The best walks and hikes in Suffolk County

Embark on the Mashomack Red, Yellow, Green and Jone C. Coles Loop for a moderate hike that spans 5.5 miles (8.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 157 feet (48 metres). You can expect to complete this diverse route in about 2 hours and 18 minutes. As you hike, you will move through dense forests, open meadows, and past tranquil ponds, offering a varied and engaging outdoor experience.

Before you head out, remember that the Mashomack Preserve is managed by The Nature Conservancy, so it is wise to check for any specific visitor guidelines or seasonal hours. Parking is generally available right at the preserve entrance, making access straightforward. Always plan your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable time on the trails.

This loop is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of Shelter Island, taking you along sections like the barrier-free Jone C. Coles Memorial Trail, which features a boardwalk. You will also pass Sanctuary Pond, a known habitat for various birds and turtles, adding to the preserve's rich biodiversity. It is a great opportunity to connect with nature and observe local wildlife.

The Bayard Cutting Arboretum Loop offers a serene and easy hike, guiding you through a living museum of trees. You'll wander past ancient oak trees and impressive conifers, with the trail eventually leading you to the tranquil Connetquot River, where bald cypress trees stand with their distinctive "knees." This 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route, with a minimal 38 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a leisurely 54-minute stroll, making it ideal for families and those seeking a quiet botanical experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking usually available, though an early start is always recommended on busy days. The arboretum is particularly stunning in late summer and early fall when the Dahlia Garden is in full bloom, or during autumn for its vibrant foliage. You can also find a café in the historic Manor House, perfect for a refreshment after your walk.

What makes this trail truly special is its unique blend of curated botanical collections and historical significance, influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted. It's an "oasis of beauty and quiet" on Long Island, offering educational placards to identify various tree species and even a farm with chickens, adding to its distinct charm and appeal for all ages.

The Home Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape into nature, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family outing. This easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hiking route features a gentle 41 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy continuous, calming views of Belmont Lake State Park, including a picturesque waterfall at the lake's outlet, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil experience.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking available at Belmont Lake State Park. While the trail is enjoyable in all seasons, spring and fall provide the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural beauty. It's a great option for beginner Home Trail hikes or anyone looking for a relaxing walk without significant physical challenge.

This trail is a local favorite for its easy accessibility and the peaceful atmosphere it provides, making it a perfect spot for wildlife spotting or simply unwinding by the water. Its flat terrain and well-maintained path ensure a pleasant experience for all ages, offering a refreshing break from the everyday hustle in Suffolk County.

Explore the Mashomack Red Trail, an easy hiking route that guides you through a diverse landscape of freshwater marshes, tidal creeks, and serene oak forests. This pleasant path offers intimate views of natural surroundings, including Nicoll's Creek, making it a relaxing outdoor experience. You can complete the 1.7 miles (2.8 km) journey, with its gentle 46 feet (14 metres) elevation gain, in approximately 43 minutes.

When planning your visit, remember that the Mashomack Preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. However, be aware that during January, the trails are only accessible on weekends. Dogs are not permitted anywhere within the preserve, so leave your furry friends at home. You can also enhance your hike by utilizing a free audio guide available on your mobile device.

Managed by The Nature Conservancy, the Mashomack Preserve is a significant natural area known for its rich biodiversity. As you hike, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife, which includes wild turkeys and over 200 species of birds. This makes the trail an excellent spot for nature observation and a unique feature that sets it apart in the region.

The McAllister County Park Loop offers a delightful blend of landscapes, guiding you through dense hardwood forests, across salt marshes, and along a picturesque coastline. You'll discover impressive sand dunes near Pirate's Cove, providing sweeping vistas of the Long Island Sound. This easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike, with only 96 feet (29 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to experience diverse natural beauty in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

When planning your visit, remember that parking at McAllister County Park can be limited, so arriving early or planning ahead is a good idea. The coastal sections can be quite windy, so checking the weather forecast before you go will help you prepare for a comfortable outing. This accessible trail is a great option for a quick, scenic walk.

