one of those outdoorsy tourists, there are many trails you should check out. Also, summer is the perfect time for people to explore the island on foot. Luckily, there is an array of interesting hiking trails across Suffolk and Nassau County where you can marvel at the natural beauty of the surroundings. From serene beaches to hilly paths, embrace your adventurous spirit and check out these 10 best trails for hiking on Long Island, New York.
1. Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail
Editor’s note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail links the Bethpage Bikeway and the Cold Spring Harbor State Park trail. It is an ideal stretch for all outdoorsy travelers who don’t mind putting some miles in. The entire trail covers an approximate distance of around 32.18 km (20 mi). Since it includes two extremely popular hiking trails, the traffic is moderate to heavy based on your route. In case you wish to bike down this trail, it is important to note that it is not fully paved. As such, it would be a wise idea to ride a mountain bike in some of the stretches. If you’re planning to hike, wear sturdy boots.
Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail
Address: Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758, United States
Website: Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail
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2. Trail View State Park
If you’re looking for places to hike on Long Island, head over to Trail View State Park. It is a linear park stretching for 11.90 km (7.4 mi), and it acts as a link between Bethpage State Park and Nassau/Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. You will find different types of natural resources and habitats along the way. It is also a popular spot for birdwatchers throughout the year. Other major activities in this park include cross-country skiing and horseback riding. It is an ideal way to explore and discover nature. Hikers and bikers alike share the same path.
Trail View State Park
Address: 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797, United States
Website: Trail View State Park
3. Stump Pond Loop Trail
Editor’s note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing
Stretching across approximately 9.65 km (6 mi), Stump Pond Loop Trail is tucked within Blydenburgh Park. Many feel that it is one of the finest trails for enjoying stunning water views and fall foliage. The traffic along this trail is usually light throughout the year, making it an excellent spot to visit at any time of the day. The terrain here is mostly flat so it is easily accessible for hikers with various fitness and skill levels. Dot not be surprised when you see a deer while hiking here.
Stump Pond Loop Trail
Address: Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788, United States
Website: Stump Pond Loop Trail
4. Hempstead Lake State Park
Welcome to Hampstead Lake State Park that is set on the biggest lake in Nassau County. This lovely park provides flat hiking trails across three ponds. It is also a great spot to enjoy a cozy picnic, and there are shaded picnic areas featuring BBQ pits, tables, and benches. Located in West Hampstead, it is one of the state parks within the town, There are also kids’ playgrounds, tennis courts, horseback riding, basketball courts, and magnificent biking trails here. To put it plainly, this is the perfect site for your entire family.
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Hempstead Lake State Park
Address: Lakeside Dr., West Hempstead, NY 11552
Website: Hempstead Lake State Park
5. Montauk Point and Camp Hero State Park
Your visit to Long Island will be incomplete without spending a summer day hiking in Montauk Point and Camp Hero State Park. There are many trails to enjoy here, and it is quite surprising that they are usually less congested compared to the others. Similar to many of the hiking trails listed here, it is recommended to start early morning so you can enjoy the trail all to yourself or share it with only a few other hikers.
Montauk Point and Camp Hero State Park
Address: 2000 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, United States
6. Muttontown Preserve
If you’re looking for walking trails on Long Island, then head over to Muttontown Preserve. It is famous for its picturesque nature walks through beautiful wildflowers and mesmerizing woodlands. While walking along the trail, visitors will come across the lovely Chelsea Estate. They will discover remnants of the former mansion of Albania’s King Zog. Many speculate that there are hidden treasures in its walls. You will also discover apple trees and ponds in the largest natural preserve of Long Island.
Muttontown Preserve
Address: Jericho Oyster Bay Rd, East Norwich, NY 11732, United States
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
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7. Sands Point Preserve
A loop trail that spans for 3.05 km (1.9 mi), Sands Point Preserve is set in proximity to Port Washington, New York. This hiking trail gives an opportunity to explore wildlife while also being perfect for hikers of different skill levels. There are various activity choices offered by this trail, and they are best explored during the months of February to October. You can also bring your furry friends here, but they should be on a leash. Some other activities that can be enjoyed in this kid-friendly trail include fishing, bird watching, and nature trips.
Sands Point Preserve
Address: 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point, NY 11050, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
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8. Cold Spring Harbor State Park
Cold Spring Harbor State Park offers an uphill hiking trail so that you can enjoy picturesque vistas of this alluring hamlet in Long Island. This is one of the best hikes on Long Island for adventure freaks who are looking for a short yet challenging hike. Although a majority of the hiking trails on the island are flat, this one features more than 40 acres (16.188 ha) of rolling terrain. You can also enjoy nice views of the dense woodland and the lake while hiking. Overall, it is simple to follow, and it is accessible and open to all.
Cold Spring Harbor State Park
Address: 95 Harbor Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, United States
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9. Caleb Smith State Park
If you are looking for an excellent hiking trail in New York, Caleb Smith State Park offers a great choice. The park has forest trails, kid-friendly trails, lake trails, and more. There are driving directions and hand-curated trail maps with pictures and in-depth reviews from nature lovers, campers, and hikers. In all, there are five easy trails here that are tucked in the middle of Smithtown. It is the only one out of two state nature preserves Long Island offers. Ideal for hiking, it features exotic views of extremely rare plants such as ghost plant, mayflower, and lady’s slipper orchids. You can either opt to relax here or indulge in activities like fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
Caleb Smith State Park
Address: 581 W Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787, United States
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 8am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
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10. Bethpage Bikeway Trail
Bethpage Bikeway Trail starts at Bethpage State Park and ends at Massapequa Preserve and is around 19.31 km (12 mi) long. The mostly flat and the paved trail sees quite a crowd in all seasons except extreme winters. You can start early to avoid the traffic and enjoy the trail all to yourself. Dog walkers, bikers, and runners all share this beautiful trail in the state of New York.
Bethpage Bikeway Trail
Address: 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735, United States
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Enjoy hiking along these wonderful trails
There are several thousands of miles of beautiful trails on Long Island, crossing through lakes, fields, and woods. Several of them are appropriate for the little ones in your family, and some of them even offer guided tours for your convenience. Take a closer look at these hiking trails on Long Island, New York, and experience joy and excitement like never before.
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