The best walks and hikes around Bay Shore
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Hiking around Bay Shore, New York, is characterized by a mix of coastal paths, state park trails, and woodland preserves. The terrain is generally flat, with routes following the Great South Bay shoreline or winding through the oak-pine woodlands of Long Island's South Shore. The area provides access to a variety of landscapes, including salt marshes, open fields, and maritime forests.
Best hiking trails around Bay Shore
- The most popular hiking route is Heckscher State Park loop via Long Island Greenbelt Trail, a 9.5 miles (15.3 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 50 minutes to complete. The route follows paved and unpaved paths through fields and along the Great South Bay.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Blue Trail Loop – Connetquot River State Park Preserve, a moderate 8.3 miles (13.3 km) path. This trail explores the preserve's woodlands and follows sections of the Connetquot River.
- Local hikers also love the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop, a 3.1 miles (5.0 km) trail leading through a pine barren ecosystem, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Bay Shore is defined by waterfront trails, woodland paths, and routes through state park preserves. The trail network offers a selection of easy and moderate hikes suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Bay Shore are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 190 hikers have used komoot to explore Bay Shore's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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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.
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If you're looking for a genuinely easy hike with plenty of visual interest, the Heckscher State Park Bike Path delivers. This 3.6-mile (5.8 km) route offers a pleasant journey through diverse scenery, from shaded woodlands to open coastal stretches with continuous views of the Great South Bay. With only 16 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, it's a flat and well-maintained path, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
Planning your visit to Heckscher State Park is straightforward, as the park provides numerous amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the state park is large, suggesting ample parking is available. The trail is accessible for all skill levels and can be enjoyed throughout the year, though coastal sections might be windy.
This trail is notable for being part of the extensive 1,600-acre Heckscher State Park, and it also serves as the southern trailhead for the much longer 32-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail. The park's rich natural environment means you'll encounter diverse ecosystems, from forests to marshland, and have opportunities to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and over 280 species of birds.
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The Long Island Greenbelt Trail South offers a truly varied hiking experience, guiding you through lush forests, past picturesque river views, and along the edge of the Great South Bay. You'll traverse soft, sandy sections, boardwalks, and natural soil paths, with the terrain shifting from flat pine plains to gently rolling hills, especially as you pass through areas like Heckscher State Park. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and a variety of bird species, as you immerse yourself in this diverse natural setting.
This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) hike, with a minimal 49 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 51 minutes to complete. While generally accessible, some parts require good fitness. The trail is marked with white blazes, but be prepared for potential sections that might lead through suburban streets, requiring careful navigation. Fall is an especially rewarding time to visit, as the foliage bursts into vibrant colors.
Part of the larger 32-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail, this southern section is a designated National Recreation Trail that connects the Great South Bay to the Long Island Sound. It provides access to significant state parks like Connetquot River State Park Preserve and Heckscher State Park, and closely follows the courses of the Connetquot and Nissequogue rivers. The trail's rich biodiversity offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide array of plant and animal species.
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The Belmont Lake State Park Loop offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic hike, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) route circles the picturesque Belmont Lake, featuring a mix of paved and packed dirt paths through mixed hardwood forests and open parkland. With only 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle stroll that takes about 35 minutes, allowing you to enjoy continuous lake views and spot waterfowl near the
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If you're seeking a genuinely easy and quick outdoor escape, the Plover Trail delivers a pleasant experience without breaking a sweat. This 0.8-mile (1.4 km) hike features a minimal 2 feet (1 metre) of elevation gain, making it incredibly flat and accessible for everyone. You can comfortably complete the entire route in about 20 minutes, enjoying a gentle stroll through what feels like a local park or green space in West Bay Shore, New York.
Planning your visit to the Plover Trail is straightforward; its easy difficulty means it's suitable for all seasons, though a sunny day always enhances the experience. As a short, local path, you likely won't need special permits or extensive planning for parking, making it an excellent choice for a spontaneous walk. It's a great option if you're looking for a family-friendly route or a quick leg-stretcher.
This Plover Trail stands out as a wonderfully accessible option for beginners or those with limited mobility, offering a chance to connect with nature without any strenuous effort. Its short length and flat terrain make it ideal for a quick break, perhaps combined with other local activities in the Suffolk County area. It's a testament to how even the shortest trails can provide a refreshing dose of the outdoors.
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Popular around Bay Shore
Tips from the Community
From this spot you get a nice view of a small waterfall flowing out of Belmont Lake into Carl's River. This is a pleasant spot to pause as you ride around Belmont Lake State Park and the surrounding area.
