9 Best Hiking Trails on Long Island for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Think you need to drive hours upstate for a great hike? Think again. Long Island offers a surprising range of trails—from breezy coastal loops and historic estates in Nassau County to the quiet, shaded paths of Suffolk's Pine Barrens. This guide is your key to unlocking the best hiking trails Long Island has to offer, proving you don’t need mountains to enjoy a fantastic day in nature.

Whether you're a casual walker or an experienced hiker, these trails offer something for everyone. Before you lace up your boots, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles: always pack out what you pack in. For a safe and comfortable journey, we recommend carrying water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Now, let’s explore the incredible natural beauty right in our backyard.

1. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve – Perimeter Loop

• Location: Lloyd Harbor, NY

• Distance: 5.2-mile loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: ~334 ft

For a hike that feels like a step back into Long Island's opulent Gold Coast era, the Perimeter Loop at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is an unmatched experience. This 1,750-acre former estate offers a majestic blend of nature and history, with paved paths, wooded bridle trails, and stunning shoreline views. You'll wander through meadows and salt marshes, with opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and even horseback riding.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: Panoramic views of the Long Island Sound, diverse landscapes from woodlands to beaches, and a glimpse into a historic estate.

• Trail Markers: The main loop is paved and easy to follow.

• Dog Policy: Dogs are not permitted.

• Parking & Fees: A vehicle use fee is collected from April through October. The large parking lot provides ample space.

2. Sunken Meadow Trail (Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow State Park)

• Location: Kings Park, NY

• Distance: 4.2-mile loop

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: ~403 ft

This beautiful trail offers sweeping views of the Long Island Sound from its bluffs, making it one of the best Long Island hikes for coastal scenery. The path takes you through rolling hills, fields of wildflowers, and along the beach, with plenty of spots for a picnic. It's a popular choice for its varied terrain and breathtaking vistas.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: Stunning bluff-top views of the Sound, a mix of woodland and beach hiking, and access to picnic areas.

• Trail Markers: Trails are generally well-marked.

• Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on leash.

• Parking & Fees: A vehicle use fee is collected during peak season. The park is also reachable via the LIRR Port Jefferson line to Kings Park, plus a short ride.

3. Cold Spring Harbor State Park – Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail Segment

• Location: Cold Spring Harbor, NY

• Distance: 5.2 miles (out-and-back)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: ~839 ft

If you’re looking for a more challenging workout, this segment of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail delivers. Located in Cold Spring Harbor, this hike features some of the steepest climbs on Long Island, rewarding your effort with beautiful views of the harbor. The trail winds through a dense hardwood forest, offering a true woodland escape just a stone's throw from historic mansions and the charming village.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: Significant elevation changes for a great workout, scenic overlooks of Cold Spring Harbor, and proximity to a historic town.

• Trail Markers: Follow the white blazes of the Greenbelt Trail.

• Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on leash.

• Parking & Fees: Parking is available in a small lot on Route 25A; arrive early as it fills up quickly. There is no fee.

4. Long Island Greenbelt Trail (Heckscher to Sunken Meadow)

• Location: Runs through Islip, Smithtown, and other towns in Suffolk County.

• Distance: 32 miles (one-way)

• Difficulty: Difficult (if done in its entirety)

• Elevation Gain: ~888 ft

For the serious hiker, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail is the ultimate local challenge. This 32-mile trail connects Heckscher State Park on the South Shore to Sunken Meadow State Park on the North Shore. Most hikers tackle it in sections, enjoying varied scenery that includes riverside paths, boardwalks through marshes, and sandy stretches. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse ecosystems of central Long Island.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: A long-distance trail showcasing multiple Long Island ecosystems, from South Shore bays to North Shore bluffs.

• Trail Markers: Follow the white blazes.

• Dog Policy: Varies by park section; check local regulations.

• Parking & Fees: Parking is available at trailheads in various state and county parks along the route; fees may apply.

