Scenic Fall Walks and Waterfront Views Before Winter Arrives

Winter is almost here, but you still have time to savor the crisp fall air as you stroll through the woods or along the water. Plenty of scenic walks and waterfront views dot Nassau and Suffolk County, and our REALTORS® know the best places to squeeze every last drop of fall enjoyment before it ends. Here are a few favorites.

Finding Fall Beauty in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Welwyn Preserve - Glen Cove, NY

Address: 100 Crescent Beach Rd, Glen Cove, NY 11542

There are four different nature trails at the 204-acre Welwyn Preserve. They provide access to a variety of beautiful waterfront views, including:

• Freshwater ponds
• Swamps
• Coastal salt marshes

Plus a wooded stream where you can see the fall leaves. The area also has plenty of wildlife, from frogs and reptiles to over 100 species of birds. Be sure to visit the Holocaust Memorial & Educational Center while you're there, too.

Cold Spring Harbor State Park - Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Address: 95 Harbor Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724

If you love birdwatching and nature photography, head to Cold Spring Harbor State Park. It has beautiful hardwood forests currently awash in fall colors. Then in spring, you can enjoy thickets of wild mountain laurel. You'll also see a host of songbirds, plus horned owls, red-tailed hawks, and other birds. Open from sunrise to sunset, the park is free to enter year-round, with free parking. It's a beautiful spot for a family hike or a photo shoot.

Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve - Merrick, NY

Address: 1600 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566

Formerly a landfill, Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve is now a great spot to see Nassau County's local plants and wildlife. A windmill marks two man-made ponds, which serve as a water source for a variety of animals, from turtles to foxes and even a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats. There's also a kayak launch on Meadow Brook and a fishing pier where you can fish Merrick Bay. Open 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from now through February, the park is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, but open most of the rest of the year, except in inclement weather.

Connetquot River State Park Preserve - Oakdale, NY

Address: 4090 Sunrise Hwy, Oakdale, NY 11769

The fall riverfront views at Connetquot River State Park Preserve are not to be missed. It's a great place to see flowers and other plants, such as the trailing arbutus and the pink lady's slipper. You can also fly fish the Connetquot River year-round (with a freshwater fishing permit). Plus over 50 miles of trails for:

• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Cross-country Skiing

And be sure to take the South Side Sportsmen's Club's Historic House Tours. Closed Mondays, the park is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It's a great place to come and explore.

Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail - Massapequa, NY

Address: Merrick Rd, Massapequa, NY 11758

There are nearly 20 miles of hiking along the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. The terrain can be challenging, but it's also gorgeous, with views that include:

• Ponds
• Streams
• Wooded hills

Starting at the Cold Spring Harbor State Park trailhead, the trail extends to the Massapequa Preserve. To hike the entire thing takes about 7-8 hours, and there's a separate trail for mountain biking that runs parallel. It's certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you're up to the challenge, it's well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to see fall foliage in Nassau and Suffolk Counties?

Some of the best spots for fall foliage include Welwyn Preserve in Glen Cove, Cold Spring Harbor State Park, and Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale. Each offers scenic trails, colorful trees, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Long Island's natural beauty.

Where can you enjoy waterfront views and nature walks on Long Island?

Welwyn Preserve offers beautiful views of coastal salt marshes, freshwater ponds, and wooded streams. Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve in Merrick is another great option, with scenic views of Merrick Bay, wildlife sightings, and walking trails.

Are there free places to hike on Long Island in the fall?

Yes! Cold Spring Harbor State Park offers free admission and parking, making it a great choice for a fall hike. The Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail is another option for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore wooded hills, ponds, and streams. Be sure to check trail conditions before heading out.

Your New Home in New York

This is just a taste of the natural beauty you'll find around New York, not just in fall but throughout the year. Contact us if you're ready to explore Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale and find the house you've always dreamed of.