Fall Hikes and Bites of Long Island
Whether you’re a city goer or Long Island local, check out several hikes and bites in Suffolk County to get some fresh air in the great outdoors, featuring quick hikes in the woods, accessible beach fronts, and beautiful harbors to explore.
This article will soon be posted on the Discover Long Island website. You can see a video recap here and find all locations here. Words and photos are by Zak Suhar.
With more than 2,000 square miles of land and waterways to explore there’s a lot to love about Long Island. From scenic coastline driving, hiking, biking, or paddling around the many beachfront the island has to offer, to wine tasting, visiting farmer’s markets, and eating your way through historic towns, there’s endless activities to do. You’ve probably heard of mainstays on the east end like the Hamptons and Montauk, but there are also many must sees on western Long Island. Read on for some of the best trails, beaches, and places to grab a bite to eat in Suffolk County.
Cold Spring Harbor State Park
Hike: Trailhead to Lawrence Hill Road, 1.8 miles, very easy
Things to Do: Hiking, walking, running, birding (dogs allowed)
Places to Eat: Toast & Co for brunch, Purple Elephant for lunch or dinner
On the north shore of Long Island sits the quaint town of Huntington, home to Cold Spring Harbor State Park, a 40 acre park featuring an easy hike through a wooden terrain of large oak trees. You can park next to the picturesque harbor or the few designated spots on Lawrence Hill Road to enjoy this easy walk through the woods. In the summer, the trail is great for bird watching due to the great horned owl and red-tailed hawk population, and in winter, you can find locals snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The park is dog friendly, offering a place for a perfect stroll on a Fall day. Fuel up for the hike before at Toast & Co, a diner-style restaurant with delicious brunch and be sure to try the delicious popover eggs benedict. For lunch or dinner try The Purple Elephant, offering delicious Latin-inspired dishes with many vegetarian and vegan options.
Not too far from the park is St. John’s Church, a beautiful place to check out Fall colors and go for an easy stroll along a private lake. If you’re looking for beach access, Centerport Beach at Northport Bay is a short drive away with picnic areas and a place to swim, fish, kayak, or paddleboard. The coastline drive from Cold Spring Harbor to the north shore is worth it!
David Weld Sanctuary
Hike: David Weld Sanctuary Tour, 2 miles, very easy
Things to Do: Hiking, walking, birding, nature trips (dogs allowed)
Places to Eat: Soul Brew for brunch in Huntington or St. James
Not far from Huntington near the town of St. James is The David Weld Sanctuary, a 125 acre preserve featuring an impressive array of habitats and glacial bluffs. The 2-mile loop trail starts in an old field scattered with red cedar trees, loops around shallow aquatic swamps, and ends at a 50-foot bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound. There’s 1,800 feet of beachfront to explore and enormous boulders scattered throughout, a great place to go shelling and explore along the shore. Nature lovers should pack their camera to try and capture some local bird species and magnificent tulip tree blooms in the Spring. The small parking lot can accommodate six vehicles and offers no roadside parking, so plan to arrive early. Head to one of the Soul Brew locations for incredible seasonal latte’s and delicious brunch or lunch before or after your hike.
Down the road and a bit further north is Old Field Lighthouse, built in 1868 and standing strong today. It’s a great place for more views of the Sound or to catch sailboats drifting by on clear days. For more activities, walk the boardwalk or swim at Sunken Meadow State Park, or stroll more walking trails at Avalon Nature Preserve. Be sure to stop at the St. James General Store on the drive.
Heckscher State Park
Hike: 3 trails with over 20 miles to explore, 6-mile Exterior Loop
Things to Do: Biking, swimming, disc golfing, camping (dogs allowed)
Places to Eat: RHUM for lunch or dinner
On the south shore of Long Island, looking across the Great South Bay at Fire Island National Seashore, is Heckscher State Park, a 1,600 acre park and home to many outdoor activities. The park offers over 20-miles of trails for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and also features waterfront areas great for bay swimming, boat launching, kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. The area is known as the “Home of the White-tailed Deer” and also features nearly 280 bird species, so be sure to pack your binoculars or zoom lens. Just east are many coastal towns and restaurant options, but nothing beats RHUM’s island-inspired fare and drink list. The guacamole and pimento cheese double dip, creamy roasted garlic caesar salad, tacos, non-alcoholic concoctions or rum-based drinks are must tries.
If you’re heading to Heckscher State Park from the months of April to October, book a campground or check availability for a stay in one of their 15 picturesque Cottages. The cabins have full amenities, fire pits, are steps away from the ocean, and are considered a hidden gem on Long Island. Be sure to book well in advance!
Prosser Pines Nature Preserve
Hike: Prosser Pines Loop Trail, 0.7 mile, very easy
Things to Do: Hiking, walking, trail running, photography (dogs allowed)
Rounding out the list is Prosser Pines Nature Preserve. Located in the middle of Long Island, Prosser Pines is one of the oldest surviving White Pine Plantations to exist on the eastern seaboard of the United States, offering 15 acres of towering 100-foot trees and trails. The preserve has a loop just under a mile long, great for walking, trail running, or meditating. The thick carpet of needles beneath your feet and prominent pines leave you feeling like you’re miles deep in a secluded forest. Don’t be surprised if you run into some dogs and photographers, as this is a great setting for an afternoon stroll, and portrait, engagement, or family photos.
For more information on things to do and places to explore in Suffolk County, the Discover Long Island website and their travel guide are great resources. Use this list to guide your next trip, or build your own custom itinerary directly on their website. You can also find all the locations from this post on this custom Discover Long Island map.
What are some of your favorite activities on Long Island in New York? Let us know in the comments and we hope to see you out there hiking or exploring someday soon!