Beyond its natural appeal, the trail also offers a glimpse into the past with the remains of a 19th-century estate. The park's diverse ecosystems, from woodlands to marsh and coast, make it a notable spot for birdwatching, with herons and ospreys often sighted. The unique sand dunes, formed from a 20th-century dredging operation, add a distinctive geological feature to the experience.

The West Hills Park Purple and Orange Loops trail offers a refreshing escape into a diverse and engaging landscape, feeling far more remote than its location suggests. As you traverse the route, you'll wander through quiet, mature forests, alternating between fragrant pine groves and sturdy hardwood trees, with the path often wide and well-marked. The rolling topography and dense canopy create an immersive experience, especially as you approach the historic Walt Whitman Trail leading towards Jaynes Hill.

This moderate hiking route covers 9.5 miles (15.3 km) with 562 feet (171 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 6 minutes to complete. It's accessible year-round, though you should be prepared for potentially muddy or icy conditions, particularly after heavy rains or during colder seasons. The trail is very dog-friendly, provided your furry friends are kept on a leash, making it a great option for a family outing.

What makes this trail stand out is its connection to Long Island's highest natural point, Jaynes Hill, and its surprisingly wild feel despite being close to local roads. The park sits on the Ronkonkoma Moraine, which explains its hilly nature and varied terrain. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer in warmer seasons, and a variety of birds like the Eastern Screech Owl and Red-tailed Hawk.

The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Loop via Old Dock Rd offers a delightful, accessible escape into nature, showcasing diverse terrain from dirt paths to boardwalks and sandy stretches. You'll enjoy scenic views of Sunken Meadow Creek and the Nissequogue River, with the chance to spot wildlife, especially during waterfowl migration. It's a truly engaging experience, perfect for a quick, refreshing outing.

This easy 1.6-mile (2.6 km) hiking loop has a gentle 90 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain and takes around 40 minutes to complete. Located within Sunken Meadow State Park, be aware that parking fees may apply. For the most pleasant experience and vibrant scenery, plan your visit during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage along the river is stunning.

This particular loop is a segment of the much larger 32-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail, a National Recreation Trail that spans from the Long Island Sound to the Great South Bay. Its accessibility and compressed natural beauty make the Old Dock Road section a popular choice for families and beginner hikers looking for a taste of Long Island's varied landscapes, including bluffs, beaches, and pine trees.

The Terrell River Trail offers a delightful journey through Long Island's coastal ecosystems, winding through shaded maritime forests, open grassy wetlands, and salt marshes. You'll traverse boardwalks over marshy areas and enjoy scenic views of the Terrell River flowing towards Moriches Bay. This easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) hike with only 35 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain is a mellow experience, taking about 1 hour and 8 minutes, perfect for soaking in diverse natural beauty.

When planning your visit, remember that Terrell River County Park has no water sources or services, so pack everything you need and practice 'carry in, carry out'. The trail is family-friendly and dogs are permitted on leash. Be aware that mosquitoes and ticks can be common in warmer months, so come prepared with insect repellent.

This 263-acre preserve is a true birding paradise, offering excellent opportunities to spot osprey, egrets, and migratory shorebirds year-round. The Terrell River itself is a vital nursery ground for various fish and crustaceans, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity. You can also find remnants of the historic Havens Estate along the trail, adding a touch of local history to your outdoor adventure.

The Cedar Beach Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into coastal nature, perfect for a quick refresh. This 1.0-mile (1.5 km) hiking route guides you through a maritime forest, past salt marshes, and onto a wide, sandy shoreline. With only 99 feet (30 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle 25-minute walk that provides scenic views of the Long Island Sound and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Located in the Cedar Beach Town Nature Preserve in Mount Sinai, Long Island, the trailhead is easily accessible with ample parking. The area is well-equipped with amenities like beach access, a fishing pier, and a boardwalk. For the best experience, consider visiting in the late afternoon to catch the highly praised sunset views over the water.

This trail is a gem for birdwatchers and nature photographers, offering glimpses of migratory birds and coastal wildlife. Beyond the trail, the preserve provides a marine environmental stewardship center with educational programs and even a bar/restaurant, Tiki Joe's, on-site, making it a well-rounded destination for a leisurely outing.