This visitor publish sharing the perfect mountain climbing trails on Lengthy Island is by Alex Schnee of Alex on the Map. It incorporates affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions.
Throughout my time dwelling on Lengthy Island, I used to be pleasantly shocked to find some actually unimaginable native hikes — all of which additionally make for nice day journeys from New York Metropolis.
Merely hop on the Lengthy Island Railroad, and shortly sufficient you’ll be immersed in nature, whether or not you need to hike amongst seals, bird-watch whereas trekking, or absorb Atlantic Ocean views.
Interested by which Lengthy Island mountain climbing trails may be finest for you?
There are many decisions relying on what you’re in search of. Here’s a record sharing a few of my private favorites.
Lace-up your mountain climbing boots and let’s hit the path!
Desk of Contents
- How To Get To Lengthy Island From NYC
- What Kind Of Hiker Are You?
- Greatest Locations To Hike On Lengthy Island
- 1. Montauk Level State Park (Seal Haul Out Hike)
- 2. Montauk Level State Park (Cash Pond Path)
- 3. Sunken Meadow State Park
- 4. Chilly Spring Harbor State Park
- 5. Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path
- 6. Path View State Park
- 7. Blydenburgh County Park
- 8. Sands Level Protect
- 9. Cedar Creek County Park
- 10. Massapequa Protect
- 11. Cedar Level County Park
- 12. Caleb Smith State Park
- 13. West Hills County Park
- 14. Hither Hills State Park
- 15. Muttontown Protect
- 16. Quogue Wildlife Refuge
- 17. Caumsett State Park
- Advisable Mountain climbing Gear
- Greatest Locations To Keep On Lengthy Island
How To Get To Lengthy Island From NYC
Attending to Lengthy Island from NYC is simple because of public transportation choices.
To begin with, there may be the Hampton Jitney, which works to Japanese Lengthy Island from numerous stops in New York Metropolis.
Furthermore, there may be the Lengthy Island Railroad, which leaves from New York Metropolis’s Pennsylvania Station and goes everywhere in the island, as you’ll be able to see on this Lengthy Island Railroad map:
Schematic diagram of Lengthy Island Rail Highway providers and stations
You can even click on right here for a Lengthy Island Railroad Map PDF.
One factor to notice is that if utilizing public transportation to get to a mountain climbing path on Lengthy Island you’ll possible must name an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to get you to and from the prepare station cease and the trailhead.
For that reason, it’s beneficial to look into driving or renting a automotive — which additionally lets you discover different highlights of the vacation spot, like Lengthy Island wine nation, the various seashores, and the various farms and orchards.
To search out the perfect offers on rental vehicles, Uncover Vehicles lets you save as much as 70% in your rental simply by evaluating your choices!
Relying in your finances, merely doing Uber to and from NYC may be a worthwhile choice, too.
What Kind Of Hiker Are You?
Now, earlier than we dive into the Lengthy Island mountain climbing trails, I need to invite you to take my free mountain climbing persona quiz.
Click on right here to take the free persona quiz!
Reply just a few quick and enjoyable questions and your outcomes will share what sort of hiker you’re.
Furthermore, every mountain climbing persona comes with advised hikes world wide!
On that observe, let’s dive into our Lengthy Island journey information, which shares some actually scenic Lengthy Island hikes. Most of those spots are additionally nice for these mountain climbing alone as they’re protected, not too technical, and are well-trafficked.
Greatest Locations To Hike On Lengthy Island
1. Montauk Level State Park (Seal Haul Out Hike)
Seal Haul Out is a hike that may be loved on the very finish of Lengthy Island in Montauk, inside Montauk Level State Park.
The spotlight? It gives an important alternative to see lovable seals — a real spotlight of any New York State journey information!
You’ll be able to see lovable seals on the Seal Haul Out Hike on Lengthy Island
You’ll be able to see them each from the beachfront and in addition from a close-by commentary tower after you’ve accomplished the path to Montauk Level.
The very best time to go to is from the late fall to early spring, as this gives your finest probabilities at seeing seals.
Be ready for 3 miles of comparatively simple and scenic mountain climbing.
For those who love wildlife, you’ll possible agree that this is without doubt one of the finest locations to hike on this planet.
Getting Right here From NYC:
If you’re planning on doing this hike from NYC, you’ll need to take a prepare from Penn Station to the final cease in Montauk. From the prepare station, it’s a 15-minute taxi/Uber to the path.
Tour Choice From NYC:
You can even e book this personal tour from NYC that features visiting Montauk!
