28 Aug LONG ISLAND IN AUTUMN: BEST SPOTS FOR FALL FOLIAGE
This post was originally published in 2014; we have since updated it to reflect the most current and accurate information.
DON’T MISS THESE FOLIAGE SPOTS THIS AUTUMN
What does autumn mean to you?
For many of us, the season is a time of winding down from the heat and activity of summer, settling back into school routines, shopping for new clothes and trying new recipes for the upcoming holidays.
It’s a time of shopping for costumes, enjoying a seasonal beverage and basking in the cooler temperatures.
Autumn on Long Island is among the most beautiful times of year, and for those of you planning a trip to visit later this year, you might be wondering about the most beautiful and scenic locations to spot the foliage, take some pictures and make some memories.
The first step to planning your trip to Long Island is to book car service for the easiest way to get to each picture-perfect spot.
Not only will it leave you more time to soak up the beautiful colors without being distracted by navigation and parking, but it will also help you alleviate some of the stresses that come with driving in a city you’re unfamiliar with.
After you’ve booked your car, the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing your foliage spots. Here are a few of our personal favorites to get you started.
CAUMSETT STATE HISTORIC PARK PRESERVE
Acres of woodlands, hiking trails, salt marshes, and rock shoreline are just a few of the physical features that make Caumsett State Park a great spot for fall foliage watching. Nature study and nature photography are often practiced at the park, due to its diverse range of wildlife, elevations and features.
You can take walks, go fishing, relax on the shoreline or enjoy the trails that stretch into the wooded areas. You can also get a glimpse at the Henry Lloyd Manor House, which was built in 1711.
CEDAR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
The Cedar Island Lighthouse, located on Sag Harbor in Suffolk County, was completed in 1868 and today functions as a vital part of Cedar Point Park. Bob Allen, the great-grandson of the last Keeper of the lighthouse, gives lantern tours of the property, which cover two miles of beach near Cedar Point Park and provides visitors with a 140-year history of the lighthouse and the surrounding property.
MASHOMACK PRESERVE
Considered the “jewel of the Peconic,” Mashomack Preserve is over 2,000 acres of diverse natural habitats and features. It makes up around two-thirds of Shelter Island and is a mere 90 miles from New York City, making it a reasonable day trip for those who want to be back in the city by nightfall.
The woodlands, 10 miles of shoreline, tidal creeks, and meadows make it a perfect destination if you’re searching for a comfortable, scenic destination to enjoy the fall foliage.
MUTTONTOWN PRESERVE
Located in Nassau County, Muttontown Preserve is a smorgasbord of natural beauty, with woodlands, streams, estate property and meadows coming together to form an amazing destination for fall foliage. The historic Chelsea Mansion lies among perfectly manicured grounds, and the Preserve’s nature walk is considered one of the best in the state. It’s easy to see how Muttontown is an ideal destination for fall foliage.
WEST HILLS COUNTY PARK
Located in Suffolk County, the West Hills County Park offers scenic, well-groomed and safe walking trails that lead to Jayne’s Hill, the highest peak on Long Island. From Jayne’s Hill, you can see for impressive distances, taking in the autumn meadows, forests and the rest of the natural world.
Enjoying fall colors from such a prime location makes for both great photos and a romantic date destination. You can also enjoy the variety of flora that grows in and around the park, as you make your way up the trail towards the peak.
WILDWOOD STATE PARK
Wildwood State Park is over 600 acres of wildwood forest, including a high bluff that allows you to oversee a large portion of Long Island Sound. You can take a picnic, go for a hike on one of the many trails or go fishing while you visit. Wildwood State Park is located on the North Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County and is a short drive away for an adventure that’s close by.
Long Island has plenty of options for a scenic, picturesque experience of the fall foliage this year. From bluffs to expansive forests to shorelines and more, experiencing autumn on Long Island is certain to be a great memory and a day out.
photo credit: bill barber via photopin cc