The best running trails around Merrick

The Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve Loop Trail offers a delightful escape with varied terrain and unexpected vistas. As you jog the 2.8-mile (4.6 km) path, you'll traverse packed earth, gravel, and paved sections, including boardwalks that wind through open meadows and marshlands. From the preserve's highest point, you're treated to impressive panoramic views of the New York City skyline and the Jones Beach Tower, making this easy route a scenic standout.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this easy 28-minute jogging loop, which has a minimal 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain. The trail is suitable for all fitness levels, and parking is readily available at the preserve. It's a great option for a quick, refreshing outing, and you might want to allow extra time to enjoy the fishing pier or kayak launch.

What makes this trail truly unique is its history as a former landfill, now transformed into an award-winning nature preserve and plant and wildlife sanctuary. Beyond the diverse birdlife and other animals, you'll encounter Nigerian dwarf goats, which are employed for ecological weed control, adding a charming and distinctive touch to your experience.

The LI Motor Parkway Trail offers a unique jogging experience, blending a smooth paved surface with historical scenery. You'll pass through pleasant wooded areas and alongside backyards, encountering remnants of the original concrete and asphalt surfaces. The highlight for many is the vibrant display of autumn trees in Eisenhower Park, making it a particularly scenic route during fall. It's an easy path, perfect for a relaxed run with a touch of local history.

This 2.7-mile (4.4 km) jogging route, with only 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and can be completed in about 27 minutes. While largely flat, be prepared for a few sharp turns and short, steep climbs onto crossover bridges that add a little variety. It's a great option for a quick, accessible run any time of day, especially if you appreciate historical context during your workout.

This trail is a segment of America's first highway built exclusively for automobiles, the Long Island Motor Parkway, pioneered by William K. Vanderbilt II. It was groundbreaking for its use of overpasses and bridges, and even earned the nickname "Rumrunner's Road" during Prohibition. Today, portions of the trail are recognized on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century transportation history while you jog.

The Milburn Pond Park to Silver Lake Park route offers a refreshing escape into nature, connecting two tranquil green spaces in Baldwin. You'll jog along mostly paved paths, with some natural surfaces appearing within Silver Lake Park, enjoying tree-lined views and the peaceful atmosphere of both Milburn Pond and Silver Lake. This moderate 4.7-mile (7.6 km) out-and-back trail, with just 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option for a consistent 46-minute jog, especially if you appreciate a flat, serene environment.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is readily available at Milburn Pond Park, the starting point. Since it's an out-and-back route, you'll simply retrace your steps. While the trail is accessible, its length makes it best suited for individuals with a good fitness level looking for a steady workout. It's a fantastic choice for a quiet morning or afternoon run.

Both Milburn Pond Park and Silver Lake Park are known for their pond-centered designs, which attract a variety of local wildlife, particularly birds. This makes the route not just a good jogging trail but also an opportunity for wildlife spotting. The parks are part of a broader network of public green spaces in Baldwin, emphasizing accessible outdoor recreation and providing some of the best jogging trails near Milburn Pond Park.

Enjoy an easy 2.7-mile jogging route on the Baldwin Park Walking Trail, featuring a flat, paved surface and minimal elevation gain.