Bailey Arboretum
194 Bayville Rd., Lattingtown – (Google Map)

This beautiful 42-acre park welcomes on-leash dogs. Located on the former estate of renowned horticulturalist Frank Bailey, the park offers visitors well-marked trails, gardens and the freedom to stroll the property. The Arboretum is open year round from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Admission fees: $5 per car, depending on the season.

More info: Visit Bailey Arboretum

Christopher Morley Park
500 Searingtown Rd., Roslyn, NY 11576 – (Google Map)

Leashed dogs are now allowed on the paved trails in the northern, 30-acre wooded section of the park. These wide, easy-to-negotiate trails, which go over gently rolling hills, form several loops, so while the trail system is not extensive, you can lengthen your walk by doing several loops. The trail starts near the dog run and ends at the parking lot for the dog run. Please be aware dogs are only allowed on the trails in the northern section of the park. They are not allowed on the ballfields or on other paths in the park. A $10 parking fee is assessed on non-Nassau County residents on weekends from Memorial Day until Labor Day. These trails opened to leashed dogs in April 2016 as a result of LI-DOG’s work with the Office of the County Executive to gain access to Nassau County parks.

More info: Christopher Morley Park Nassau County or call 516/571-8113.

Eisenhower Park (Park Blvd East)
1899 Hempstead Tpke., E. Meadow, NY 11554 – (Google Map)

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

The entire EAST side of Park Blvd., which extends from the main entrance on Hempstead Turnpike all the way to the Merrick Avenue entrance, has now been designated for on-leash dog walking. (Get the Eisenhower Park Blvd. East Trail Map.) This is a wide, flat paved path that is about a mile long. We suggest parking at the end of the golf course parking lot (furthest from the golf course and closest to the path). This will ensure that you do not have to cross Park Blvd. with your dog and risk getting hit by a car. Please be aware that at this time, you can’t walk your dog from the Eisenhower Dog Park on Stewart Ave to Park Blvd. East. Leashed dogs are only allowed on the path along Park Blvd. East and not in other areas of Eisenhower Park. This trail opened to leashed dogs in April 2016 as a result of LI-DOG’s work with the Office of the Nassau County Executive  to gain access to Nassau County parks.

More info: Eisenhower Park Nassau County or call 516/572-0348.

Hempstead Lake State Park
Lakeside Drive, W. Hempstead, NY – (Google Map)

There is a short path on which people can walk their on-leash dogs near field 3 and adjacent to Schodack Pond and South Pond. Be aware that from early April until mid-October, you may need to pay a parking fee of $8, unless you buy an Empire Pass for $80 for the season.

More info: Call 516-766-1029 or check out NY State Parks Hempstead Lake State Park.

Mary Jane Davies Green
Plandome Rd., Manhasset – (Google Map)

Across the street from Town Hall, Mary Jane Davies Green features paved pathways throughout the park where people are now allowed to walk their leashed dogs, thanks to the efforts of Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Parks Commissioner Jill Weber. The park is noted for its lovely gazebo in the middle of the park where concerts are held in the summer. A children’s playground with water spray features can also be found at the park. Please be aware that dogs are not allowed in the playground.

More info: Mary Jane Davies Park Town of North Hempstead or call 516/869-6311.

Massapequa Preserve 
Walker St. entrance by Lakeshore Drive, off Linden St. (Exit 31 Southern State Pkwy) – (Google Map)

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

Nassau County opened the Fire Rd. Trail—a broad dirt trail with woods on either side—to on-leash dogs in early 2015. The trail is easily reached by entering the park from Walker St. Ignore the outdated No Dogs Allowed signs, watch out for bikes on the asphalt bike path, and walk straight ahead to the Fire Rd. The trail heads south from there and ends near a pond that is a favorite with dog owners. Please keep dogs off the asphalt bike path as it is dangerous for both them and bikers.

More info: Nassau County Parks Dept., 516/572-0200

Michael J. Tully Park
1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040 – (Google Map)

This large, active park has multiple, paved walking paths on which people can walk their dogs. In 2019, the Town of North Hempstead opened a new dog park here as well. Please be aware that dogs are not allowed on ball fields or in playgrounds at the park.

