The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Jones Beach State Park
5.0
(2)
108
hikers
5
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Jones Beach State Park traverse a unique coastal environment on a barrier island, shaped by ocean currents and wind. The park features expansive sandy shores, maritime dunes, and ephemeral pools. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various activity levels. Undeveloped areas are home to diverse coastal life, including migratory birds and native plants.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Jones Beach State Park
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Massapequa Preserve loop from Massapequa, an easy 4.8 miles (7.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 56 minutes to complete. This path offers a gentle experience through natural surroundings.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Long Beach Boardwalk loop from City of Long Beach, an easy 2.4 miles (3.9 km) path. This route provides continuous ocean views along a paved surface.
- Local hikers also love the Bethpage Bikeway Trail, a 13.8 miles (22.2 km) trail leading through varied landscapes with some elevation, often completed in about 5 hours 41 minutes.
- Hiking in Jones Beach State Park is defined by sandy beaches, coastal paths, and maritime dunes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to longer routes.
- The routes in Jones Beach State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 4 reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Jones Beach State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
22.2km
05:42
120m
60m
The Bethpage Bikeway Trail offers a unique blend of natural escape and semi-urban exploration, making it a standout option for hikers on Long Island. You'll journey through the serene, shaded paths of the Massapequa Preserve, where Massapequa Lake and Creek provide picturesque views and opportunities to spot local wildlife like ducks and swans. The terrain varies from smooth paved sections to more rugged dirt paths with exposed roots, especially within the preserves, offering a true hiking feel.
Planning your hike on this 13.8-mile (22.2 km) route, which involves 387 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes 5 hours and 41 minutes, is straightforward thanks to numerous access points and available parking. If you prefer public transport, the LIRR station in Massapequa provides easy access to the trail's southern end. This difficult-rated trail is dog-friendly, so your leashed canine companion can join you for the adventure.
What truly sets the Bethpage Bikeway Trail apart is its ability to connect diverse environments, traversing two state parks and two wetland preserves. It's one of Long Island's longest multi-use trails, offering both easier paved sections and challenging unpaved options. Keep an eye out for historical remnants, like a banked turn from the old Vanderbilt Motor Parkway near Bethpage State Park, adding a layer of local history to your outdoor experience.
Sign up for free
14
hikers
3.23km
00:50
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
7.71km
01:57
10m
10m
The Massapequa Preserve loop from Massapequa offers a delightful escape into nature, even within suburban Nassau County. This easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) hiking route takes about 1 hour and 56 minutes to complete, with a minimal 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain. You'll wander through lush woodlands of oak and maple trees, past serene lakes and picturesque ponds like the Massapequa Reservoir, and over a mix of paved and dirt paths. It's an ideal trail for a peaceful, family-friendly outing, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the natural beauty.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the preserve is easily accessible with parking available. No permits or fees are needed, making it a convenient choice for a spontaneous hike. While enjoyable year-round, consider visiting in spring or fall for the most comfortable weather and vibrant foliage. The trail's gentle terrain and clear paths make it suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including those with strollers or wheelchairs on its paved sections.
This preserve is a true biodiversity hotspot, providing a critical habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species, including over 100 bird species, foxes, and deer. It's highly valued as one of the few significant natural escapes in Nassau County, offering a genuine immersion in a forest environment. Beyond hiking, the preserve is popular for biking, running, and fishing, and connects to the larger Bethpage State Park Bikeway Trail for longer journeys.
5.0
(1)
27
hikers
3.88km
00:58
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Long Beach Boardwalk is a wide, pedestrian-friendly path perfect for a run, relaxing bike ride or walk along the ocean. Stretching for over 2 miles, it offers fresh sea air, beach access, and plenty of spots to stop for food or drinks. Early mornings are quieter, while afternoons can get busier.
0
0
Jones Beach at Jones Beach State Park is home to 6.5 miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean on the south shore of Long Island. Although many of the 8 million visitors per year enjoy swimming, beach-walking, and sunbathing, there is so much more to do here. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, spotting species such as Oystercatchers, Terns, and Northern Harrier Hawks along the shore. The park's boardwalk and bike paths provide a scenic route for cyclists, with connections extending to nearby parks. Water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding, wind surfing, and kayaking, are popular activities along the beachfront. Fishing and crabbing are also available, particularly at Field 10, where there is a bait and tackle shop on site. For those with mobility impairments, Beach Wheel Chairs are available at Zach's Bay for easy access across the sand and into the water. Special events such as the Bethpage Air Show, July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, and concerts at the Northwell Health Theatre offer fun experiences for visitors all year.
