52 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • APRIL 2020
PRESS BUZZ: DESTINATIONS
TAKE A HIKE ON LI’S GREENBELT TRAILS
LONG ISLAND
GREENBELT TRAIL
This is the original granddaddy
Greenbelt hiking trail, a challenging
but rewarding trek that takes hikers
on a 31.8-mile north-south course traversing
the island from shore to shore,
following the course of the Connetquot
and Nissequogue Rivers and traversing
the Ronkonkoma Moraine. From the
south, the trail begins at Heckscher
State Park and terminates at Sunken
Meadow, also bisecting Connetquot and
Caleb Smith state parks along the way,
as well as residential neighborhoods.
In the undeveloped stretches you’ll
observe a variety of ecosystems and
wildlife as you walk along beaches,
bluffs, marshes and deciduous forests.
Dogs are permitted on the trail, but
must be leashed.
NASSAU-SUFFOLK
GREENBELT TRAIL
Here’s a 20-mile path that runs northsouth
from Cold Spring Harbor to the
Massapequa Preserve watershed,
connecting with the Walt Whitman
Trail in the Huntington area. You
can pick up this National Recreation
Trail from multiple spots; beginning
at the northern Cold Spring Harbor
portion is popular for its majestic
harbor views and for its difficulty, due
to steep terrain. Southern portions
offer pleasing views of lakes, ponds
and abundant waterfowl, but can get
swampy in rainy weather. A special
feature of the Nassau-Suffolk Trail is
its bike paths, which are marked blue
and run parallel to the walking paths,
so both hikers and mountain bikers
can enjoy the voyage. Some parts of
the trail, such as Stillwell Woods in
Woodbury, have their own smaller
trails within. Dogs are permitted on
the trail, but must be leashed.
WALT WHITMAN TRAIL
This 8.2-mile trail offers a quick, easy
walk that even beginning hikers can
tackle, while experiencing both the
historic and natural beauty of the Huntington
area. The trail begins at Walt
Whitman Birthplace State Historic
Site in South Huntington and continues
through West Hills County Park,
including a 3.7-mile loop beginning at
Reservoir Road, also accessible from
the picnic area at Sweet Hollow Road.
During the hike you’ll also be able
to take in breathtaking ocean views
from the top of Jayne’s Hill, the highest
location on Long Island. Dogs are
permitted on a leash, while walkers
should be prepared to share the trail
with riders on horseback.
PINE BARRENS TRAIL
You’ll really have a chance to appreciate
the vastness that is Long Island’s Pine
Barrens as you hike this 47-mile trail,
running from Rocky Point to Hampton
Bays. As one ventures deeper into the
Barrens’ unspoiled woods, passing
serene ponds and streams, it seems
like another world entirely. Start at
the official Pine Barrens Trails Visitor
Center (LIE to Exit 70, then north
on County Road 111; the center is 1/4
mile north, on the right), located near
several trail access points. Tasked with
offering environmental interpretation
of the Pine Barrens, the center offers
exhibits, literature and brochures, as
well as a quick, interpretive “Blueberry
Loop” trail on the grounds that gives
a taste of the larger hike. Also on the
grounds is the accessible 3/4-mile El’s
Trail, and the Pine Barrens Touch Museum
for kids.
LONG ISLAND SEASHORE
TRAIL
Explore 20 miles of Atlantic oceanfront
at Fire Island National Seashore
— New York’s lone federally designated
wilderness — walking amid beach
plums, holly, pines and sassafras.
Start at Smith Point County Park at
the southern end of William Floyd
Parkway, then head westward along
the beach, crossing through the Sunken
Forest at Sailors Haven. Camping
along the trail is allowed by permit;
call 631-281-3010 for information. Be
sure to bring a map with you, as this
trail is unblazed.
continued from page 51
Hiking is both free and family friendly. (Getty Images)
OTHER
RECOMMENDED
WALKS:
MUTTONTOWN PRESERVE
25A west of Jericho-Oyster Bay
Road, East Norwich, 516-571-
8500, nassaucountyny.gov/2839/
Muttontown-Preserve
Meander through this preserve’s 550
acres of fields and forests and you’ll
experience a unique mix of natural and
manmade wonders. Historic highlights
are the ruins of King Zog of Albania’s
former mansion, as well as Nassau
Hall and the Chelsea Mansion and Estate,
listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. There’s also evidence
of the pre-Revolutionary Duryea Farm.
HEMPSTEAD LAKE STATE
PARK
Lakeside Drive, West Hempstead,
631-669-1000, parks.ny.gov/parks/
hempsteadlake
This large 737-acre Nassau park’s trails
span three ponds, offering great nature
photo opportunities and a relatively
easy stroll. As you walk through its
shady groves, it’s hard to believe you’re
in the heart of Nassau County.
SANDS POINT PRESERVE
127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point,
516-571-7901, sandspointpreserveconservancy.
org
Enjoy a walk in serene woods along
Long Island’s Gold Coast within this
stunning 216-acre park, featuring six
trails running through forests, on
beaches and along high bluffs. The
preserve’s 1.6-mile loop trail is good
for all skill levels, and there’s even the
short Dino Trail for kids, where they
follow dinosaur footprints. Guided
nature walks are periodically offered.
QUOGUE WILDLIFE REFUGE
3 Old Country Road, Quogue, 631-653-
4771, quoguewildliferefuge.org
This East End refuge’s 300 acres in the
Pine Barrens provides hikers with
three different trails (running .8 miles,
1.4 miles and 3 miles), as well as another
7 miles of connected trails, running
through forests and along ponds,
including patches of rare dwarf pines.
The smaller .8-mile course circles a
pond and small nature center and gift
shop. Regardless of your path, be on
the lookout for native wildlife such as
foxes, eagles and various waterfowl.
Dogs are not permitted.
CALEB SMITH STATE PARK
PRESERVE
581 West Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown,
631-265-1054, parks.ny.gov/parks/124
If you’re not up for the LI Greenbelt’s
full 32 miles, you may want to just focus
on one of its interconnected parks, like
Caleb Smith. Here you can trek through
543 acres, spotting a wealth of wildlife
and rare plants like Indian Pipe, Trailing
Arbutus and Pink Lady Slipper.
There’s also a nature museum with
exhibits including a great blue heron,
red fox, flying squirrel and river otter.
TRAIL VIEW STATE PARK
8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, 631-
423-1770, parks.ny.gov/parks/39
Here’s a tract than runs between Cold
Spring Harbor and Bethpage State
Parks along the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt
Trail, encompassing some 400
acres. Marshes, succession fields and
hardwood forests typify the view, as
well as bicyclists who share the paths
with walkers, with elevations ranging
from 60 to 300 feet above sea level. The
park is a favorite spot for birdwatchers
year-round, especially during the
spring and fall migrations.
SAFETY NOTE
Before attempting a hike of several
miles, be sure you are properly
prepared for the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes,
bring water and snacks, and use
bug spray and sunscreen when
appropriate.
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