Long Island Greenbelt Trail Hikes to Join in July 🌳

The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference is a grassroots, not-for-profit group that has created over 200-miles of hiking paths on Long Island.

Dedicated to the preservation and upholding of Long Island trails and outdoor spaces, the group offers free guided hikes yearly and has volunteered a combined 500,000 hours devoted to Long Island nature sites, trails, and parks. The Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference has a variety of hikes featured throughout July. Below are just a few of what’s offered with varying levels of difficulty.

Muttontown March, Muttontown Preserve

Muttontown Preserve is made up of 550 acres of varying kinds of natural land and government property. There are fields, woodlands, as well as recreational grounds. Included among all this land are, of course, nature trails. 

The LI Greenbelt Trail Conference considers the trail at Muttontown Preserve to be for those at a moderate level, containing varied terrain. The Muttontown March will begin at 9:00 a.m. on July 7. If there is rain, the event is canceled. It is also recommended to bring hiking necessities like water.

Welwyn Preserve Walk, Welwyn Preserve

Welwyn Preserve County Park is a 204-acre nature preserve located in Glen Cove. Originally an estate, it was eventually converted into the historical nature reserve that it is known as today. A variety of natural habitats await visitors as part of a leisurely walk or hike through woodland and the coast.

Considered an easy hike by the LI Greenbelt Trail Conference, the Welwyn Preserve Walk is perfect for anyone wanting to spend a day outdoors. The day will include a walk to the Long Island Sound and back. The walk begins at 9 a.m. on July 17 and lasts around 3 miles.

Heckscher Loop, Heckscher State Park

Heckscher State Park spans 1657-acres and is located in East Islip. The park is well known as the original estate of Islip’s founder. There is much to explore at Heckscher, including the beach, playgrounds, recreational programs, and hiking trails.

The Heckscher Loop can be taken on at 3 p.m. on July 14. It is considered a leisurely, 4-mile trail that has a few different paths to choose from. Unlike other media hikes, only heavy rain will cancel the event, for drizzles, it is still on. There are both dirt paths as well as paved paths that can be taken in a variety of situations.

Flanders-Sears Pond Prowl, Flanders

The Flanders-Sears Pond Prowl will take hikers along what is considered an easy trail. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on July 10 and lasting 4.5 miles of changing terrain, the walk is poised to be a fun one and well worth the day spent outside.

The Flanders-Sears Pond Prowl is known as such because it takes hikers from Paumanok Path in Flanders all the way to Sears Pond. As usual, it is recommended to bring usual hiking equipment such as ample water, snacks, and a mask. Rain will also cancel this event

Caleb Smith Plus Hike, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve

Located in Smithtown, the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve is one of the Island’s four state nature preserves. It boasts 43-acres of varied habitats and a variety of different views and trails that can be explored throughout the year. Asides from hiking opportunities, there is a Nature Museum and nature programs offered year-round.

The Caleb Smith Plus Hike is a bit more demanding than others on this list, containing what is generally considered hilly terrain. The hike lasts for five miles, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 21.

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