Autumn is in full swing on Long Island, and the vibrant fall foliage is putting on a spectacular show. The trees are bursting with rich shades of red, orange, and gold, making it the perfect time to get outdoors and experience the beauty of the season. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly hike or a peaceful stroll through nature, we’ve gathered the best spots across Nassau and Suffolk Counties to immerse yourself in the colors of fall. Lace up your boots, grab your camera, and enjoy the magic of autumn on Long Island!
Best Fall Foliage Walks and Nature Trails in Nassau County
Fall on Long Island is a magical time, and Nassau County is home to some of the best spots for leaf-peeping and enjoying nature walks. Whether you’re a hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, these parks and preserves offer beautiful views of autumn’s changing colors. Here’s your guide to the best nature walks for seeing fall foliage in Nassau County.
Clark Botanic Garden — Albertson
Enjoy a peaceful nature walk in this 12-acre garden filled with vibrant fall colors. With ponds, streams, and unique plant life, Clark Botanic Garden is a perfect spot for families. Open from 10am-6pm through mid-October, and then 10am-4pm November through March, the garden offers a serene setting to experience fall. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.
Bethpage State Park — Farmingdale
Known for its golf courses, Bethpage State Park also boasts family-friendly hiking and biking trails perfect for a fall adventure. Pack a picnic and explore the park’s scenic beauty from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. It’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the crisp autumn air.
Eisenhower Park — East Meadow
This expansive 930-acre park is perfect for a fall foliage tour. Walk or bike the park’s trails, enjoy the playgrounds, or bring the family for a picnic amidst the stunning autumn leaves. Eisenhower Park also offers plenty of recreational activities, making it a great all-day destination for families.
LIU Post Community Arboretum — Brookville
Featuring over 4,000 trees, the LIU Post Community Arboretum is one of the most scenic spots in Nassau County for viewing fall foliage. Take a self-guided walk through the 40-acre arboretum and learn about the trees and plants that line the campus. Open daily, and completely free of charge, this arboretum is a hidden gem for nature lovers.
Muttontown Preserve — East Norwich
As Nassau County’s largest nature preserve, Muttontown Preserve offers 550 acres of meadows, woodlands, and streams. Walk among colorful trees and enjoy the varied terrain. You can also explore the ruins of a historic estate, adding a sense of adventure to your fall outing.
Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve — Merrick
This 52-acre preserve features 3 miles of trails with stunning views of fall foliage, as well as a fishing pier and a panoramic view of the Jones Beach tower and Manhattan skyline. Norman J. Levy Park is open every day, providing a peaceful retreat with beautiful autumn colors.
Sands Point Preserve — Sands Point
Covering 216 acres, Sands Point Preserve offers six marked trails through woodlands, fields, and even a beachfront area. In the fall, the changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop for a hike or a family adventure. Open Wednesday through Sunday, this preserve also hosts events throughout the year.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site — Oyster Bay
Former President Theodore Roosevelt’s “Summer White House” offers not only historical insights but also nature trails showcasing spectacular fall foliage. Walk the paths around the estate and down to the waterfront for a perfect fall day outdoors. The grounds are free to visit, but home tours require tickets.
Top Spots for Fall Foliage in Suffolk County
Looking for more places to explore the autumn colors? Suffolk County offers a variety of parks and preserves for enjoying the best of fall foliage.
Avalon Park and Preserve — Stony Brook
Avalon Park offers 8 acres of trails that wind through fall-colored woodlands, fields, and boardwalks. Enjoy paved trails or take the labyrinth walk as you experience the fall beauty. The park is open daily, though closed on Mondays.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum — Great River
This scenic arboretum offers multiple trails through vibrant gardens along the Connetquot River, with rich fall colors that will leave you mesmerized. Open Tuesday-Sunday, it’s a great spot for a leisurely fall walk with the family.
Caleb Smith State Park Preserve — Smithtown
Explore 543 acres of trails through woodlands full of fall foliage. The preserve offers peaceful hikes, and a nature museum is available for visitors. The park is open Tuesday-Sunday with winter hours beginning in November.
Sunken Meadow State Park — Smithtown
For breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound, Sunken Meadow State Park is a must-visit. The park features hiking and biking trails with wetlands and woods to explore, providing a stunning setting for fall foliage.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve — Huntington
With 1,750 acres of nature to explore, Caumsett State Park offers trails for all skill levels. Enjoy a fall walk along the paved 3-mile loop or take one of the longer trails for panoramic views of Long Island Sound.
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve — Riverhead
Located in the wetlands of Riverhead, this 165-acre preserve offers a 1.1-mile loop where you can see remnants of a former cranberry bog while surrounded by vibrant autumn colors.
Laurel Lake Park and Preserve — Laurel
This 500-acre park features 14 miles of marked trails through woodlands and along Laurel Lake, making it a popular spot for fall foliage and outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking.
Mashomack Preserve — Shelter Island
With over 2,000 acres of lush fields, tidal creeks, and oak woodlands, Mashomack Preserve is a nature lover’s dream, especially in the fall. The flat landscape is perfect for families to enjoy the rich autumn colors.
Quogue Wildlife Refuge — Quogue
This 305-acre preserve is a gem on Long Island’s East End, offering a series of trails that meander around ponds and through woodlands, alive with fall foliage. Open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, the refuge is free of charge.
Sears Bellows County Park — Hampton Bays
Ideal for all skill levels, Sears Bellows Park features trails through the pine barrens. The easier routes lead around Bellows Pond, offering a scenic fall walk with chances to spot local wildlife.
North Shore Rail Trail — Mt. Sinai to Wading River
This recently completed trail connects Mt. Sinai and Wading River and offers a paved, traffic-free path perfect for walking, biking, and admiring fall foliage in a safe environment.
Whether you’re in Nassau or Suffolk County, Long Island offers countless opportunities to experience the beauty of fall foliage. From historic sites to peaceful nature preserves, these locations provide the perfect backdrop for a family-friendly autumn adventure. Plan your visit today and enjoy the stunning fall colors across Long Island’s parks and preserves.