According to the I Love NY Fall Foliage website fall foliage is hitting peak color right about now on Long Island. The time to get out there is now if you want to see the explosion of colors that our parks and preserves have to offer. Below we give you a few suggested places to go to see nature's annual art show..
Planting Fields Arboretum
The grounds of this magnificent Gold Coast estate from the 1920s offers visitors 409 acres of planting fields including an extensive array of gardens. On Trip Advisor, one commenter said that going to the Arboretum in Oyster Bay was worth the drive. “Determined to get some colorful photos, I drove to The Planting Fields in Oyster Bay and I was very glad I did,” he wrote. “The riot of colors and the variety of trees and shrubs was outstanding... I would definitely recommend it to nature lovers.”
Location: Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.
Connetquot River State Park
The official parks website says that the preserve contains 3,473 acres of land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish and animals. There is a 3-mile loop trail that, according to alltrails.com, is good for hikers at all skill levels. On Yelp, one reviewer said that it was a great hike in fall. “Fall is finally here and we decided to go hiking and see the fall foliage,” wrote Elfi C. “This is a highly-recommended park, especially for families. Very family-friendly park to hike but no pets allowed unfortunately. Parking is $8 per vehicle. Must visit again!”
Location: 4090 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, (631) 581-1005.
Bethpage State Park
Known for its world-class golf courses, this park provides some spectacular views of the changing leaves on over 1,400 acres.
Location: 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale, (516) 249-0701.
Mashomack Preserve
Over 2,000-acres of preserve on Shelter Island. The NYS DEC website says the preserve contains interlacing tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields, freshwater marshes and underwater lands. There are 20 miles of hiking trails, with overlooks and observation shelters, and one water trail. On Trip Advisor, Scott B, from Wantagh, called it “one of the better, more peaceful and less visited preserves in the Long Island region.”
Location: 79 S Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, (631) 749-1001.
Wildwood State Park
The NYS parks website says that the park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Camp, walk, or hike the trails.
Location: 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River, (631) 929-4314.