Discover Long Island: Sunken Meadow Exploratory Hike

Winter cabin getting you down? Then bundle up and let's head east to Long Island and take a leisurely exploratory hike to discover Sunken Meadow State Park for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends. Hike is reachable on LIRR to Kings Park station for those without cars

(Note I haven't done this hike hence exploratory. We will explore together. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring)

About Sunken Meadow State Park: Offering one of the most stunning views of the Long Island Sound with Connecticut in the distance, Sunken Meadow State Park, also known as Governor Alfred E. Smith State Park, spans 1,287 acres of forest, marshes, and beachfront along the Long Island Sound. Its mixed topography provides a range of experiences from sandy beach walks to woodland hikes. The 6-mile trail provides some breathtaking views of the Sound and is a particularly stunning spot at sunset. In addition, the Greenbelt Trail, which traverses much of Long Island, passes through the park and provides opportunities for more extensive hiking. Wildlife sightings are common, and you might even spot a deer if you're lucky! Park offers a 3-mile beach and 3/4-mile boardwalk on Smithtown Bay on the Long Island Sound.

GETTING THERE: Long Island Railroad to Kings Park Station, with transfers at Jamaica and/or Huntington stations, then short walk over to Sunken Meadow. We will begin and end day at Kings Park LIRR station.

TRAIN SCHEDULE:

• If you are leaving from PENN STATION in Manhattan: Take the LIRR train leaving at 8:36, transfer at Huntington Station at 9:55am and arrive at KINGS PARK STATION at 10:10am.
• If you are leaving from JAMAICA STATION in Queens: Take the LIRR train leaving at 8:58am, transfer at Huntington Station at 9:55am; arriving at KINGS PARK STATION AT 10:10am
• For departures from any other LIRR station, check train time --------> HERE

OUR AGENDA: From the Kings Park train station, we’ll walk about a half-mile on Main Street to pick up a trail that will take us into Sunken Meadow State Park. We'll explore the boardwalk and beach. Then we’ll pick up the Long Island Greenbelt Trail up and along the bluffs overlooking Smithtown Bay with connecting trails that will take us into Nissequogue River State Park. We’ll hike through Nissequogue and will end up back on Main Street near the Kings Park train station. Total elevation gain is about 630 feet.

Day’s agenda remains subject to changes. So come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for whatever the day might bring.

MILEAGE: About 6 miles but who the heck can tell for sure

PACE: This is a LEISURELY PACE HIKE AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. We will have stops for water breaks, lunch break, take time to soak in the surrounding views, savor the sights and sounds of nature PLEASE, NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!

DURATION: This is an all-day event.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress for the weather in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

POST-HIKE for those interested we'll do eats and drinks near Kings Park station before heading home.

WEATHER: Rain, snow cancels. Polar vortex we still go just bundle up!

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.