It’s funny, I grew up in Long Beach and when you grow up there, you don’t leave the island. I never explored Long Island until I became a triathlete. Now, I have been to most of the Long Island Parks and I have to say, they are absolutely gorgeous. So, this holiday weekend, try to get out and explore one of these 5 amazing parks to walk or run in on Long Island.
1. Caumsett State Park in Lloyd Harbor
Caumsett is hard to get to but well worth the trip. It’s a hilly 2+ mile loop and there’s a shorter one also. If you want to do a short 2 miles or if you want to walk or run 10 miles, this is a great place to go. It’s relatively quiet on the weekends and you will see some breathtaking views. You will hear the sounds of nature. And, as an added bonus, you will see some gorgeous horses.
2. Massapequa Preserve
This is a great route for running or walking. You will see ducks, interesting birds, and babbling brooks. Every season is more beautiful than the next. This time of year, you will witness the fall foliage. The spring and summer make this park amazing because of the shade. What’s interesting about this park is that it connects with Bethpage State Park and you can walk or run the entire route for a 20-mile round trip. It’s well worth it. When you go into Bethpage it gets hilly. You will pass the Bethpage Golf Course and if you get adventurous you can make it to the Syosset train station!
3. Fire Island
You can get to Fire Island from Robert Moses. Park at Field 5 and walk toward the Fire Island Lighthouse in Kizmet. Once you start to walk, you will see lovely homes, deer, and a beautiful open water view on both sides. If you walk along the Great South Bay, there are little shops and restaurants. If you walk toward the Atlantic Ocean, you will see a magnificent white beach and roaring ocean. Get up early this weekend and catch the sunrise. You will thank me!
4 – Long Beach Boardwalk
I know I said in the beginning of the blog that I grew up in Long Beach, but it’s definitely worth mentioning the boardwalk. When I grew up there, it was run down. Now, Long Beach is a trendy place with quaint little restaurants and coffee shops on the boardwalk. Stay on either side of the boardwalk, because the middle section is allocated for bikes. Watch the ocean roar as you walk alongside. You can even sit on a bench to meditate and watch the ocean. If you’re lucky, you will see a whale or a dolphin.
5 – Belmont Lake State Park
I particularly like this park in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. The path runs along the pond and goes for about a mile or so around. You can add in extra by going to different trails. It’s an awesome park and worth seeing! (In the summer, you can take your kayak out on the pond.)
There are lots of other awesome parks on Long Island including the Greenbelt trail that spans practically the whole island. I particularly like the Setauket-Port Jefferson Greenbelt as well.
As an adult, I feel like I’m redescovering Long Island and I’m so happy to be living here. Take time out this weekend and explore. Have fun!
