Connetquot River State Park- Long Island, New York

- December 22, 2015

No snow, no winter jackets, means more chances to get outdoors & explore! On our last trip to New York we took advantage of this warmer, winter weather and visited some lesser known parks on Long Island. Some of which I never even knew existed while growing up on Long Island, like Connetquot River State Park.

Connetquot River State Park is located in Oakdale, New York off of Sunrise Highway. The park charges an $8 entrance fee for cars. It stretches across 3,473 acres with 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the snow. As with many parks on Long Island, it is always important to watch out for ticks, which often hide out in tall grass and under fallen leaves in the Autumn.

The park is a popular destination for fishing. It was once referred to as the 'Disney World of Trout Fishing.' There is a hatchery for the breeding and hatching of fish in the Connetquot River. In addition, there are historic buildings on-site which you can tour as well.

Numerous birds and wildlife span across the park's vast acres including jays, crows, deer, sparrows and much more. Connetquot River State Park is great for peaceful walks with beautiful scenery. I would imagine the colorful foliage in the Fall would make the scenery of this park even more breathtaking. Whether you are looking to do a short trail or spend a day here, Connetquot Park is a perfect, outdoorsy escape for couples, friends and families to enjoy some quality time together.