Map of the Seal Haul Out Hike:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of the Seal Haul Out Hike.
This map covers the overall space the place yow will discover the Seal Haul Out Hike.
2. Montauk Level State Park (Cash Pond Path)
If you wish to lengthen your hike from Seal Haul Out, maintain strolling alongside Cash Pond Path for a lovely forest.
Professional tip:
Contemplate carrying your boots since this space can get a bit muddy sure instances of the 12 months. Figuring out what to put on if you go mountain climbing is all the time essential.
Together with just a few hills, there may be the precise “cash pond” — as in, it is without doubt one of the locations the place Captain William Kidd hid his treasure.
Rumor additionally has it that the pond is bottomless, although I don’t suggest looking for out.
Regardless, it’s a pleasant approach to maintain mountain climbing within the village of Montauk.
Cash Pond Path is just a further 1.2 miles from Seal Haul Out and runs in a loop, bringing you again to the trailhead that connects each Cash Pond Path and Seal Haul Out.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Like Seal Haul Out, it would be best to take the prepare from Penn Station to the final cease in Montauk. From there, it’s a 15-minute Uber/taxi trip to the trailhead.
Map of Cash Pond Path:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of Cash Pond Path.
A map of Cash Pond Path.
3. Sunken Meadow State Park
A few of the finest Lengthy Island mountain climbing trails take you proper by the water of the Lengthy Island Sound.
The Sunken Meadow Path is three miles lengthy with some hills, making it a bit of tougher than among the different choices you would possibly take into account when heading out east for a hike.
Sunken Meadow State Park gives ocean views in addition to quite a few trails.
Be looking out for numerous species of wildflowers and ensure to pack a picnic lunch that you would be able to share with a pal on the Lengthy Island Sound.
The views are actually stunning, so that you’ll need to take your time and actually soak them up.
Bonus:
Contemplate taking your furry pal alongside, as this Lengthy Island hike is dog-friendly!
Getting Right here From NYC:
You’ll want to take the Port Jefferson prepare from Penn Station to Kings Park. From there, you’ll be able to take a four-minute Uber/taxi trip to achieve the trailhead.
Map of Sunken Meadow State Park:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of Sunken Meadow State Park.
A map of Sunken Meadow State Park.
4. Chilly Spring Harbor State Park
For tougher mountain climbing in Lengthy Island, Chilly Spring Harbor State Park has an uphill path known as the Chilly Spring Harbor to Uplands Farm Sanctuary that provides a view overlooking its well-known namesake harbor.
It runs a complete of 5.4 miles.
Plus, with over 40 acres, there’s a lot to discover.
This Lengthy Island path will be accomplished in a day so you’ll be able to have loads of time to move again to New York Metropolis if you’re completed — although don’t neglect to take a look at among the unimaginable mansions within the space in your approach out.
A number of favorites embody the well-known Oheka Fort — the place you’ll be able to pop in for a drink at their grand bar — and the historic Hewitt Home, inbuilt 1815.
You’ll have to have a automotive, however seeing these estates reminds you of The Nice Gatsby, which takes place on Lengthy Island’s Gold Coast.
Getting Right here From NYC:
From Penn Station, take the Port Jefferson prepare to Huntington Station. When you arrive, you’ll be able to both hop on the H10 and trip for 16 minutes, or take an Uber/taxi for 9 minutes and also you’ll be dropped off proper on the entrance.
Map of Chilly Spring Harbor State Park:
You can even click on right here for a digital map of Chilly Spring Harbor State Park.
A map of Chilly Spring Harbor State Park.
5. Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path
Mountain climbing trails in Suffolk County are sometimes ignored for his or her neighbors up north — for example, for the mountain climbing trails of the Hudson Valley; however, there are some superb choices that may be explored right here, too.
One high Suffolk County mountain climbing choose:
The Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path, which runs 32 miles alongside the Nissequogue and Connetquot Rivers.
A few of the path options boardwalk whereas the opposite areas are sand, providing you with two very totally different mountain climbing experiences.
A view of the Nissequogue River.
It additionally has a number of trails that break up off from the primary one, making it a spot you’ll be able to return to many times to proceed discovering new issues.
You’ll be able to full the entire path in a day if you’d like, or you’ll be able to select to hike in and again relying on how a lot time you’ve and the way a lot bodily exercise you need.
Getting Right here From NYC:
You’ll need to take the Ronkonkoma line from Penn Station. When you arrive in Central Islip, take an Uber/taxi to the trailhead.
