Warm weather is on the horizon! Are you ready to lace up your shoes and get outside? We certainly are. With so many wonderful places to visit on Long Island, it can be difficult to decide what new areas to explore. But have no fear, we have seven spots that will awaken your inner adventurer, and make you want to get up and go right away.
Here are our seven spots on Long Island that we guarantee will make you want to update your list of wanderlust locations and get out there!
If you’re looking for an outdoor oasis on the North Shore of Long Island that offers activities for everyone, look no further than Nissequogue River State Park in Kings Park. What sets Nissequogue apart are the variety of habitats you’ll find while exploring, including tidal and freshwater wetlands, and beautiful hardwood forests that are home to a variety of reptiles, shore birds, and amphibians. There is no better place for canoeing or kayaking, along a five and a half mile stretch that begins at the mouth of the river on the Long Island Sound and ends at the headwaters near the Smithtown Bull! And to sweeten the deal, a section of the park has been appointed as a State Bird Conservation area that is perfect for bird watching.
Known for its amazing ‘off the beaten path’ experience, Caumsett State Historic Park Reserve is a Long Island treasure you’ll want to experience for yourself. Located on a grand peninsula that extends into the Long Island Sound between Oyster and Huntington Bays, Caumsett State Park offers miles of paths perfect for hiking, biking, running, walking, cross-country skiing and more! We have a feeling it will inspire you to come back another time or two.
Most of us have visited the Montauk Lighthouse before. If you haven’t, add it to the top of your list because it’s a must-see for Long Islanders. But there are so many other things to do east of the Hamptons! With attractions such as Ditch Plains for surfing, Camp Hero State Park, horseback riding, tons of watersports, and even the
extremely popular seal hikes, there are lots of opportunities to get your heart-rate up and your steps in at The End.
Located on Long Island's North Shore across the Nissequogue, the David Weld Sanctuary provides visitors a landscape like no other. The sanctuary has an impressive lineup of glacial handiwork, remarkable habitats, and magnificent displays of wildflowers. But what makes this spot rare is the 50-foot climb up a bluff, revealing the Long Island Sound. And if you continue on the bluff you will run into a kettle hole, which is a 60-foot-deep depression that was formed long ago when an enormous piece of glacial ice melted on that spot.
The South Shore has some great escapes of its own, like Terrell River County Park right at the edge of Center Moriches. This particular park is phenomenal and known for its abundance of hiking trails, beach access, and brilliant scenic views. In conjunction with the Moriches Bay Audubon Society, Terrell Park is a nature preserve with an incredibly diverse amount of plants and trees that make for a magical experience. Enjoy getting your steps or miles in with the whole family, or make it a quiet getaway for one. No matter what time of year you go, you will leave feeling at ease.
Located in the heart of Smithtown, the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a hidden gem, and only one of two state nature preserves on Long Island. Dedicated to preserving local plant and wildlife over its 543 acres, visitors are guaranteed trails that showcase rare plants such as the Pink Lady Slipper, Indian Pipe, and Trailing Arbutus. Even if you don’t know what those are, the park is just north of the Long Island Greenbelt Trail’s conference headquarters. Whichever way you turn, you’ll find fantastic trails to get your steps in on!
Hempstead Lake State Park is HUGE - 775 acres sort of huge. Visitors can find incredible hiking trails, fishing spots, horseback riding, three lakes, biking, 20 tennis courts, and more. The historic hand-carved wooden carousel is like no other. It’s fully functional, rides are only a dollar, it was donated to the park in the ‘30s, and it is surrounded by playgrounds. You and your family will love this vintage trip outdoors and have a truly unique story to tell.
Don’t Wait, Let the Adventure Begin!
You know Long Island has some real gems to offer, and it’s time to let your adventure begin! Make those memories while enjoying all of the healthful benefits of being active. When you’re back from the outdoors, make sure to log your steps, minutes or miles in the
Are You Ready, Feet? ™ portal for a chance to win amazing prizes when you reach your goals!
Learn more about the
Long Island Health Collaborative and why you should get involved today!