More info: Michael J. Tully Park Town of North Hempstead

Mill Pond Park
3000 Merrick Road, Bellmore, NY 11710 – (Google Map)

This 54-acre park has a large pond around which there’s a nice, approximately 1.5 mile path that has long been popular for on-leash dog walking. The front part of the park also has a gazebo and benches for sitting and there are side trails into the woods a little further into the park.

More info: Call Nassau County Parks at 516/572-0200.

North Hempstead Beach Park
175 W. Shore Rd., Port Washington, NY – (Google Map)

Formerly known as Bar Beach and Hempstead Harbor Park, this large 60-acre park welcomes leashed dogs on the newly designated Nature Trail and other trails within the park. Please be aware that dogs are not allowed on the Promenade on summer weekends nor are they allowed on the beach or in the water. Please note: We’ve gotten reports of lots of ticks in this park this spring. Use preventatives and watch your dog closely if you go here.

More info: North Hempstead Beach Park or call 516/869-6311

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
20 Sagamore Hill Rd., Oyster Bay, NY – (Google Map)

The 83-acre property that surrounds the home of former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt is dog-friendly! It’s not surprising as the Roosevelt family had multiple dogs as well as more unusual pets like a badger. There are great trails here to walk with your dog. The 0.7-mile Nature Trial begins at the Museum and goes down to the beach—please note that dogs must be kept on-leash and are not allowed in the water—before climbing back up the hill through the forest. The shorter, and a bit easier Carriage Path Trail winds down to the tennis courts, pet cemetery and arbor before coming back up to the parking lot. There is no fee to enter the grounds.

More info: National Park Service Sagamore Hill

Sands Point Preserve
127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, NY 11050 – (Google Map)

Sands Point Park and Preserve covers 216 beautiful acres of the former Guggenheim estate. There are multiple dog-friendly trails here including six marked trails that feature woods, open fields, a freshwater pond, and great views of the Long Island Sound. Please keep dogs on leash at all times and remember they are not allowed in the water. Admission to the Preserve is $15 per car. Annual passes are available.

More info: Visit Friends of Sands Point Preserve

Avalon Park and Preserve
200 Harbor Rd., Stony Brook, NY – (Google Map)

The Park and Preserve is a 140 acre tract of fields and forests owned and maintained by the Paul Simons Foundation (More info: Go to Avalon Park and Preserve) and is dedicated to preserving native plant communities. There are many walking trails ( see park map ) and dogs, on leash, are welcomed. The park is carry-in, carry-out, which means you must pick up and properly dispose of dog waste off the property; there are no trash cans. Note that the Preserve may be extremely buggy in the spring and summer and bug spray is a must, also be aware of the abundant poison ivy. The best way to access to Avalon is from Harbor Rd in Stony Brook ( taking Shep Jones Ln from Rt 25A will result in driving a very poorly maintained dirt road). Parking is available along Main Street, on Harbor Road, and in the village shopping center just past the park on Main Street; there are also several small parking lots on Shep Jones Ln after turning off of Harbor Ln. Portions of the park are subject to closure due to construction.

Belmont Lake State Park
215 Alicia Dr., North Babylon, NY, Exit 38 on the Southern State Parkway – (Google Map)

Belmont Lake State Park is a 463-acre park that is bisected by Belmont Lake and Carll’s Creek. Named after August Belmont who raised horses here, the park has long served as the headquarters of the New York State Office of Parks/Long Island Region. The trails that go through the woods and around the lake are beautiful and easy to follow. You can get a map online. Please remember to keep dogs on-leash and out of the picnic areas. There is an $8 per car fee, which is collected from early April until early October. There is no fee for those with Empire Passports, which costs $80 and provides access to numerous NYS Parks. Call the Park at 631-667-5055 for details.

