Where can I hike?
Long Island offers hundreds of miles of hiking opportunities, ranging from easy nature walks and coastal boardwalks to forest trails, wildlife preserves, and scenic shoreline paths. Whether you’re looking for a short family-friendly hike or a full day outdoors, you’ll find trails throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County.
In Short
Some of the best places to hike on Long Island include the Pine Barrens, Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Massapequa Preserve, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Hither Hills State Park, and Mashomack Preserve.
Where Can I Hike on Long Island?
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Long Island. The island’s trail system passes through pine forests, freshwater wetlands, salt marshes, barrier beaches, and historic estates, offering opportunities to observe wildlife, enjoy peaceful scenery, and explore landscapes that many visitors never see from the road.
For forest hiking, the Pine Barrens contains one of the largest networks of trails on Long Island, while Connetquot River State Park Preserve protects woodlands, streams, and wetlands with miles of scenic walking paths. Massapequa Preserve offers paved and natural trails that are popular for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Visitors looking for coastal scenery can enjoy hiking through Hither Hills State Park, Fire Island National Seashore, or Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, where trails lead through beaches, bluffs, woodlands, and open fields. On Shelter Island, Mashomack Preserve protects thousands of acres of forests, tidal creeks, and salt marshes that are ideal for nature walks.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging outdoor adventure, Long Island offers hiking trails for every skill level and every season. Many parks also provide opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing, fishing, and picnicking, making them excellent destinations for a full day outdoors.
Quick Facts
| Looking For… | Recommended Destination |
|---|---|
| Forest Trails | Pine Barrens |
| Wildlife & Wetlands | Connetquot River State Park Preserve |
| Easy Walking Trails | Massapequa Preserve |
| Coastal Hiking | Hither Hills State Park and Fire Island National Seashore |
| Historic Estate Trails | Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve |
| Nature Preserve | Mashomack Preserve |
| More Outdoor Destinations | Long Island Parks |
From quiet woodland paths and freshwater preserves to scenic coastal trails overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island offers hiking experiences for every age and ability. Whether you’re exploring for exercise, photography, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature, the island’s parks and preserves provide countless opportunities to get outdoors throughout the year. For additional places to explore, visit our Long Island Parks guide.
