For the most part pets are not permitted in Long Island parks. Of course the exception has been made for man’s best friend. With the warm weather approaching LongIsland.com has brought to you a list of places to take your dog and enjoy the sunny weather with them.
Now the following parks in Nassau and Suffolk have certain regulations when it comes to walking your dog through their trails. The biggest rule is to have them on a six foot long leash as a safety precaution. Another precaution you should be looking into are ticks. The Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick and the Deer Tick love the warm weather so when you bring your furry friend outdoors make sure to check for them before going inside.
Suffolk Parks:
Belmont Lake State Park - Babylon, New York
This is a beautiful park to go to when the weather gets warm. The trail encircling the park’s lake is a great place to walk your dog. When bringing your dog to Belmont just remember the dirt trails and grassy fields are the only places they can play. Dogs are not permitted in buildings or on walkways.
Blydenburgh County Park - Smithtown, New York
Blydenburgh Park is a 626 acre piece of land located in the headwaters of the Nissequogue River. Its dog park, which was created on September 9th, 2007, has a separate area for both small and large dogs. Each section is double gated and includes their own water fountain.
Camp Hero State Park - Montauk, New York
Camp Hero is a former military installation with a front row seat to the Atlantic Ocean. It is open 24 hours a day to fishermen with permits. If you bring your dog all they ask is that you keep him or her on a leash no more than six feet long.
Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow - Kings Park, New York
Sunken Meadow Park has one of the best views of the Long Island Sound. If you’d like to bring your just be sure to know they aren't permitted in the picnic area, buildings, or walkways. They are also not permitted through the main entrance.
Hekscher State Park - East Islip, New York
The park’s 1,600 acres can be used for picnicking, soccer, cricket, lacrosse and any other field sport. The best place to bring your dog are in the undeveloped trails west of the toll booths. To get there park in field 4 and walk to field 5.
Hither Hills State Park - Montauk, New York
Dogs are only allowed in certain parts of Hither Hills State Park. While you can't take them to the camping, bathing and picnic areas, the parts of Hither Hills they can roam around in is north of Montauk Parkway, west of the overlook parking and east of Napeague Harbor.
Town of Huntington Dog Park - East Northport, New York
This dog park is hosted by the Huntington Animal Shelter located at 106 Deposit Road in East Northport. When bringing your furry friend just make sure you have a permit from the animal shelter. To qualify for one your dog must be spayed and neutered with proof of current rabies vaccinations.
Montauk Point State Park - Montauk, New York
The park has a view of where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Block Island Sound. Your dogs are permitted in the areas west of the refreshment stand to just beyond Oyster Pond.
Shadmoor State Park - Montauk, New York
The ninety-nine acre park is located one quarter-mile east of Montauk village. While there you and your dog can enjoy the more than 2,400 feet of ocean beach.
West Hills Park - Huntington, New York
West Hills Park includes the historic Walt Whitman Trail to Jayne’s Hill – which is Long Island’s highest peak at 400 feet. While at the park your dog must be leashed at all times except for its designated dog run area.
Nassau Parks:
Wantagh Park - Wantagh, New York
The park has one of Long Island’s best swimming complexes. It includes an Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool, training pool and an interactive water-play area with two waterslides. Wantagh Park’s dog run is located by the park’s administration building.
Nickerson Beach - Lido Beach, New York
Nickerson Beach has 20 tennis courts, a children’s playground, basketball courts, bridle trails and shaded picnic areas. Of all those places your furry best friend is only permitted in the park’s dog run.
Hempstead Lake State Park - West Hempstead, New York
The park has 20 tennis courts, children’s courts, basketball courts and bridle trails. If you bring your dog make sure you take them to the unpaved path at field 3. It is adjacent to the Schodak Creek.
Cedar Creek Park - Seaford, New York
News 12 voted the playground at Cedar Creek Park as Long Island’s best playground. The park also boasts eight tennis courts, two basketball courts, an athletic field and 1 mile paths used for walking, jogging, or cycling. The dog run is located by the park’s administration building. This is the only place your furry friend is permitted to be when at Cedar Creek.
Christopher Morley Park - Port Washington, New York
The park’s dog run is open all year round and the only place dogs can go. It is located on the north side of the parking lot by the Christopher Morley “Knothole.”
For more fun ideas, check out LongIsland.com’s Things to Do Guide & Events Calendar!