More info: NYS Parks Belmont Lake State Park

Blydenburgh County Park
Veterans Memorial Hwy., Smithtown, NY – (Google Map)

This 627-acre Suffolk County park boasts not only a large dog park, but miles of dog-friendly walking trails. The main loop trail around Stump Pond in the center of the park is 6 miles long, but there are multiple off-shoots and cut backs for those who want shorter walks. Be aware that the northern part of the park attracts horseback riders and their horses, so keeping your dog on-leash is very important for their safety and your dog’s safety. Fees are assessed on vehicles entering the park from Vets Hwy. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

More info:Suffolk County Parks Blydenburgh County Park

Camp Hero State Park
1898 Montauk Hwy., Montauk, NY – (Google Map)

This 415-acre NYS park at the end of the south fork of Long Island occupies a former military base. There is an extensive system of trails and dogs are allowed in all undeveloped areas of the park. The park features a long expanse of beachfront; however, no swimming is allowed, including dogs.

More info: NYS Parks Camp Hero State Park

Cathedral Pines County Park
Yaphank-Middle Island Rd., South of Rte. 25, Middle Island – (Google Map)

This 320-acre Suffolk County park features a six-mile mountain bike loop trail, which dog owners should avoid. However, there are wide sandy service roads throughout the park and a short nature trail located in the woods behind Field A. The County collects fees on cars entering the park on weekends from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

More info: Suffolk County Parks Cathedral Pines County Park

Cedar Point County Park
5 Cedar Point Rd., E. Hampton, NY – (Google Map)

This 607-acre Suffolk County Park has commanding views of Gardiner’s Bay and includes lots of opportunities for great hiking with your dog as well as swimming in the gentle waters of Gardiners Bay, according to Doug Gelbert, author of Doggin’ Long Island: The 30 Best Places to Hike with Your Dog in New York’s Playground. A must-do hike for dog walkers is the trip across the spit of land to the Cedar Island Lighthouse, notes Gelbert.

More info: Suffolk County Parks Cedar Point County Park

Coindre Hall/West Neck Farm
Browns Rd., Huntington – (Google Map)

This 33-acre former Gold Coast estate has long attracted dog owners and their dogs for its broad rolling hills and magnificent views over Huntington Harbor and Long Island Sound. The park, which is now owned by Suffolk County, is dog-friendly and there are short trails through small stands of woods on both the north and south sides of the park. There is also a small beach to the left of the boathouse when you’re facing the water, which is popular with dog owners and their dogs. Dogs are not allowed on Gold Star Battalion Beach, the Huntington Town beach located to the right. The mansion is used for weddings and receptions on the weekends so it’s important to keep dogs on-leash and under control.

More info: Suffolk County Parks West Neck Farm/Coindre Hall

Dix Hills Park
Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills – (Google Map)

This 160-acre Huntington Town Park features a very attractive 2-mile loop trail around the perimeter of the park. The Woodland Trail can be a bit hilly, but it has a wood chip and dirt surface that is easy to walk on, and during the summer it is well covered by trees, which makes it cool even on hot days. The trail is easy to follow—just keep the perimeter fence on your right. The designation of the trail for on-leash dog walking was recommended by the Huntington Trails Committee on which LI-DOG serves.

More info and trail map: Town of Huntington On-Leash Dog Walking Trails

Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve
Commack Rd., Deer Park – (Google Map)

This 843-acre preserve sits on the grounds of what used to be known as Pilgrim State Hospital. While the building was demolished, the land was preserved for public enjoyment. There are multiple trails throughout the property—it’s easy to get lost!–but the main trail is a blue-blazed route that skirts the edge of the preserve. There is a large field near the beginning of the trail where you can often see people flying model airplanes. Watch out for trails that are marked with a white disc as these are designated for mountain bike riders. Thanks to Paul Kearney of Pawsome Dog Training for his input on this entry.

More info: The NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation manages the preserve and requires that individuals get a free permit to use the land. For more information, check out NYS DEC State Land Access Permit or call 631-444-0279.

Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island, NY

On-leash dogs are allowed on Fire Island National Seashore from Labor Day until March 15^th when endangered ground nesting birds are not present. From March 15^th and through the summer, dogs are not allowed on ocean beaches, but they are allowed on bayside beaches, on boardwalks, in the Watch Hill campgrounds and in several marinas. The easiest way to get access to the National Seashore during the off-season is to park at the eastern end of Field 5 at Robert Moses State Park, walk north along the exit road and then east along the parkway until you hit a gravel and sand trail. Follow the trail all the way to the lighthouse. Once you’re there, you’re at the Fire Island National Seashore and you can walk up to the lighthouse or out to the beach with your dog. Please note: dogs are not allowed on the beach at Robert Moses State Park or on any of the boardwalks.

More info:National Park Service Fire Island National Seashore

Frazer Drive Park
Frazer Drive, Greenlawn – (Google Map)

There is a designated on-leash dog walking trail at this park that follows the edge of the large field and covers about half a mile. The park is mostly used by people and dogs who live in the neighborhood.

More info and trail map:Town of Huntington On-Leash Dog Walking Trails

Gardiner Park
Montauk Hwy., W. Bay Shore, NY – (Google Map)

This 231-acre Suffolk County park features several on-leash dog walking trails including the appropriately-named Canine Loop. The highlight of the park is the main trail that heads straight down to the Great South Bay. Once down at the water, many dog owners walk to the right (or left, which is a bit muddier) to let their dogs swim in the gentle waters of the Great South Bay.

More info: Suffolk County Parks Gardiner Park

Heckscher State Park
1 Heckscher State Pkwy., E. Islip, NY – (Google Map)

Dogs are allowed on the undeveloped trails behind parking field 5. The trails are wide, flat and well-marked. While the park fronts on the Great South Bay, the beach and camp grounds are off-limits to dog owners and their dogs.

More info: NYS Parks Heckscher Park

Hither Hills State Park
164 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, NY – (Google Map)

On-leash dogs are allowed on the trails north of Route 27, east of Napeague Harbor and south of Napeague Bay, according to Doggin’ Long Island. That’s most of the park’s 1,775 acres. “Expect plenty of ups and downs as you twist through the pine barrens,” notes author Doug Gelbert.

More info: NYS Parks Hither Hills State Park

Jerome Ambro Preserve Utility Right of Way/Fuchs Pond Preserve
Waterside Avenue and Seaside Court, Northport – (Google Map)

This almost one mile up-and-back trail is wide and easy to follow. There’s a small parking lot on Seaside Court, just north of Waterside Ave. The trail parallels the southern edge of Crab Meadow Golf Course and continues along the southern edge of Makamah Nature Preserve. If you want to extend your walk, check out the extensive trail system in Makamah Preserve (see below for description). You can also walk your leashed dog at Fuchs Pond Preserve, which is located near the beginning of the Jerome Ambro trail. There is beautiful half-mile loop trail around the pond.

More info and trail map:Town of Huntington On-Leash Trails

Makamah Nature Preserve
Ft. Salonga Rd., Ft. Salonga, NY – (Google Map)

There are multiple trails in this 160-acre Suffolk County park including a nice two-mile loop trail that takes about an hour. The park contains heavily wooded hills with some rising as much as 100 feet, according to the Huntington Trails Guide. You can park either in a small lot where Makamah Rd. and Route 25A meet or you can drive north on Makamah Rd where in a few minutes you’ll see the entrance on the left and a small lot. To get a look at the trail, check out Mini Dog Hike at Makamah Nature Preserve on UTube by Paul Kearney.

More info: Town of Huntington Trails Guide

Northport Village Park/Cow Harbor Park
Woodbine Ave. and Main St., Northport Village – (Google Map)
This picturesque, 9-acre waterfront park at the foot of Northport Village is popular with dog owners and their on-leash dogs. There are benches for sitting and watching boats and easy, paved paths for strolling. Once you’re done walking through the park, head out onto the dog-friendly sidewalks of Northport Village where many stores and restaurants put out water for pets.

