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Best Nature Walks for Seeing Fall Leaves in Nassau County

1. Clark Botanic Garden — Albertson

Plan a nature walk with the family at this 12-acre garden filled with trees, ponds, streams, rock garden plants, and more to enjoy the season. Admission is FREE, although a voluntary donation is appreciated. The garden is open every day from 10am to 6pm through mid-October and then 10am to 4pm November through March. There is a gift shop where garden members receive a 10% discount and there is outdoor seating to enjoy a snack during your hike.

2. Bethpage State Park — Farmingdale

Bethpage State Park, well-known for its golf courses, also features family-friendly hiking trails to explore and biking trails for the little cyclists in your family. Bring along lunch so you can stop at one of the many picnic areas along the way. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

3. Eisenhower Park — East Meadow

This 930-acre park in Nassau County is an ideal location to enjoy leaf-peeping this fall with the kids. The park is not only home to ball fields, a golf course, mini golf, picnic areas, and playground action, but also beautiful walking and bike trails full of fall foliage fun. 

4. LIU Post Community Arboretum — Brookville

With more than 4,000 trees on the grounds alone, this is one of Long Island's most scenic college campuses. Each tree in the 40-acre arboretum is labeled with interesting facts, making for a great learning experience. The self-guided walking trail leads you around campus to view the foliage, horticulture, and historic buildings. The arboretum is open seven days a week. It is absolutely FREE.

5. Muttontown Preserve — East Norwich

Nassau County's largest nature preserve spans nearly 550 acres and includes a historic estate. The terrain is varied with meadows, streams, and woodlands that are home to birds, small mammals, and many different types of native plants and trees. Maps are available for self-guided tours. Adventure seekers can even look for the abandoned ruins of a former king's mansion.

6. Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve — Merrick

This 52-acre preserve has 3 miles of trails complete with a 500-foot fishing pier that juts into Merrick Bay. At the highest point in the park, guests are afforded views of the Jones Beach tower and Manhattan's skyline. During your visit, keep your eyes open for Nigerian dwarf goats that help control weeds and brush in a sustainable way. Norman J. Levy Park is open seven days a week.

7. Sands Point Preserve — Sands Point

The Sands Point Preserve on the North Shore offers six marked trails through 216 acres of diverse habitats, including woods, fields, a pond, and even a beachfront along the Long Island Sound. The preserve has guided nature walks, or you can grab a trail map and find your own way. It offers a variety of programs and activities for children throughout the year. Bookmark its calendar and plan to visit during a special event day. The preserve is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

8. Sagamore Hill National Historic Site — Oyster Bay

Explore the grounds of former President Theodore Roosevelt's home, also known as the "Summer White House." Paved paths meander around the main house, orchard, and other structures while nature trails lead down to a waterfront that features lush foliage and expansive views of Long Island Sound. It's free to visit the grounds. Tours of the home are available, but tickets must be purchased in advance.  

RELATED: Great Biking Trails for LI families

Take in the soothing nature at Avalon Park and Preserve. Photo courtesy of the Avalon Park and Preserve

Best Leaf-Peeping and Fall Nature Walks in Suffolk County

9. Avalon Park and Preserve — Stony Brook

This preserve features 8 acres of hiking trails, including a boardwalk and crushed stone paths. There is also a paved hiking trail, as well as a labyrinth to explore. The park is closed Mondays. 

10. Bayard Cutting Arboretum — Great River

Explore more than eight marked trails at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, winding through gardens along the Connetquot River and around the pine barrens. The arboretum is open from 9am to 5pm Tuesdays-Sundays through October. Winter hours are 9am to 4pm November through March. 

11. Caleb Smith State Park Preserve — Smithtown

Caleb Smith features 543 acres of woodlands with marked trails ideal for exploring with a family. A nature museum is housed on the premises. Along the trails, spot rare plants, including the pink lady slipper, trailing arbutus, and Indian pipe. The park and museum are open from 9am to 5pm Tuesdays through Sundays. Winter hours begin November 3rd with the preserve open 9am-4pm. 

12. Sunken Meadow State Park — Smithtown

This state park offers incredible views of the Long Island Sound, with hiking and bike trails to explore. The state park is set over 1,200 acres and has wetlands, meadows, and woods to enjoy the vibrant fall colors. Hiking is available all year from sunrise to sunset. 

13. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve — Huntington

The historic,1,750-acre Caumsett State Park offers 13 marked trails, from less than a mile in length to 6 miles. The paved 3-mile loop is perfect for strollers. Pack a snack and stop at the mansion located at the halfway point for some rest and take in some spectacular views of Long Island Sound. The park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. 

14. Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve — Riverhead

Set in the wetlands of Riverhead, this 165-acre park is located on what remains of an abandoned cranberry bog. Remnants of the bog can be seen along the 1.1-mile loop, where you might encounter birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. 

15. Laurel Lake Park and Preserve — Laurel

Just north of Route 25 in Laurel is the 500-acre Laurel Lake Preserve, which features 14 miles of well-groomed nature trails that are clearly marked for your family to follow. The lake is also a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. There are several picnic tables and a playground to enjoy so pack a family lunch. 

16. Mashomack Preserve — Shelter Island

The Mashomack Preserve is a Long Island nature lover's dream, with more than 2,000 acres of tidal creeks, oak woodlands, lush foliage, fields, and freshwater marshes. The flat landscape makes it a great hike for kids.

17. Quogue Wildlife Refuge — Quogue

This East End gem features 305 acres of marked trails that wind around ponds surrounded by stunning fall colors. Quogue Wildlife Refuge is FREE of charge but donations are welcome. The refuge's trails are all marked and open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. Kids will love the Outdoor Wildlife Complex, where they can see a variety of resident animals. The Nature Center is open weekends, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 11am to 4pm and houses wildlife exhibits, a gift shop, and a nature library. The refuge also offers a variety of programs and activities for children throughout the year.

18. Sears Bellows County Park — Hampton Bays

Sears Bellows features several marked trails in the pine barrens, ideal for both advanced hikers and those just starting out. The easiest trail winds around Bellows Pond. If you and your family feel like walking farther, continue to Sears Pond. Rowboat rentals are available. 

19. North Shore Rail Trail — Mt. Sinai to Wading River

The North Shore Trail Rail, a project 50 years in the making, connects Mt. Sinai to Wading River in a traffic-free environment. The abandoned railroad line now has a new life, providing walkers, runners, and bicyclists with a paved path for recreational fun. 

Bonus: If you don't have the time to go for a hike, consider taking a fall nature drive along Route 25A. In Nassau, Northern Boulevard (aka 25A) takes you through spots such as scenic Brookville and Oyster Bay. In Suffolk County, 25A offers colorful views through Kings Park, Stony Brook, and Rocky Point.

A version of this post was originally published in 2014. Writer Kristen Markel contributed to the 2022 update. Writer Jennifer Voit contributed to the 2024 update.