Walking is a fun and easy way to stay active. It’s good for your health, and it’s entertaining to challenge your friends to stay fit by tracking your steps each day! With so many walking trails on Long Island, you wouldn’t believe how simple it is to make walking a part of your daily routine. Let the Long Island Health Collaborative be your guide to finding the best walking and hiking trails in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Nassau County Walking Trails
Massapequa Preserve
The Massapequa Preserve is on a 432-acre field that’ll make you feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of Nassau County, and found yourself in a serene forest. There are scenic hiking and biking trails along three beautiful lakes, which are also popular locations for fishing. Overall there are approximately 20 miles of trails, which eventually lead to Cedar Beach and Cold Spring Harbor.
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Cedar Creek Park
Cedar Creek Park is the perfect destination for a family looking to get active together. There’s playgrounds, picnic areas, and dog parks, so your furry family members will enjoy themselves as well. As walking trails go, this Nassau County option is flexible, because the hiking routes vary in length and difficulty, making it a good choice no matter what distance you’re trying to go. Cedar Creek Park also has unique options to keep kids entertained, including an archery area and an aerodrome field for airplane fans.
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Cold Spring Harbor State Park
This state park spans more than 40 acres, full of beautiful trees and wild vegetation. The terrain at Cold Spring Harbor State Park is fairly hilly and steep, so this might be reserved for more experienced hikers or walkers in Nassau, who are looking for a more challenging experience. With dog parks along with way, it’s also a great place to bring your dog along on your adventure.
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Sands Point Preserve
Enjoy the incredible views at Sands Point Preserve while walking in Nassau County! These grounds are owned by the state of New York, and the beautiful buildings and gardens are maintained by a historical nonprofit group. There are several guided or off-the-path routes to explore throughout the 216-acre area. Additionally, visitors to Sands Point Preserve can enjoy picnic areas and family yoga, dogs on leashes can hike up the cliffs for some beautiful views, and children can follow the dinosaur footprints along the Dino Trail on a hunt for fossils. Admission is $10 per car or $4 per person.
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Walt Whitman Trail
Take your dog for a long walk along the Walt Whitman Trail in Huntington. In memory of the famous poet, this walking trail runs along the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, eventually connecting with the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. Along the 8-mile route, you can visit the historical landmark or stop on Jayne’s Hill, the highest point on Long Island.
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Hiking Spots in Suffolk County
Long Island Greenbelt Trail
This massive 32-mile walking path spans both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Long Island Greenbelt Trail winds along the Connetquot and Nissequogue Rivers and takes travelers in and out of local parks, providing excellent views while enjoying the great outdoors. This is a family-friendly and pet-friendly walking route with plenty of offshoots and smaller paths, that add variety for seasoned walkers.
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Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve
A perfect destination for families, the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve offers beautiful views and a wide selection of paths. The 13 routes at this Suffolk County walking spot vary in length and visitors can choose to stroll along stone trails, paved paths, woodlands, or the beach. This park is maintained by New York State, and visitors can fish or scuba dive with a permit. Admission to the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is $8 per car.
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Blydenburgh County Park
There’s a long list of activities to keep you entertained at Blydenburgh County Park. Aside from being a great spot for hiking in Suffolk County, there’s dog parks, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, and more! There are several walking trails to choose from, including a 6-mile path around New Mill Pond. Right off of Veterans Highway, this park would be a great all-day destination for families looking for an active adventure.
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Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Another fun walking trail in Suffolk County is the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the great views of nature and observe the wildlife on the seven miles of trails. This nonprofit organization houses animals that are permanently injured and need human care to survive. You can catch a glimpse of bald eagles, falcons, hawks, and more when you walk along the outdoor paths or stop in at the wildlife exhibits.
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Avalon Park and Reserve
For a natural and relaxing path, take a trip to Avalon Park and Reserve. This 8-acre park has paved trails, stone paths, and boardwalk routes with sculptures and unique views to explore along the way. There’s also a barn for early morning yoga classes to relax and stay active.
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Make Walking on Long Island a Family Activity
Enjoy the outdoors while getting the whole family active! We’ve mentioned many parks that are great for families to explore, so get started walking on Long Island. With so many hiking paths, you’ll always have a new spot for your family to try. Visit our walking resources page for even more information about staying active and finding walking trails on Long Island!