A Walk in the Park

Whether you like to run, bike, walk, swim, fish or golf, you can do it in Sunken Meadow State Park. Located in the town of Smithtown, on the North Shore of Long Island, this is a great place to bring the family for a nice day outdoors. 

It is said that Sunken Meadow has one of the most difficult cross-country routes in the state of New York! If you are not big on running, take a walk on the park board walk or on the park's six miles of hiking trails. As you walk or run also be sure to enjoy the views of the lush trees and the Long Island Sound.

Not a walker or runner? Play a game of golf instead. Featuring 27 holes (play 9 or 18), the course rates range from $15.00 for nine holes on a weekday to $29.00 for 18 holes on the weekend. 

More of a swimmer? Jump into the Long Island Sound to enjoy the park's three miles of beach.

We're sure that whatever activity you decide upon, you'll enjoy your day at Sunken Meadow.

PARK LOCATION:

Route 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway

Kings Park, NY 11754

631-269-5351

  

Daytrippin in Caumsett State Park

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located on Long Island's North Shore, in the village of Lloyd Harbor, Caumsett (meaning "place of sharp rock,") is the perfect daytrip destination. With over 1,700 acres, there are plenty of places to hike, bike, relax or reflect. The problem - with only 12 hours in the day, it's difficult to do everything!

Before giving you some ideas, we're providing some background. This is for the history buffs (and you know who you are). 

In 1654, 3,000 acres of present-day Lloyd Harbor was sold to English settlers by the Matinecock Indians. In 1676, James Lloyd purchased the land. His son farmed there and built a home that still stands today. Then, Lloyd's grandson eventually erected the Joseph Lloyd Manor house, where he remained until he was forced away by the British during the Revolutionary War. The last of the Lloyds to own the estate, around 1841, was Henry Lloyd IV.  

By the 1880's visitors from New York City arrived in Lloyd Harbor by steamboat. In the 1900's wealthy families began building their Gold Coast estates. In 1921, 1,750 acres of land was purchased by Marshall Field III. He built the estate he named "Caumsett." The park was aquired by New York State in 1961. 

In the twenty-first century, visitors (that includes you), can come to the park to cross-country ski in winter, scuba dive and fish (with a permit) in summer, view rehabilitated wildlife at the rescue center, or bike, walk and hike anytime.  Choose to remain on the park's main, paived road or venture on to one of the many off-road trails. 

Also look for the Willow Tree Farm Equestrian Center, which provides lessons and boarding at the polo pony barn. For further information about this, you can call 631-423-1770. 

For all of you planners, there is also a calendar of organized events. Some of these include wilderness survival classes, evening hikes to search for owls, fox and deer and the Caumsett Cultural Arts Festival. 

If you come for the day, you can bring your lunch and eat on the green or at the beach. After leaving the park, stop in neighboring Huntington Village or Cold Spring Harbor for a bite to eat at one of the many top-notch restaurants.

PARK LOCATION:

25 Lloyd Harbor Road 

Huntington, NY 11743

631-423-1770

New York State Parks

caumsettfoundation.org