April 3rd is National Walking Day, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the great outdoors, encourage an active lifestyle, and explore new areas. There are plenty of nearby parks where you can take a stroll or a hike, and our REALTORS® can help you find the ones that suit you best. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Muttontown Preserve – 25A west of Jericho-Oyster Bay Road, Muttontown Lane, East Norwich, NY 11732
The largest nature preserve in Nassau County, Muttontown Preserve is 550 acres of beautiful views and wildlife of all kinds. Located near East Norwich homes for sale, there are plenty of trails throughout the area for all skill levels, with maps and brochures available in the main office to show you where each one goes and what you’ll find there. Named Best Nature Walk in Long Island in 2006, Muttontown Preserve is the perfect place for a beautiful stroll. - Blydenburgh County Park – Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown, NY 11788
When Isaac Blydenburgh had the Nissequogue River dammed for his grist mill in 1798, it formed a pond with tree stumps sticking out of it. Stump Pond is now the main attraction of Blydenburgh County Park—an idyllic and picturesque body of water with a boardwalk constructed around it, allowing you to walk the full, 5.7-mile perimeter and get a panoramic view. Located near Smithtown homes for sale, you can walk around Stump Pond on your own or take a guided tour that will tell you some of the area’s history. Bring your lunch and eat at one of the area’s picnic tables, or bring a tent and stay on the campgrounds. - Bay Walk Park – 64 Shore Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
With Manhasset Bay to the west and Gulfway Marina to the south, Bay Walk Park is the perfect place for a walk by the water. Located near Port Washington homes for sale, the area is designed for walking, biking, rollerblading, and a host of other activities. The paved roads are incorporated into the area’s natural beauty, making it a fairly easy walk with plenty to see. - Heckscher State Park – 1 Heckscher State Parkway, East Islip, NY 11730
Heckscher State Park is the perfect place for a walk and a picnic. Located near East Islip homes for sale, it has four miles of well-paved trails through a wooded area and along Long Island Sound, providing a breathtaking view of Fire Island. Along the trail, you’ll see deer, birds, and other wildlife. Then, once the hike is done, head to the shady picnic grove for lunch. There are also fields for soccer and lacrosse, plus pavilions you can rent for private parties or cottages if you want to stay during the summer. - Caleb Smith State Park Preserve – 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is a great place to bring your family if you want to learn firsthand about local plants and wildlife. This “passive-use” park near Smithtown homes for sale is less developed and shows more natural beauty, including some rare plants like Trailing Arbutus and Pink Lady Slipper. It does have trails for walking, though, and the walk will be different depending on what season you go, as different plants and animals thrive at different times. There’s also a Nature Museum to give you a better understanding and appreciation of the area.
Whether you’re looking at Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, there’s some amazing natural beauty nearby. Contact us if you’re ready to make Long Island your new home.