As the cooling October winds of autumn push aside the oppressive summer heat and nature's landscapes explode into dramatic bursts of color, the hiking trails of Long Island’s parks are calling. This outdoor pastime offers the perfect opportunity for a day of reconnecting with nature, embarking on some physical activity, capturing photographs of fall foliage and bonding with your canine companion.
There are numerous local, county and state parks and beaches to explore on Long Island. While many post the dreaded 'No Dogs Allowed' sign, there are a handful of locations that welcome your dog. These parks usually have strict leash policies, dictating that your dog must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length. Contact the specific park that you wish to visit beforehand to inquire about their policy regarding pets.
Southaven County Park, located in the town of Brookhaven, offers lengthy hiking trails through wooded areas and along the Carmen's River, providing stunning photo opportunities of water views complete with ducks and geese as well as of botanical scenes of autumnal hues. Your Labrador retriever will enjoy padding through the fallen leaves and splashing along the river's edge. The park spans 1,356 acres of pine and oak woodland. Additional recreational activities include rowboat rentals, canoeing, camping, fresh water fishing, picnicking, equestrian trails and a playground for the kids.
Avalon Park and Preserve, located in Stony Brook, boasts scenic vistas of numerous specimens of flora surrounding bridges, ponds, boardwalks and stone stairways. The park is across from the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill and borders a sizable pond where waterfowl conglomerate. The park is in walking distance from the Stony Brook Village shopping center.
Cedar Point Park in East Hampton offers views of Gardiners Bay and is home to the Cedar Point lighthouse. This lighthouse, constructed in 1860, was once a shining beacon for guiding the whaling ships as they made their approach into Sag Harbor. The famed hurricane of 1938 altered the coastline, ultimately forming an access route of sand that now connects the lighthouse to the main land. The 607-acre park offers campgrounds, fishing, hiking trails and a rather rocky beach walk that rewards the explorer with a close up view of the lighthouse's exterior.
Your dog is just as eager to frolic in autumn's great outdoors as you are, whether by jumping into a freshly raked mountain of leaves in your backyard or by joining the rest of the family on a wooded hike. So pack up your camera and water bottles and load up your pooch, it's a great day to take to the trails.
Other parks on Long Island that welcome you and your furry friend include:
Montauk Point State Park (Montauk)
Heckscher State Park (East Islip)
Blydenburgh County Park (Smithtown)
Camp Hero State Park (Montauk)
Robert Cushman Murphy County Park (Manorville)
There are numerous local, county and state parks and beaches to explore on Long Island. While many post the dreaded 'No Dogs Allowed' sign, there are a handful of locations that welcome your dog. These parks usually have strict leash policies, dictating that your dog must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length. Contact the specific park that you wish to visit beforehand to inquire about their policy regarding pets.
Southaven County Park, located in the town of Brookhaven, offers lengthy hiking trails through wooded areas and along the Carmen's River, providing stunning photo opportunities of water views complete with ducks and geese as well as of botanical scenes of autumnal hues. Your Labrador retriever will enjoy padding through the fallen leaves and splashing along the river's edge. The park spans 1,356 acres of pine and oak woodland. Additional recreational activities include rowboat rentals, canoeing, camping, fresh water fishing, picnicking, equestrian trails and a playground for the kids.
Avalon Park and Preserve, located in Stony Brook, boasts scenic vistas of numerous specimens of flora surrounding bridges, ponds, boardwalks and stone stairways. The park is across from the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill and borders a sizable pond where waterfowl conglomerate. The park is in walking distance from the Stony Brook Village shopping center.
Cedar Point Park in East Hampton offers views of Gardiners Bay and is home to the Cedar Point lighthouse. This lighthouse, constructed in 1860, was once a shining beacon for guiding the whaling ships as they made their approach into Sag Harbor. The famed hurricane of 1938 altered the coastline, ultimately forming an access route of sand that now connects the lighthouse to the main land. The 607-acre park offers campgrounds, fishing, hiking trails and a rather rocky beach walk that rewards the explorer with a close up view of the lighthouse's exterior.
Your dog is just as eager to frolic in autumn's great outdoors as you are, whether by jumping into a freshly raked mountain of leaves in your backyard or by joining the rest of the family on a wooded hike. So pack up your camera and water bottles and load up your pooch, it's a great day to take to the trails.
Other parks on Long Island that welcome you and your furry friend include:
Montauk Point State Park (Montauk)
Heckscher State Park (East Islip)
Blydenburgh County Park (Smithtown)
Camp Hero State Park (Montauk)
Robert Cushman Murphy County Park (Manorville)