The Top 10 Hiking Trails on Long Island: A Guide for Nature Lovers
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with our guide to the top 10 hiking trails on Long Island. From scenic coastal paths to lush forests and serene wetlands, Long Island offers a diverse array of landscapes to explore. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual walker, our guide will help you find the perfect trail for your next outdoor adventure.
Key Takeaways
Long Island boasts a variety of beautiful hiking trails suitable for different skill levels and preferences.
Our guide covers a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal paths to forests and wetlands.
Explore Long Island's natural beauty by embarking on a hike along one of these top 10 trails.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve (Lloyd Harbor)
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve offers over 1,500 acres of diverse landscapes, including woodlands, meadows, and salt marshes. With over 13 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the park's natural beauty and catch glimpses of the stunning Long Island Sound.
Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park)
Sunken Meadow State Park features six miles of trails that wind through a mix of coastal and woodland environments. The park's Boardwalk Trail offers stunning views of the Long Island Sound, while the Greenbelt Trail takes hikers through dense forests and past kettle hole ponds.
Cold Spring Harbor State Park (Cold Spring Harbor)
Cold Spring Harbor State Park is home to a 1.5-mile segment of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which offers a challenging and rewarding hike through hilly terrain. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Cold Spring Harbor and the surrounding area.
Muttontown Preserve (East Norwich)
Spanning over 550 acres, Muttontown Preserve is one of Long Island's largest nature preserves. With several miles of trails, hikers can explore diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The preserve is also home to the ruins of a Gold Coast mansion, adding a touch of history to your hike.
Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Oakdale)
Connetquot River State Park Preserve offers over 50 miles of trails along the scenic Connetquot River. The preserve is home to diverse plant and animal life, and its trails lead hikers through beautiful pine barrens, wetlands, and hardwood forests.
Avalon Park and Preserve (Stony Brook)
Avalon Park and Preserve is a hidden gem that offers a series of well-maintained trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park's centerpiece is a beautiful labyrinth garden, providing a peaceful and contemplative experience for visitors.
Sands Point Preserve (Sands Point)
Sands Point Preserve features over 200 acres of lush forests, meadows, and coastal habitats, with six miles of trails to explore. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful scenery while also taking in the historic mansions and impressive architecture that dot the preserve.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park (Oyster Bay)
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a 400-acre park that offers several miles of trails through beautifully landscaped gardens and lush woodlands. Visitors can enjoy the park's extensive collection of plants, trees, and flowers, as well as the historic Coe Hall mansion.
Welwyn Preserve (Glen Cove)
Welwyn Preserve is a 204-acre property that features a mix of woodland, salt marsh, and beach habitats. The preserve's four miles of trails offer a peaceful retreat for hikers, with stunning views of the Long Island Sound and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge (Quogue)
Quogue Wildlife Refuge is a 300-acre nature preserve that offers seven miles of trails through diverse habitats, including pine barrens, wetlands, and a pristine freshwater lake. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turtles, and numerous bird species, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Long Island is a treasure trove of beautiful hiking trails that cater to a variety of skill levels and preferences. From the stunning coastal paths of Sunken Meadow State Park and Sands Point Preserve to the serene wetlands of Muttontown Preserve and Quogue Wildlife Refuge, there's a trail for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and explore the diverse landscapes that Long Island has to offer with our guide to the top 10 hiking trails.