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Spanning 1,600 acres on Long Island's south shore, Heckscher State Park is an outdoor haven. Shady picnic groves host family gatherings, while open fields beckon sports enthusiasts for soccer, cricket, and lacrosse. Nature lovers explore 4 miles of trails, spotting deer and birds against the backdrop of the Great South Bay and Fire Island. The bay lures visitors for swimming, boating, and water sports. Newly built waterfront cottages offer cozy accommodations with spectacular views, complete with living areas, kitchens, and screened porches.
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Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a 3,473-acre refuge of sandy pine barrens, wetlands, ponds, and woodlands. Visitors can find over 200 bird species and 300 plant species, along with other mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and moths that once lived all over Long Island. This area was created as New York's first "State Park Preserve," and remains a protected area open to the public today.
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Belmont Lake State Park and the path running through it makes a perfect spot to cycle through off of the road and enjoy the green scenery. With the Carlis River running through it, there is plenty to see along the way.
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Southards Pond Park is a popular spot for easy hiking in Babylon, New York. There is a dirt hiking loop that circles the Southards Pond (the centerpiece of the park) and a couple other paths that follow the Carlls River south.
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If you are looking for a scenic and relaxing trail run, you might want to check out Southards Pond Park in Babylon, New York. This park features a 1.4-mile loop trail that circles around a large pond, where you can enjoy the views of the water and the wildlife. The trail is mostly flat and easy, with some dirt footpaths and wooden bridges. You can access the trail from many points around the pond, but the south shoreline offers the easiest access. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Southards Pond Park is a great place to enjoy nature and get some fresh air while running.
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The area where Belmont Lake funnels back into the Carlls River at the southern end of the reservoir is a popular viewing spot of the water. There is a bridge crossing the creek with a head-on view of the small cascade formed by the lake flowing into the tight waterway.
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Belmont Lake is fed by the Carlls River and features a few tiny islands in the middle of the reservoir. There are docks, benches, picnic tables, and a small pier on the east side of the water. The dam on the south side of the lake is another popular hiking destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails near Bay Shore?
Yes, Gardiner County Park is a popular choice for dog owners. It's a 231-acre park with well-marked trails leading to the Great South Bay. It features dedicated areas for both large and small dogs, making it an excellent spot for a walk with your pet.
What are some good options for an easy, circular hike?
For a straightforward loop, the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve loop is a great option. It's a relatively short 3.1-mile (5.0 km) trail through a unique pine barren ecosystem that can be completed in just over an hour.
Where can I find waterfront hiking trails with views of the bay?
Many trails in the area offer beautiful water views. Heckscher State Park has paths that run along the Great South Bay, providing scenic vistas of the water and Fire Island. The trails are a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, suitable for a leisurely hike by the shore.
Are there any challenging hikes with elevation gain near Bay Shore?
While most of Long Island is flat, you can find some elevation at West Hills County Park. It's home to Jayne's Hill, the highest point on the island. The trails here are hilly and wind through a mixed-deciduous forest, offering a more strenuous workout compared to the coastal paths.
What should I pack for a day hike on Fire Island?
For a hike on Fire Island, be prepared for exposure to the elements. Essentials include plenty of water, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on sand and boardwalks. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, especially for trails through the Sunken Forest or marshy areas. Since services are limited, pack all the food and snacks you'll need for the day.
What are the trails like in Connetquot River State Park Preserve?
The trails in Connetquot River State Park Preserve are generally wide, sandy paths that wind through 3,473 acres of protected land. You can explore routes like the Green & Long Island Greenbelt Trail Loop, which follows parts of the river and takes you through quiet woodlands. The preserve is a great place to experience Long Island's natural environment.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in the area?
Absolutely. The South Shore Nature Center in nearby East Islip is an excellent choice for families. It offers easy, well-maintained trails through forests and marshes that are perfect for little legs. The visitor center also has educational exhibits and live animals.
Where are the best places for birdwatching while hiking?
The diverse habitats around Bay Shore make it a prime location for birdwatching. Heckscher State Park is known for its variety of bird species, which can be spotted along its twenty miles of trails. For a more focused experience, Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a designated home for rare birds and offers excellent viewing opportunities along its river and woodland paths.
How do other hikers rate the trails around Bay Shore?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the mix of waterfront scenery along the Great South Bay and the peaceful woodland paths found in the various state parks and preserves.
What is a good long-distance hike that connects multiple parks?
The hike from Argyle Lake to Belmont Lake is a great choice for a longer outing. This moderate 7.7-mile (12.3 km) route connects several local parks, offering a varied landscape without being overly strenuous.
How can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Bay Shore is well-connected by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which can get you close to several hiking areas. From the Bay Shore station, you can use local taxis or ride-sharing services to reach nearby trailheads like Gardiner County Park or the ferry terminals for Fire Island. Some parks, like Belmont Lake State Park, are also accessible via a combination of train and a short taxi ride.
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