Map of Lengthy Island Greenbelt Trailhead:
You can even click on right here to buy a paper map of the Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path.
A map of the Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path.
6. Path View State Park
When visiting Lengthy Island’s Path View State Park, don’t miss the Stillwell Woods Loop for its intensive trails and reasonably troublesome hills.
Because the path is 6.9 miles, you may make it again to your automotive in about three hours.
With over 400 acres of land, this state park borders Chilly Spring Harbor State Park and Bethpage State Park, which means you’ll be able to simply spend a complete day — or extra — exploring New York mountain climbing and nature alternatives within the space.
What can be neat about Path View State Park is its mountain climbing trails provide variation in depth extra so than among the extra frequent flat choices on Lengthy Island.
Bear in mind:
Bikers typically frequent the Stillwell Woods Loop, too, so be looking out for them when you hike.
Getting Right here From NYC:
You’ll be able to take both the Port Jefferson line or the Ronkonkoma line to Hicksville. After that, you’ll be able to hop on the N79 bus for 22 minutes and get off on the park, or you’ll be able to take an Uber/taxi for 13 minutes.
Map of Path View State Park:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of Path View State Park.
A map of Path View State Park.
7. Blydenburgh County Park
For some extra superb Suffolk County mountain climbing trails, you’ve bought to take a look at Blyden Nation Park.
Together with winding trails just like the Blydenburgh County Park Stump Pond Loop, it additionally gives extra energetic adventures like horseback using, bird-watching, fishing, and extra — together with choices for teenagers.
Furthermore, it’s dog-friendly, so be happy to carry your pet alongside for the enjoyable.
For an important family-friendly mountain climbing choice, the six-mile stroll round New Mill Pond is a straightforward and scenic stroll, notably in fall when you’ll be able to see the altering foliage.
You’ll possible additionally see numerous swans, geese, swans, Canada geese, and different waterfowl!
Getting Right here From NYC:
Similar to attending to the Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path, you’ll need to take the Ronkonkoma line from Penn Station to Central Islip. Seize an Uber/taxi from there to take you to the primary entrance.
Map of Blydenburge County Park:
Click on right here for a digital map of the Blydenburgh County Park Stump Pond Loop.
Click on right here for digital and printable maps directing you to Blydenburge County Park.
A map of Blydenburgh County Park.
8. Sands Level Protect
This New York State-owned protect has some immaculately-tended gardens and buildings cared for by a neighborhood nonprofit.
Mountain climbing the Sands Level Protect Loop at 1.9 miles gives loads of wildlife to see like Canada geese, turtles, and songbirds.
Ensure that to take the time to comply with among the smaller trails that department off from the primary one.
Moreover, take pleasure in some small cliffs providing nice views for photographers alongside the path.
There’s additionally the possibility to take pleasure in picnic tables and household yoga courses that will help you get your zen on within the open air.
Fort Gould at Lengthy Island’s Sands Level Protect through Mr.choppers/Wikimedia Commons
You do must pay an admission payment to get in, however it’s value it for the possibility to see Fort Gould, an imposing mansion modeled after Eire’s Kilkenny Fort that was initially owned by the Guggenheim household.
The worth is $10 for a automotive and $4 per individual.
Getting Right here From NYC:
From Penn Station, take the Port Washington line to the ultimate cease of Port Washington. From there, take an Uber/taxi for about 5 minutes to achieve the trailhead.
Map of Sands Level Protect:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of Sands Level Protect.
A map of Sands Level Protect.
9. Cedar Creek County Park
Cedar Creek County Park gives some simple strolling on quite a few paths which can be excellent for these craving a soothing stroll.
Whereas there isn’t a mountain climbing path per se, there are many scenic paths out there for strolling and jogging.
It is a nice likelihood to get your loved ones open air to expertise some nature with out having to resolve for hours over which path to do.
Moreover, there are actions like a large playground and a number of other softball fields and basketball courts.
For kids, there may be additionally an archery space and an opportunity to take a look at some planes on the aerodrome subject.
That is one cause why households are inclined to flock right here for an journey on Lengthy Island.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Take the Babylon line from Penn Station to Merrick. From there, you should have a nine-minute Uber/taxi trip to get to the park.
Map of Cedar Creek Park:
You can even click on right here for a Google Map directing you to Cedar Creek Park.
A map of Cedar Creek Park.
10. Massapequa Protect
This massive space encompasses over 432 acres and gives a quiet forest the place you’ll be able to really feel as if you’re in an entire new world.
