The best walks and hikes around Amityville

Yes, many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but policies vary by park. For example, dogs are generally welcome on-leash in Massapequa Preserve and Belmont Lake State Park. However, they are not permitted in the Quogue Wildlife Refuge to protect the wildlife. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.

The region is excellent for family outings due to its mostly flat terrain. A great option is the Massapequa Reservoir loop from North Massapequa, an easy 4.1-mile path within a beautiful woodland preserve. Another choice is the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, which offers several flat, well-marked trails under 3 miles, perfect for children.

Long Island's terrain is generally flat, so natural waterfalls are not a common feature on local hiking trails. Hikes in this area are better known for their serene lake views, dense woodlands, and coastal scenery rather than cascades.

Several state parks offer excellent hiking. Belmont Lake State Park is a popular choice, known for its paths connecting to other local parks. Bethpage State Park offers a network of trails through diverse landscapes, including access to the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. For a mix of beach and woodland hiking, Sunken Meadow State Park is a highly-regarded option a bit further afield.

Yes, there are several enjoyable loop trails. The Southards Pond – Southards Pond loop from Babylon is a moderate 5.1-mile route that takes you through Southards Pond Park. For something shorter and easier, the Massapequa Preserve loop from Massapequa offers a pleasant 4.8-mile walk.

While most of Long Island is flat, you can find some rolling hills and varied terrain for a more strenuous hike. The trails within Bethpage State Park have some minor elevations. For more significant hills, you might explore the northern parts of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail or areas around Sunken Meadow State Park, which feature some bluffs and steeper sections.

The southern end of the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail is accessible from the Massapequa Preserve. This section is characterized by a relatively flat, wooded path that follows the Massapequa Creek. It's a well-maintained trail that offers a peaceful escape into nature, connecting hikers to a much larger trail system that runs north through Long Island.

The trails around Amityville are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.8 stars. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the beautiful water views at parks like Belmont Lake, and the genuine forest feeling within the Massapequa Preserve.

For a day hike, comfortable walking shoes are essential as some paths can be uneven. Bring water, especially in summer, and insect repellent for wooded and wetland areas. It's also wise to pack sunscreen and a hat, as some trails have open, unshaded sections.

Massapequa Preserve offers a more immersive nature experience with dense woodlands and a feeling of being deep in a forest. Belmont Lake State Park's trails are often wider, multi-use paths that connect to other parks, like the Argyle Lake to Belmont Lake route, offering more open scenery and lakeside views.

While Amityville is famous for its folklore, the local hiking trails are not officially associated with any haunted tales. Areas like Mt. Misery Road have local legends, but they do not have designated, maintained hiking trails. The main parks like Massapequa Preserve and Belmont Lake State Park are simply scenic nature areas.

Most major parks and preserves have designated parking areas. Massapequa Preserve has several access points with parking lots along its length. Belmont Lake State Park and Bethpage State Park have large, official parking areas near the main entrances, though a vehicle use fee may apply during peak season.