As much as we love summer, it's always a refreshing sight when the leaves start changing colors, welcoming the arrival of fall. Long Island, with its many wooded areas and nature preserves, is especially gorgeous this time of year. If you'd like to preserve some of that beauty, our REALTORS® recommend visiting some of these top spots to snap a few photos.

Top Spots for Fall Photos on Long Island

Tanglewood Preserve

Address: 1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Located near many great Rockville Centre homes for sale, Tanglewood Preserve is an 11-acre preserve with a lovely, stocked pond and a nature trail. The brick walkway makes a lovely background for fall photos. There's also a gazebo, which would be perfect for couples' shots or autumn engagement photos.

Clark Botanic Gardens

Address: 193 I U Willets Road, Albertson, NY 11507

Clark Botanic Gardens is a scenic garden maintained by the Town of North Hempstead. It's a true testament to the importance of horticulture and education. Within the garden, you'll see many different kinds of plants, including:

• Butterfly plants
• Medicinal plants
• Roses
• Wildflowers
• Daylillies

Some flowers are still in bloom as we head into fall, so stop by to take your photos soon.

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park

Address: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771

Planting Fields Arboretum State Historical Park is another great place to take fall photos, especially after a day of looking at Nassau County homes for sale. The Coe Hall Historic House Museum, located on the property, would be a lovely backdrop for some black-and-white or sepia-toned shots. Some ornamental trees turn gorgeous shades of yellow and orange this time of year.

Harborfront Park

Address: 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

If you're looking at Port Jefferson homes for sale, then Harborfront Park isn't far away. There are a few lovely fall photo ops along the waterfront:

• Take a photo on the pier with boats in the background.
• Snap a shot in the circle in front of the red Shipyard Building.
• Pose along one of the paved walkways with the colorful, orange and yellow trees in the background.

With the sound of waves hitting the shore, this is a truly relaxing place to enjoy some cool, fall air.

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

Address: 581 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787

Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of the largest preserves on the island. Throughout its 543 acres, you'll see everything from river otters to blue herons. It's worth sitting quietly for a while to see what wildlife is interested in joining your fall photo session!

Some top spots for photos within the park include:

• Willow Pond
• Along the Nissequogue River
• Outside the Nature Museum

If you really love the area, consider looking at some Smithtown homes for sale nearby.

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve

Address: 200 New Highway, Commack, NY 11725

Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is the perfect spot for family photos on Long Island. There are fire pits, kids' climbing toys, swings, a slide, and even a sandbox for little ones to enjoy. You could make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under the pavilion.

Note that Hoyt Farm does not permit dogs, except for service dogs accompanied by the proper documentation. They do, however, have a lovely Nature Museum worth checking out after your photo session. Plus, they're near plenty of Suffolk County homes for sale.

With the leaves beginning to change, we hope you get a chance to snap a few photos at one of these gorgeous Long Island locations. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're looking for a new home nearby.