Can’t think of anything fun to do on Long Island? Are you tired of the same old routine of Netflix and chill? Did you know that Long Island is home to some incredible State Parks and outdoor areas that are just waiting for you to explore? If you’re ready to embrace outdoor adventures on Long Island then you are in the right spot.
On Long Island we may not have the mountains of Vermont or the warm year-round weather of Florida, but Long Island is a gem of the east coast with plenty of outdoor places to explore. From beaches to woodlands, you’d be surprised at all the activities you can do on this small stretch of island.
If you consider yourself an active Long Islanders or want to become an active Long Islander, then check out 5 great outdoor activities you can do right here on Long Island!
Bike to Jones Beach from Cedar Creek Park
Grab your bike and head to Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, New York to start your bike ride along the Wantagh Parkway to head to Jones Beach. The Jones Beach Bike Path will take you from Cedar Creek Park, passed the Jones Beach Amphitheater, all the way to the Jones Beach Boardwalk. I’ve done this a few times but my favorite was embarking on this bike right just as the sun was setting. You get to see the amazing sunset and by the time you reach the Jones Beach Boardwalk, you have a private boardwalk to bike ride through and explore. Not to mention the benefits of the cooler night time temperates in the summer!
Hike Cold Spring Harbor State Park
Cold Spring Harbor is not only one of the cutest towns, in my opinion, on Long Island but it is also home to some incredible hiking trails. You’ll be challenged with some up-hill climbs and some steep downgrades, but you will be enchanted by the trees and environment around you. If you look close, you’ll be able to see the Long Island Sound from the top of the hill. Another great feature of Cold Spring Harbor State Park is that the trails continue on outside of the park so you can continue your hike throughout the North Shore if you choose to do so! Or if you are looking for a shorter activity on Long Island, you can stick to staying within the park boundaries.
Walk Along the Beach from Robert Moses to Kismet
Looking to explore the beach? Head to Fire Island Field 5 and start walking East. You will pass by the beaches and ultimately end up in Fire Island at Kismet. This approximately 20 minute walk is worth the time – you can walk on the sand or chose to walk in the ocean as the waves break. Once you arrive in Kismet you’re met with the Fire Island charm we all know and love. Choose to dine at Kismet Inn or grab a slice of pizza in town before you embark on your journey back to the mainland. This fun and low impact activity is a great way to add some movement into your day.
Complete the Pine Barrens Hiking Trail
The Pine Barrens Trail is not for the faint of heart – clocking in a 47 miles, this trail will take you from the North Shore all the way to the south fork. You will be trekking from Rocky Point all the way to Hampton Bays. Along the way you will be exploring the United States’ second largest pine barrens, right here on Long Island. This unique trail allows you to explore an area of Long island that you may not have known existed – the peace, quiet, and tranquility of the pine barrens is unmatched.
Walk From Shore to Shore on Long Island’s Greenbelt Trail
Long Island’s Greenbelt trail is well known and one of my favorites to hike! Whether you’re going to complete 32 miles from the Long Island Sound all the way to the Great South Bay or just hiking a portion of the trail, you are in for a relaxing yet challenging at times hike across Long Island. If you embark on the Greenbelt Trail, you are going to be passing through some amazing Long Island Parks – Nissequoge, Caleb Smith, Heckscher, and Connetquot. Plan for a fun day of shore to shore hiking and prepare to see Long Island in all it’s beauty across the North and South shores.
Leave a Reply