Select from 20 miles of mountain climbing trails, just like the 6.3-mile Massapequa Lake Path, which options a lovely lake hugged by lush greenery. If you wish to have a while to your self, take the trail that leads into the woods.
This a part of the path is generally shaded.
A beautiful flower within the Massapequa Protect.
Together with mountain climbing, this can be a in style spot to take pleasure in biking in New York, showcasing among the finest Lengthy Island nature trails for these seeking to get outdoors however who aren’t excited by an excessive problem.
Furthermore, fishing for largemouth bass and carp, to call just a few species, is a well-liked exercise inside Massapequa Protect.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Take the Babylon line from Penn Station to Massapequa. After that, seize an eight-minute Uber/taxi to the trailhead.
Map of Massapequa Protect:
You can even click on right here for a digital map of the Massapequa Protect.
A map of the Massapequa Protect.
11. Cedar Level County Park
This deserted lighthouse held a strong presence within the 1800s and was the beacon of sunshine between the Cedar and Shelter Islands that helped ships safely navigate to shore.
Cared for by Charles Mulford, it holds a creepy story involving peg legs and a hearth.
Mulford himself wore a peg leg, and after amassing these picket prosthetics from all of the native outlets and hiding them within the lighthouse, Charles later set them on hearth to cowl his tracks.
Nobody is aware of fairly why he did it aside from he was a little bit of a personality.
You’ll be able to hike the Cedar Level Lighthouse Loop which covers 5.3 miles and gives a straightforward stroll alongside the ocean.
For those who want to proceed on after the lighthouse, you can too head to Gardiners Bay and Sag Harbor for extra historical past and pure magnificence.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Take the Montauk line from Penn Station to East Hampton. From there, it would be best to take a 12-minute Uber/taxi trip to the doorway of the park.
Map of Cedar Island Lighthouse Hike:
You can even click on right here for a digital map sharing find out how to get to Cedar Level County Park.
A map of the Cedar Island Lighthouse map.
12. Caleb Smith State Park
For many who love studying about distinctive native vegetation, this Smithtown park gives an opportunity to see Indian Pipe, Trailing Arbutus, Pink Woman Slipper, and way more.
With 545 acres, you’ve loads of area for mountain climbing or taking photos in addition to discovering among the native flora on Lengthy Island.
Geese on the Caleb Smith State Park.
It additionally has a 3.7-mile portion of the Lengthy Island Greenbelt Path and the simpler Caleb Smith Pink and Purple Loop at 1.7 miles.
Together with a big lake, you even have the chance to identify herds of deer and to fish when you have the correct gear.
For those who carry your automotive, it’s $8 to park for the day.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Taking the Port Jefferson line from Penn Station till you attain Smithtown. The park is walkable from the prepare station.
Map of Caleb Smith State Park:
You can even click on right here for a digital map of Caleb Smith State Park.
A map of Caleb Smith State Park.
13. West Hills County Park
Lengthy Island nature walks are typically filled with historical past, and this one is not any totally different.
Referred to as a favourite of poet Walt Whitman, you’ll be able to comply with the wooded paths to Jayne’s Hill—positioned proper close to the place Whitman was born.
A surprising sundown at West Hills County Park.
As a baby, Whitman is alleged to have beloved climbing the hill, which is the best level on Lengthy Island at 400 toes above sea stage.
Oh, and the hill is alleged to be haunted by Whitman’s ghost, so you could need to carry a path buddy on this Lengthy Island hike simply in case.
One more reason to go to West Hills County Park:
The gorgeous views of the encompassing space, together with marshes and the West Hills Nature Protect on the West Hills County Park Loop path.
Getting Right here From NYC:
This Lengthy Island hike is simple to get to utilizing public transportation, as you’ll be able to take the Lengthy Island Railroad from Penn Station to Huntington. From there it’s a few 12-minute taxi/Uber trip.
Map Of West Hills County Park:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of West Hills County Park.
A map of West Hills County Park.
14. Hither Hills State Park
Do you know that there are sand dunes for mountain climbing on Lengthy Island NY?
Alongside the shoreline, shifting sand dunes stand up and down, main right into a barren forest on the 4.8-mile Strolling Dunes Path, which is one in every of many path choices in Hither Hills State Park.
The park additionally has quite a few totally different animal species like osprey and red-tailed hawks which can be typically troublesome to see elsewhere on the island.
