Start off on the right foot this January and walk your way to a healthier you at a local outdoor event! There are tons of walks and hikes scheduled for January, and the best part is that lots of them are free! Join an expert guide as they take you on a hike, ranging from leisurely walks to more moderately-paced 4-5 mile long hikes, and learn about the terrain, local flora and fauna, and even the history of the area. These events are great to join with a friend or a significant other, but you can even go on your own and meet other friendly people who are looking to enjoy the great outdoors in the wintertime.
In addition, runners don't need to hibernate this winter either. The biggest running event coming up is the Sayville Running Company's 10 Mile Run to the Blue Point Brewery. Registration is required in advance.
Here are more of the wonderful winter walks happening all around Long Island for you to explore a new place and enjoy the fresh air!
Long Pond Greenbelt North Circuit at Mashashimuet Park – FREE!
373 Main St., Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631-745-0689
Sunday, December 27th, 10:00 AM
Free Event
Join Friends of the Long Pond Greenbelt for a moderately-paced 4 mile hike with spectacular views of Long Pond, Little Long Pond, and Crooked Pond.
Bayard Cutting Winter Walk at the Arboretum – FREE!
440 Montauk Highway, Great River, NY 11739
631-745-0689
Wednesday, December 30th, 11:00 AM
Free Event
A leisurely hike at one of Long Island's jewels, with open meadows, lawns, marshy refuge and conifer collection from all parts of the world.
New Year's Night Hike at the Suffolk County Environmental Center
550 South Bay Avenue, Islip, NY 11751
631-581-6908
Thursday, December 31st, 6:30 PM
$4 Members / $8 Non-Members
Join Seatuck as we end the year with a walk into the woods for a special glimpse into the lives of nighttime forest dwellers. Bring a flashlight!
New Year Along The Nissequogue at Nissequogue River State Park
799 St. Johnland Road, Kings Park, NY 11754
516-721-0223
Friday, January 1st, 10:15 AM
Call for pricing
Hike will be 5 miles, moderate and varied. Kick off the New Year with picturesque views of the Nissequogue River on this family-friendly hike to Smithtown Landing and back.
Bethpage First Day Hike at Bethpage State Park – FREE!
99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735
516-249-3560
Friday, January 1st, 10:00 AM
Free Event
Start the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike at Bethpage State Park! The hike will be about 5 miles total, and the event will only be canceled in the event of a blizzard - be prepared to hike in wind, rain, or snow!
New Year's Day Hike and Lighthouse Tower Tour at Fire Island Lighthouse
4640 Captree Island, Babylon, NY 11702
631-661-4876
Friday, January 1st
Call for times and pricing
Join the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society for a walk around the Seashore's western end. Experience the dynamic beach and explore how wildlife and plants survive the Fire Island winter.
Begin At The End at Montauk Point State Park
2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-5000
Friday, January 1st, 1:00 PM
$4 per adult, $3 per child
Begin the New Year at the End of Long Island. Join a State Park naturalist on a 2-3 hour hike through Montauk Point State Park, stopping at several scenic views throughout the maritime forest along the way.
Hither Woods New Year's Hike at Hither Hills State Park
Overlook Parking Lot, Montauk, NY 11954
631-360-0753
Saturday, January 2nd, 10:00 AM
Call for pricing
Explore the wintry beauty of Hither Woods, Montauk’s magnificent 3000-acre coastal wilderness, across an eight-mile, moderate trail.
Northern State Knockabout at Bethpage State Park Picnic Area – FREE!
Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, NY 11735
516-721-0223
Saturday, January 2nd, 8:30 AM
Free Event
First training hike in preparation for the Hike for Life! This triangular path connects the Nassau-Suffolk Trail to West Hills County Park.
Mulvihill Preserve Loop – FREE!
#820 Brick Kiln Road, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631- 745-0689
Saturday, January 2nd, 10:00 AM
Free Event
Moderately-paced 3+ mile hike through this historically interesting area. Ponds, glacial erratics and the Great Swamp.
Seal Hike at Montauk Point State Park
2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-5000
Saturday, January 2nd at 9:00 AM and Sunday, January 3rd at 10:00 AM
$4 per adult, $3 per child
Hikers meet at the comfort station located next to the playground in the Montauk Point parking lot and will spend approximately 3 hours on this 3 mile round trip hike.
Trail View Out And Back at Trail View State Park – FREE!
8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
631-896-1409
Sunday, January 3rd, 10:00 AM
Free Event
Let’s burn off some holiday calories with an exhilarating walk in the winter woods, an out-and-back from the Trail View parking lot.
Poxabogue & Sag Swamp Hike at Poxabogue County Park – FREE!
Old Farm Road, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
631-283-5432
Sunday, January 3rd, 10:00 AM
Free Event
A two-part, 3+ mile hike featuring forests, ponds and swamps at a moderate hiking pace.
Blydenburgh & Caleb Combo Hike at Blydenburgh State Park – FREE!
Greenbelt Office, Smithtown, NY 11787
515-906-2733
Wednesday, January 6th, 9:00 AM
Free Event
Walk from the Greenbelt Office through parts of Blydenburgh County Park into Caleb Smith State Park and back. About 6 miles total on moderate terrain.
Laurel Valley Stroll – FREE!
Kiosk on Deerfield Road, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
631-974-2635
Saturday, January 9th, 10:00 AM
Free Event
Moderately-paced 3 mile hike through wooded knolls and laurel-filled ravines. The terrain will be hilly, so come prepared!
Southern Long Island Trail Special at Heckscher State Park – FREE!
Eastern End of Southern State Parkway, East Islip, NY 11730
631-514-9487
Sunday, January 10th, 12:00 PM
Free Event
Join leader for a hike from the park to The Pines, a recently repaired boardwalk, and see how The Pines look now. 6 miles of moderate hiking on a flat trail.
Sayville Running Company 10 Mile Run To The Blue Point Brewery
161 River Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772
631-589-5700
Saturday, January 16th, 8:15 AM
Registration Required
For the past five years, this event has been the highlight of the winter racing season on Long Island. It features a fast, scenic, flat 10 mile course through Patchogue, Blue Point and Bayport.