The Top Running and Walking Trails on Long Island: A Path to Fitness
Long Island, with its diverse landscapes and beautiful views, offers numerous trails that are perfect for both running and walking. Whether you're training for a marathon or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, there's a trail on Long Island to fit your needs. Explore our curated list of the top running and walking trails and start your journey towards fitness.
Key Takeaways
Long Island has a diverse range of trails for running and walking.
The trails vary in difficulty and scenery, catering to all levels of fitness and preferences.
Many of the trails are easily accessible and offer amenities like parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Bethpage Bikeway - Massapequa to Woodbury
A 13.2-mile trail stretching from Massapequa to Woodbury, the Bethpage Bikeway offers a variety of terrain, making it suitable for both running and walking. The trail passes through the beautiful Massapequa Preserve and Bethpage State Park.
Sunken Meadow State Park - Kings Park
Boasting three miles of coastline on the Long Island Sound, Sunken Meadow State Park offers various trails through its 1,287 acres of hardwood forests, salt marshes, and bluffs.
Jones Beach State Park - Wantagh
The 4-mile Health Walk at Jones Beach State Park offers stunning ocean views. The flat, paved path is ideal for all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible.
Long Beach Boardwalk - Long Beach
A 2.2-mile boardwalk offering panoramic ocean views, the Long Beach Boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk run. There are plenty of benches and gazebos along the route where you can rest and enjoy the view.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park - Oyster Bay
With more than 400 acres of rolling lawns, gardens, and woodlands, Planting Fields Arboretum offers numerous trails for walking and running. The picturesque surroundings make your workout more enjoyable.
Sands Point Preserve - Sands Point
This 216-acre preserve offers six marked trails through woods, fields, and along cliffs and beaches. The trails at Sands Point Preserve range in length from 0.5 to 1.5 miles.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve - Lloyd Harbor
Offering over 1,500 acres of beautiful scenery, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve has numerous trails for running and walking. The trails meander through a diversity of habitats including woodlands, fields, a salt marsh, and rocky shoreline.
The Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium - Centerport
Located on the 43-acre estate of William K. Vanderbilt II, the Vanderbilt Museum offers beautiful views and several trails. It's a great place for a run or walk, followed by a visit to the museum or planetarium.
Heckscher State Park - East Islip
With over 1,600 acres of land, Heckscher State Park offers four miles of trails that provide beautiful views of the Great South Bay. The trails are mostly flat and suitable for all fitness levels.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park - Great River
This 691-acre park offers various trails that wind through lush gardens and along the Connetquot River. The Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park is a beautiful location for a leisurely walk or a vigorous run.
Long Island boasts an impressive array of running and walking trails that offer a path to fitness for all, from seasoned runners to casual walkers. Each trail provides a unique setting and varying degrees of difficulty, allowing you to choose the right path for your needs. So lace up your running shoes or grab your walking stick, and hit the trails for an invigorating workout while enjoying the stunning beauty Long Island has to offer.