5. Paumanok Path – David A. Sarnoff Preserve Segment

• Location: Riverhead, NY

• Distance: 20.7 miles (out-and-back)

• Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

• Elevation Gain: ~1,066 ft

Explore the heart of the Long Island Pine Barrens on this significant section of the 120-mile Paumanok Path. Winding through the David A. Sarnoff Preserve, this trail showcases the unique beauty of this protected ecosystem, passing by serene ponds and through forests of pitch pine and scrub oak. It’s a prime location for spotting wildlife like warblers, deer, and foxes. For a shorter day hike, simply start at a trailhead and turn back when you’re halfway done.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: Immersive Pine Barrens experience, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and a sense of remote tranquility.

• Trail Markers: Follow the white rectangular blazes of the Paumanok Path.

• Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on leash.

• Parking & Fees: Parking is available at various trailheads along the route, with no fees.

6. Connetquot River State Park Preserve – Blue Trail

• Location: Oakdale, NY

• Distance: 8.3-mile loop

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: ~82 ft

With over 50 miles of trails across its 3,473 acres, Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a sanctuary for nature lovers. The Blue Trail is a long but gentle loop that takes you through pristine pine and oak forests alongside the crystal-clear Connetquot River. The terrain is mostly flat and sandy, making it ideal for families and anyone looking for a peaceful, lengthy walk. Keep an eye out for rare birds, including osprey.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: An exceptionally pristine and protected environment, opportunities to see rare birds, and a historic fish hatchery.

• Trail Markers: Trails are color-coded and well-marked.

• Dog Policy: No dogs are permitted to protect the fragile ecosystem.

• Parking & Fees: A vehicle use fee is collected. Note that a fishing permit is also required for access to the preserve.

7. Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve

• Location: Deer Park, NY

• Distance: 3.9-mile loop

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

This 813-acre preserve in Deer Park offers a fantastic example of Long Island's rare pine barrens habitat. The wide, multi-use trail is popular with both hikers and cyclists, winding through a landscape of scrub oak and pitch pine. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of red-tailed hawks and various warblers. The relatively flat terrain makes it an accessible hike for most skill levels.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Unique Features: A classic pine barrens ecosystem, a wide trail suitable for multiple uses, and excellent birdwatching.

• Trail Markers: The main trail is a well-defined loop.

• Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on leash.

• Parking & Fees: Parking is free in the designated lot off Commack Road.

Other Notable Long Island Hikes

• Muttontown Preserve (Syosset): Located in Nassau County, this is a must for history buffs. Explore miles of trails that lead past the ruins of King Zog of Albania's former mansion.

• West Hills County Park (Melville): Home to Jayne's Hill, the highest point on Long Island at 401 feet. The climb is gentle and rewards you with bragging rights.

• Wildwood State Park (Wading River) & Hither Hills State Park (Montauk): For more stunning coastal trails, these parks offer beautiful hikes along the bluffs and dunes of the Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

Hiker Tips & Best Practices

To make your next hike a success, remember these essential practices:

• Start Early: Hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat, especially in summer.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy footwear for support on uneven terrain. Dress in layers, as coastal breezes can make it feel cooler than expected.

• Check for Fees: Be aware that some state parks, like Caumsett and Sunken Meadow, charge vehicle entrance fees, typically from April through October.

• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed wildlife, as it can harm them and create unsafe situations.

• Safety First: Always check for ticks on yourself, your children, and your pets after every hike. Stay on marked trails, carry plenty of water, and apply insect repellent before you start.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

From the challenging climbs in Cold Spring Harbor to the serene riverside paths at Connetquot, it’s clear you don’t need to leave the island to find an incredible outdoor escape. Long Island's parks and preserves offer diverse and rewarding hiking experiences just a short drive from home.

We invite you to explore a new trail each season and share your photos or recommendations with the 516 Update community. Find more inspiration for your next weekend outing on our events page. The natural beauty of Nassau and Suffolk counties is waiting for you to discover.

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