More info and trail map: Town of Huntington Trails Guide

Phragmites/Twin Ponds North Park
Route 25A/Ft. Salonga Rd., Centerport – (Google Map)

This 19-acre park was created primarily from dredge spoil from Northport Harbor, which accounts for the sandy trails that traverse the park, notes the Huntington Trails Guide. The on-leash dog walking trail, which was designated in July 2015, upon the recommendation of the Huntington Trails Committee on which LI-DOG serves, is a loop trail of about six-tenths of a mile. The terrain is flat, the trail is easy to follow, and there are plenty of trees that provide shade during the summer. Upon the request of the Huntington Dept. of Maritime Services, the dog walking trail does not provide direct access to the water.

More info and trail map:Town of Huntington On-Leash Dog Walking Trails

Prosser Pines Nature Preserve
Yaphank-Middle Island Rd., Middle Island – (Google Map)

Rated the “Prettiest Hike for Your Dog,” by Doug Gelbert, author of Doggin’ Long Island, Prosser Pines Nature Preserve encompasses the largest white pine forest on Long Island. Although rather small at 50 acres, this is a very pleasant dog walking park. The trails are carpeted with pine needles, there is little vegetation at ground level, and the trees stretch ahead as far as you can see.

More info: Suffolk County Parks, 631-852-5500

Setauket Greenway Trail
Setauket – Port Jefferson Station, NY – (Google Map)

The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway is a wide, paved 3.4 mile trail between Limroy Ln. in Setauket and Hallock Ave. in Port Jefferson Station. The trail winds through open woodland with many gentle hills and is quite popular with dog walkers, runners and cyclists. There are a number of residential road crossings, all of which are well marked for both walkers and motorists and there are parking lots at both ends and one at Gnarled Hollow Rd.

Southards Pond Park
South of Sunrise Hwy., Babylon, NY – (Google Map)

This 19-acre park is well-known for its beauty, it’s neighborhood feel, and its popularity with people walking their dogs. The trails are well-maintained, easy to follow and there are garbage cans along the way. There is a horse stable located nearby and there can be horses on the trails, so it’s important to keep dogs on-leash and under control at all times.

More info: NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, 631-444-0200

Southaven County Park
Victory Ave., Yaphank, NY – (Google Map)

This 1,356-acre park is quite popular with large groups of picnickers during the summer. However, there are plenty of trails away from the main picnic areas above the old horse barn that you can enjoy with your dog. Just follow one of the leafy trails into the pine/oak forest. The trails are not well marked, but they curve into each other, so it’s hard to get lost. There are also several very large open fields in the park. One word of caution: The park includes a skeet-shooting operation that is active on weekends, so noise-sensitive and gun-shy dogs should not go there then. The County collects vehicle use fees on weekends from Memorial Day Weekend until Labor Day.

More info:Suffolk County Parks Southaven County Park

Sunken Meadow State Park
Entrance to dog walking trail on Old Dock Rd., just before the Old Dock Inn, Kings Park – (Google Map)

The trails where dogs are allowed are located in the eastern, undeveloped portion of this large state park. These trails are notorious for being difficult—lots of ups and downs and narrow and twisting. The area is popular with cross-country runners. If you’re looking for a good work out for you and your dog, this is the place for you.

More info: NYS Parks Sunken Meadow State Park

West Hills County Park
Melville, NY – (Google Map)

This large park, which is divided into western and eastern halves by Sweet Hollow Rd. features many trails for on-leash dog walking. The best known trail is the Walt Whitman Trail in the eastern half, which winds up to Jayne’s Hill—Long Island’s highest point at 400 feet. There are plenty of trails in the western half as well including the wide, flat red dot trail that starts near the end of Mt. Misery Rd. The park also features two dog parks—one for small dogs off High Hold Dr. and another for large dogs off Sweet Hollow Rd. Please note: there is a horse stable located on Sweet Hollow Rd. and many of the park’s neighbors own horses and ride them throughout the park. It is important that dogs are kept on-leash and under control on the trails.

More info: Suffolk County Parks West Hills Park