Sunken Meadow State Parkway (SMP)
The Sunken Meadow State Parkway (SMP) is a 6.3-mile parkway in Suffolk County that runs from the Northern State Parkway / Sagtikos Parkway interchange in Commack north to Sunken Meadow State Park on Long Island’s North Shore. Constructed in the 1950s as part of Robert Moses’ expansion of Long Island’s parkway system, it provides a direct link from central Long Island to the scenic beaches and recreational areas along the Long Island Sound.
The parkway is a passenger-car-only road (no trucks or commercial vehicles) and is known for its scenic final approach through wooded areas before entering Sunken Meadow State Park.
Route and Features
- Southern Terminus: Northern State Parkway / Sagtikos State Parkway interchange, Commack
- Northern Terminus: Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park
- Length: ~6.3 miles
- County: Suffolk
- Restrictions: Passenger cars only
Numbered Exits (south → north)
| Exit | Destination / Roadway | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SM1 | Northern State Parkway / Sagtikos State Parkway | Southern terminus at Commack |
| SM2 | Jericho Turnpike (NY-25) | Commack / Smithtown |
| SM3 | Pulaski Rd (CR-11) | Kings Park |
| SM4 | East Northport Rd (CR-66) | East Northport / Kings Park |
| SM5 | Sunken Meadow State Park | Northern terminus at Long Island Sound |
Notable Facts
- The SMP was built in 1957, primarily to serve Sunken Meadow State Park, one of Moses’ signature Long Island recreational projects.
- Together with the Sagtikos Parkway, it forms part of a north–south corridor connecting the Southern, Northern, and Sunken Meadow Parkways.
- Provides direct access to beaches, picnic areas, golf courses, and hiking trails along Long Island Sound.
- Often less congested than south shore parkways, but traffic builds during summer beach season.