0
0
Bethpage State Park is home to 5 world-class golf courses, some of which have hosted the likes of the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open Championship.
0
0
The 432-acre area offers nice trails for hiking, running, and biking that meander along Massapequa Creek, where you may see people fishing. This place truly makes you feel as if you're in the middle of the forest, far away from the city.
0
0
This place is a highly popular fishing spot, regularly stocked with trout, drawing a considerable crowd on weekends. The area is rich in wildlife, with various species such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, raccoons, and rabbits. It also serves as a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
0
0
The Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve was created by converting the former Merrick Landfill into a nature preserve. There are 3 miles of hiking and jogging paths with exercise equipment at different points. In the preserve there is the chance to see some of the wildlife that is found on the south shore, including foxes, turtles and various birds and fish. There is also a great view of the Atlantic Ocean and the town of Merrick from the top of Merrick Mountain.
1
0
Jones Beach State Park (and Jones Island stretching to the east of the Park) is a nice spot to come ride your bike at. You can enjoy delightful landscapes, beach stops and a beautiful bike path. Lovely all along! Remember to yield to pedestrians on any multi-use paths.
0
0
Jones Beach State Park (and Jones Island stretching to the east of the Park) is a nice spot to come ride your bike at. You can enjoy delightful landscapes, beach stops and a beautiful bike path. Lovely all along!
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the hiking trails in Jones Beach State Park suitable for families?
Jones Beach State Park offers a variety of trails that are generally flat and accessible, making them ideal for families with children. Many paths provide continuous ocean views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. The park's coastal environment and attractions like the boardwalk add to its family-friendly appeal.
Are there any easy loop trails for families in Jones Beach State Park?
Yes, there are easy loop options perfect for families. For instance, the Massapequa Preserve loop from Massapequa is an easy 7.7 km (4.8 miles) trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. Another great choice is the Long Beach Boardwalk loop from City of Long Beach, which is a shorter 3.8 km (2.4 miles) and can be done in under an hour, offering scenic boardwalk views.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family-friendly hikes in Jones Beach State Park?
The terrain in Jones Beach State Park is predominantly flat, ranging from paved paths like the Jones Beach Bikeway and the boardwalk to sandy sections through maritime dunes, especially in the West End. You'll also find trails through interdunal environments and near salt marshes, providing a diverse coastal walking experience.
Are there specific trails that are stroller-friendly?
Many of the paved sections, such as the Jones Beach Bikeway and the two-mile boardwalk, are excellent choices for strollers. The park also features a shorter accessible path through a pollinator garden in the West End, which is suitable for strollers and young children.
What natural features or wildlife can we see while hiking?
Jones Beach State Park is a haven for coastal life. Hikers can enjoy 6.5 miles of pristine white-sand ocean beach and explore rare maritime dunes. The undeveloped areas, particularly the Park Preservation Area in the West End, are significant for birdwatching, with species like piping plovers, least terns, and short-eared owls. You might also spot unique vegetation such as sea pink and wild seabeach amaranth.
What attractions are near the hiking trails for families?
Beyond the trails, families can explore several attractions. The Jones Beach State Park itself offers expansive beaches. You can also visit the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center or the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center for educational displays and interactive exhibits. The iconic Long Beach Boardwalk and Beach is another popular spot for a stroll.
Is there parking available for the hiking trails?
Yes, Jones Beach State Park offers ample parking facilities throughout the park, including at various fields and access points to the beaches and trails. Parking is generally well-marked and convenient for accessing different sections of the park's extensive trail system.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Jones Beach State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning ocean views, the peaceful coastal environment, and the accessibility of the trails, making it a favorite for leisurely walks and family outings.
Are there any longer trails for families with older children or more experience?
For families seeking a longer adventure, the Jones Beach Bikeway offers a 5.4-mile paved route with continuous ocean views. While listed as 'difficult' due to its length, the Bethpage Bikeway Trail is a 22.1 km (13.7 miles) option that could be tackled in sections or by more experienced families, providing a full day out.
What is the best time of year to visit Jones Beach State Park for hiking with family?
Spring and fall are often ideal for hiking in Jones Beach State Park, as the weather is milder and less crowded than the peak summer months. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for walking and excellent opportunities for birdwatching. However, the park's coastal trails are enjoyable year-round, with winter offering a unique, serene experience.
Most popular routes in Jones Beach State Park
Most popular attractions in Jones Beach State Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
