Blydenburgh County Park - Long Island Guide

An autumn view of the drained Stump Pond at Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown after damage to the New Mill Pond Dam caused the lake to empty. Stacked rowboats remain beside the exposed shoreline, while the former lakebed stretches beneath a bright blue sky and late-season trees. File photo: Jay Gao, licensed.

Blydenburgh County Park is a large woodland park in Smithtown, centered around the historic headwaters of the Nissequogue River. The Suffolk County park contains hiking and bridle trails, wooded campsites, picnic areas, a playground and remnants of the Blydenburgh family’s former farming and milling operations.

The park is also an important stop along the Long Island Greenbelt Trail, which crosses central Suffolk County between Heckscher State Park and Sunken Meadow State Park. Its extensive trail system allows visitors to explore forests, wetlands, streams and the area surrounding the former Stump Pond.

Hiking and the Long Island Greenbelt Trail

Blydenburgh County Park is one of the most substantial natural areas encountered along the Long Island Greenbelt Trail. Greenbelt hikers pass through the park while traveling north toward Caleb Smith State Park Preserve and Sunken Meadow State Park or south toward Hauppauge and the Connetquot River area.

Additional park trails form several interconnected routes through oak and maple woodland, across small streams and around the historic mill district. Trail conditions range from broad woodland paths to narrower natural surfaces that may become muddy following rain. Suffolk County provides an official trail map for visitors planning longer hikes through the property.

Stump Pond and the Nissequogue River

Stump Pond was created in 1798 when Isaac Blydenburgh and members of the Smith family constructed a dam across the headwaters of the Nissequogue River to power a gristmill. Flooding covered the river’s original banks while leaving numerous tree stumps visible above the water, giving the pond its familiar name.

The pond was historically a defining feature of the park and supported fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. However, the New Mill Pond Dam failed during severe flooding in August 2024, causing Stump Pond to drain. Suffolk County is pursuing reconstruction of the dam and restoration of the approximately 118-acre pond, supported in part by an $8 million New York State grant announced in July 2026. Visitors should check current park notices before expecting access to the former pond, boat-launch area or nearby facilities.

Blydenburgh Farm and New Mill

The northern portion of the park preserves structures associated with the Blydenburgh family and the historic New Mill settlement. The area includes the mill house, farm buildings and other surviving features that illustrate the agricultural and industrial history of early Smithtown.

Guided tours of the historic area are periodically offered by the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. Tour schedules, building access and program availability may vary by season.

Camping and Recreation

Blydenburgh County Park contains individual campsites, group camping areas and facilities for organized outdoor stays. Camping reservations and seasonal minimum-stay requirements are administered through the Suffolk County Parks reservation system.

Other park features include picnic areas, grills, a large playground, bridle paths and open grassy areas. The main playground includes slides, climbing equipment, a paved entrance and a communication board designed to support inclusive play.

Key Facts and Details

Location	Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
County	Suffolk County
Operator	Suffolk County Department of Parks
Primary Features	Hiking trails, Greenbelt Trail access, camping, picnicking, playground, bridle paths and historic structures
Major Trail	Long Island Greenbelt Trail
Waterway	Headwaters of the Nissequogue River and the former Stump Pond
Camping	Available by reservation, subject to seasonal rules and facility conditions
Park Office	631-854-3712
Official Website	Suffolk County Parks

Blydenburgh County Park combines natural scenery, local history and one of the most important trail junctions in central Long Island. Although the loss of Stump Pond has temporarily changed the park’s landscape and some water-based activities, its woodland trails, camping facilities, historic district and Greenbelt Trail connection continue to make it a major outdoor destination in Smithtown.