Exploring 3 of Suffolk County’s Majestic Parks
Far away from from the noise of traffic, worries of money and careers, and the anxiety of everyday problems, the various Suffolk County Parks offer an escape from the mundane, providing a range of activities to enjoy almost all year, and a minimum of expense.
Large, far-reaching meadows with sweeping carpets of green grass, and tall, solitary trees, standing like silent guardians. The sight beckons you closer, perfect for romantic picnics, reading a good book, or just taking a nap and enjoying the comfort of the shade. Paved pathways encourage biking, jogging or hiking through the calm serenity of the woods. Journey a little further, and you will find yourself on a small beach, breathing in the scent of saltwater and feeling the rushing breeze tickle your skin as you stroll idly along the shoreline of Long Island Sound.
This is Caumsett State Historic Park, located just beyond the town of Huntington.
Open all year round, it is ideal for capturing scenic views in all seasons, from the sparkling waters and green leaves of summer, to the snow-covered expanse of the meadows in winter. I myself am content to simply wander the pathways and relax on the beach, but the park itself offers a multitude of activities, including extensive bridle paths for horseback riding.
My wife introduced to this park only two years ago on one of our first dates. It is a great place to be yourself and get to know a person. The atmosphere encourages meaningful chit-chat and comfortable silences. One can easily spend the day here, hiking or bike-riding, There are seemingly endless pathways to explore, and the view of the Sound from one of the many hills overlooking the quiet surf is quite calming.
Just past the beautiful estate built by Marhsall Field III in the early twenties, you can take part in guided nature tours, bird-watching, and fishing. The park has a rich history as well, and guests are invited to explore and learn about the various facilities located on the vast estate, which included hunting, polo, and boating.
After a long stroll in the park, treat yourself to fine meal in one of the many fine restaurants in nearby Huntington.
Blydenburgh County Park, in Smithtown, is where my wife and I spend most of our time, as it is only a few minutes from our home. Venturing into the woods at least twice a month, we still have yet to explore most of the park which spans over 600 acres.
Winding pathways are worn through thick woods and random valleys, surrounding the very large Stump Pond, and meandering along the Nissequogue River.
The waters, speckled with ducks, swans, and Canadian Geese, is at once majestic and soothing. It is hard to fathom that only a few minutes away are traffic-strewn highways and crowded shopping malls. But all that is easily forgotten once you step into a rowboat and push off from the dock. The boats are provided in the spring and summer, enabling fishing for bass, basking in the sunlight as the waters lap against the sides of the boat, or providing access to areas of the woods only otherwise accessible by hiking a few miles. Small secluded beaches along the shore invite you to pull up and explore a bit of the woods not as commonly touched as those closer to the entrances of the park.
Open all your round, the main entrance leads to camping and picnic grounds, and the boating area, which also has standing barbecues and picnic tables. Here you can begin your journey on the pathways alongside the pond, and it is not uncommon to see dogs frolicking happily alongside their owners. The secondary entrance leads to a small historic district and grist mill, and provides immediate access for fishing from the shoreline, as well as another network of pathways. On this side, you will often see riders sitting casually atop their horses, and swans approaching the shore for a few crumbs of bread.
In the winter, Blydenburgh is a magical place. The pond is still and silent, and soft snow covers the forest like a white mist. In the summer, rays of sunlight shine through the canopy of trees to warm you as you hike along the path and wade into the clear water for a refreshing dip. I am told it is approximately eight miles to walk completely around the lake, with many side paths waiting to be discovered.
Make sure to visit the centuries-old house for an interesting history of Blydenburgh and the surrounding areas.
Boasting a size of over 3000 acres, Connetquot River State Park Preserve is the perfect prescription for the serious hiker, with over 50 miles of trails. Some trails, wide open and commonly walked, lead simply from one attraction to another, while others are smaller and subtly hidden, but offer a more interesting journey through the forest. Once again, horseback riding is also prevalent, as well as fishing and even cross country skiing in the winter.
Located in Oakdale, the Connetquot River winds its way happily through the preserve, which is home to several species of birdlife, wildlife, and flora and fauna. Lucky eyes may spot a deer or two peeking back at you through the trees and undergrowth. Luckier still, the sight of a majestic owl perched upon a tree branch, observing the world below is a magical sight indeed.
A fish hatchery is situated on the preserve, a great attraction for children who will squeal with delight when the hungry trout break the surface to snatch at the food offered by their hands.
Small docks hidden alongside the river offer a quiet moment’s respite and a great place to catch the rays of the falling sun in the evening, and nothing but the whispering breeze and the sound of wings as geese and ducks fly by will intrude upon your ears.
The history of the park is quite rich and entertaining, and a tour of the old house, formerly a hunting and fishing lodge. is a must. You cannot help but imagine yourself as one of the group in centuries-past, sipping a mug of ale or wine at the in-house bar, or enjoying a grand banquet in the main dining room.
When stuck in traffic on the Long Island Expressway or inundated with household chores, it is sometimes hard to imagine that within a short distance lay another world, where peace reigns and troubles and anxieties are set aside. Treat yourself to a walk in the park, and you will certainly bring a home a piece of the tranquility to help ease the stress of everyday life.