This average hike gives one thing very totally different than your conventional Lengthy Island mountain climbing spots and a lovely view of the Napeague Harbor.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Take the Montauk line from Penn Station to East Hampton. After arriving, you’ll be able to hop on the 10C bus to the trailhead. Nonetheless, understand that it solely runs 5 instances a day. If this doesn’t align together with your schedule, it may be simpler to take an Uber/taxi to the doorway.
Map of Strolling Dunes of Hither Hills State Park:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of Hither Hills State Park.
A map of Hither Hills State Park.
15. Muttontown Protect
The mountain climbing trails in Nassau County provide some distinctive historical past in addition to an opportunity to discover stunning natural world like frogs, snakes, turtles, songbirds, and extra.
Referred to as the house of the primary monarch of Albania when he fled from Europe, he bought a mansion on Lengthy Island with rubies and diamonds.
Muttontown Protect has some fascinating historical past and superb trails.
The two.5-mile Muttontown Protect Loop Path wanders by means of his property and crumbling however elegant buildings.
Because the island’s largest nature protect at 550 acres, you’ll additionally discover quite a few kettle ponds, upland forests, and numerous woodlands right here, which creates a bird-watching paradise as many birds come to breed within the numerous habitat.
In reality, the Nationwide Audubon Society considers the park an Vital Fowl Space.
They observe that the park has a singular number of “attribute species” just like the American Woodcock, Japanese Kingbird, Grey Catbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and the Baltimore Oriole, to call just a few.
Furthermore, it is without doubt one of the only a few websites in Nassau County the place each Nice Horned Owls and Japanese Screech-Owls nest.
Getting Right here From NYC:
Seize a seat on the prepare to Port Jefferson from Penn Station. You’ll need to get off on the Syosset cease earlier than taking a 10-minute Uber/taxi to the trailhead.
Map of Muttontown Protect:
You can even click on right here for a digital map of Muttontown Protect.
The Muttontown Protect is positioned near the Syosset prepare station.
16. Quogue Wildlife Refuge
One other great place for viewing wildlife, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge has loads of foxes, songbirds, fishes, eagles, and extra.
It additionally has greater than seven miles of mountain climbing and 300 acres of open area.
For these in search of a problem, try the Paumanok Path which covers 12.4 miles of forest.
In search of one thing simple?
There are additionally quite a few shorter trails, just like the Purple, Yellow, and Inexperienced Loop. It’s 3.5 miles and showcases a transparent lake that’s excellent for a picnic. Whereas all trails within the Purple, Yellow, and Inexperienced Loop are related, you’ve a alternative of which one you need to discover. All are simple.
Together with an included nature heart, yoga courses can be found on Wednesdays through the month of July.
Getting Right here From NYC:
You’ll need to get on the Montauk prepare from Penn Station till you attain West Hampton. From there, it’s a six-minute Uber/taxi trip to the doorway.
Map of Quogue Wildlife Refuge:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
A map of Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
17. Caumsett State Park
Whether or not you’re in search of a paved path or one which weaves by means of the woods, yow will discover it on the 1,750-acre grounds of Caumsett State Park.
There’s numerous wildlife at Caumsett State Park.
The Caumsett State Historic Park Protect Path is 5.2 miles and goes by means of all the park, taking hikers to the sting of the Lengthy Island Sound.
It additionally gives different sights like salt marshes, a dairy advanced, fishing, horseback using, and extra.
For a relaxed day on the seaside, you can too hike to Fiddler’s Inexperienced Seashore or East Seashore and spend the day earlier than following the loop again to the car parking zone. All of those seashores are accessible from the path.
Getting Right here From NYC:
You’ll need to take the prepare for Port Jefferson to Chilly Spring Harbor. From there, it’s a 20-minute Uber/taxi trip from the station to the protect.
Map of Caumsett State Historic Park Protect:
You can even click on right here for a downloadable PDF map of Caumsett State Park.
A map of Caumsett State Park.
I hope you’ve loved this text on the perfect hikes on Lengthy Island and that it has given you some inspiration to get out of town and see a brand new a part of New York!
Advisable Mountain climbing Gear
Mountain climbing on Lengthy Island?
- Cotopaxi
- REI Co-op
- Cool-jams Efficiency Sleepwear
- Cairn Journey Journey Field
- Speakeasy Journey Provide Co
- NOVICA
- Rheos Sun shades
- EarthHero
- Life With out Plastic
- Nicely Earth Items
Greatest Locations To Keep On Lengthy Island
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In regards to the visitor writer, Alex Schnee
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