Long Island’s 2022 FALL season will see more people outside and engaged with their communities and nature.

As the weather cools down, Long Island residents will find themselves with a lot of outdoor destinations to choose from.

Below is a list of eight hiking locales for Hikers and lovers of nature who wish to explore more in the Long Island region.

1. Cold Spring Harbor State Park, Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor State Park, which we have written about here, is a perfect destination nestled within Cold Spring Harbor Village. Surrounded by the neighboring town and yet feeling worlds away, the hiking trails offered in the area are great for beginners and moderate hikers who want to see something new.

At its highest point, Cold Spring Harbor itself is visible, shedding new light on the community. It is well worth the trip, and a great opportunity both for exercise and to enjoy time outside. Pets are welcome and commonly found being walked along the main mile-long trail.

You can learn more about Cold Spring Harbor State Park on the New York Government website. You can find the park at 95 Harbor Rd, Cold Spring Harbor.

2. Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale

Bethpage State Park can be found on the border of Nassau and Suffolk County. The area is well known for its recreational activities, such as its picnic areas and tennis courts. While most know of Bethpage State Park for its golf, which has hosted several national championships, the scenic beauty of the area is not to be understated.

The park has several trails of varying lengths, perfect for more leisurely hikes or biking. The large, 14-mile Bikeway Trail is accessible to most skill levels and allows one to take in the plentiful natural sights throughout the area.

Learn more about Bethpage State Park on the New York Government website. You can find the park at 99 Quaker Meeting House Road in Farmingdale.

3. Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point

Sands Point Preserve, which we have written about here, is a rich locale filled with local history and scenic vistas. The preserve and its estates have been a major Long Island destination since the early 1900s. Since then, it has become home to educational facilities, a host of events, and of course, hiking trails.

Sands Point Preserve has several different areas available for hiking. This includes a mile-long beach as well as forays into the woods. Natural freshwater ponds and other natural sights are also present for those wishing to see something new.

Learn more about Sands Point Preserve on the conservancy’s website. You can find the preserve at 127 Middle Neck Road in Sands Point.

4. Brookhaven State Park, Ridge

Brookhaven State Park contains several moderate trails within its 1,638-acre borders. It is adjacent to the William Floyd Parkway and features trails that head in several different directions.

Brookhaven State Park has notable wildlife and ecological areas within the park. It contains not only woods but a series of wetlands which are a beautiful sight to see from its trails. Intrepid hikers can enjoy all these views and more, with a loved one, or even a pet.

Learn more about Brookhaven State Park on the New York Government’s website. You can find the park at 2500 William Floyd Parkway in Ridge.

5. Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead

Hempstead Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for hikers or for those who simply want to head outside. The park contains many amenities such as tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, and notable a children’s carousel.

As far as hiking goes, the area’s natural beauty and relaxed trails make it a perfect spot for waterside hiking. The Hempstead Lake trail brings one throughout much of the park, around the central Hempstead Lake, Nassau Country’s largest lake. It is typically well-trafficked and can be used by bikers as well.

To learn more about Hempstead Lake State Park, visit the New York Government’s website. The park is located at Eagle Ave. in West Hempstead.

6. Trail View State Park, Woodbury

Trail View State Park was created in 2002, running between Cold Spring Harbor and Bethpage State Park. The area takes well loved elements from both parks, including a hilly terrain and a diversity of wildlife. Between its views and the abundance of flora and fauna within the 454-acre area, the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation department marks the park as a favorite for bird-watchers.

As for what can be expected on the trail, elevation will vary. Anywhere from 60 to 300 feet shifts are common. There is an abundance of wildlife in the warmer months, be it in the nearby marshes or natural fields that take up much of the land. There is decent foot-traffic year round, though as usual this amps up in Spring and Summer.

To learn more about Trail View State Park, visit the New York Government’s website. The park’s entrance can be found at 8101 Jericho Turnpike adjacent to Woodbury road. Here, parking is available.

7. Sunken Meadow State Park, King’s Park

Sunken Meadow State Park is one of Long Island’s most well-known hiking and beach spots. The three-mile waterfront is a beloved hiking area both for its views as well as the variety of the nearby terrain.

Connected to the Long Island Sound with views unto Connecticut, hikers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to how to attain these views. The most popular trail will take hikers nearly four miles through the local wildlife. It is year-round accessible, and the park mostly sees a good deal of traffic throughout the year, particularly in the summer months.

To learn more about Sunken Meadow State Park, visit the New York Government’s website. The park is located at New York State Reference Rte 908K, Kings Park.

8. Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown

Muttontown Preserve is a 550-acre nature preserve located in Muttontown. It was established out of a combination of several different estates and features a bounty of nature in all directions. The grounds contain the historic Chelsea Mansion, a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Muttontown Preserve’s hiking trail is a moderate trail, good for beginners or experienced hikers. There are a variety of trails to choose from, many of which lead to ruins nestled in the wilderness.

Muttontown Preserve can be found in Muttontown, NY. To get there, take NY 106 north to the Muttontown Preserve. You can park at the equestrian entrance, located at NY 106 near the southeast corner of the preserve.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Comment below to let us know!