Robert Lipper, Couple Strolling on the Beach

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday April 30, 2007

HIKE FROM SHORE TO SHORE ON LONG ISLAND’S SCENIC GREENBELT TRAIL


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  

Kristen Matejka        
Director of Marketing and Communications
LICVB&SC
631 951-3900 xt.317

HIKE FROM SHORE TO SHORE ON LONG ISLAND’S SCENIC GREENBELT TRAIL

HAUPPAUGE, NY -(April 30, 2007)- Long Island is home to a unique nature trail called the Greenbelt Trail that winds from the high sand cliffs of the Long Island Sound on the North Shore, all the way down to the Great South Bay on the South Shore.

The trail completely bisects through the center of the Island from Sunken Meadow State Park to Heckscher State Park, offering hikers beautiful vistas and changing scenery, through hills and pine forests and past lakes and rivers. There are several parks and historic sites to visit along the way, such as Caleb Smith State Park and Connetquot River State Park. And camping is offered at some of the parks, along with fishing, birdwatching, kayaking and other activities.

While Long Island is only 20 miles wide at its widest point, the trail meanders for a total of 32-miles, with scenic spurs and surprises along the way. Or visitors can park at various lots along the way to enjoy smaller, piecemeal portions of the trail. Look for white painted markings, and signs with the hiking symbol, and follow the path. Further information, maps and tours are offered through the Long Island Greenbelt Conference, which can be found as a link at www.discoverlongisland.com

Following are some of the highlights starting from Sunken Meadow State Park to Heckscher State Park:

Sunken Meadow State Park
Sunken Meadow State Park, located on Long Island Sound, has a wide range of topography. The three miles of beach meets tall, glacier-formed bluffs at the west end of the shoreline. A man-made dam separates the park's brackish creek and marshes from the tidal flats. South of the flats are acres of undeveloped and heavily-wooded rolling hills. Activities around the area include swimming in the Long Island Sound, horseback riding, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, and a boardwalk. In addition, the park has 27 holes of golf, a driving range, and putting green.

Nissequogue River State Park
The Greenbelt Trail provides scenic views of the Nissequogue River and the Long Island Sound from the top of the bluffs. Fresh water wetlands and hardwood forests provide habitat to a variety of shore birds, reptiles and amphibians. A section of the park has been designated a State Bird Conservation Area. This park was also once the home of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, and many of the shuttered buildings still remain. One can rent canoes or kayaks up the Nissequogue River at Bob’s Canoe Rentals (631) 269-9761

Sweetbriar Nature Center
Sweetbriar Nature Center is a private not-for-profit corporation which exists to provide natural science education services for Long Island and native wildlife rehabilitation services. It is situated on 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, fields and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make their homes here. There is also a live butterfly vivarium with over 20 species of native North American butterflies and moths complete with lush vegetation and flowers.

The Smithtown Bull
Stop and admire the 14-foot bronze sculpture of “Whisper,” a bull belonging to Smithtown Founder Richard Smith at the intersection of Rte. 25A and Rte. 25. Legend says Smith made a deal with local Native Americans to acquire as much land as he could ride Whisper around, in a circuit, in one day.

Caleb Smith Park Preserve
The preserve provides hiking, nature trails, and fishing and is comprised of freshwater wetlands, ponds, streams, fields and upland woods. The park is an excellent place to pursue fly fishing as well, however a permit is required.

Greenbelt Office
Stop in for any and all information about the Greenbelt trail overlooking New Mill Pond. 

Blydenburgh County Park
Visit the Blydenburgh-Weld House, built in 1821, and a fine example of Long Island Federalist architecture. Its unique features include exterior entrance double porticos of neoclassical style and silver plaster in the second floor hallway, which is the only known example of this technique in the New York area. Located in a well-wooded park with pond.

Stump Pond Loop
The only loop on the Greenbelt Trail. Stump pond received its name in 1798 as three cousins planned to dam the headwaters of the Nissequoge River to accommodate the extensive mill complex. It flooded the rivers original banks and formed a pond 180 acres in size. For years, the tree stumps of the former banks protruded though the water earning its name, Stump Pond. Enjoy a stroll along the second largest lake on Long Island where a hiker may find various types of wildlife, such as swans and loons.  There is a rowboat rental facility about three miles in. Hikers can follow a blue-blazed trail to the left one mile to a campground set aside for Greenbelt use.

Connetquot River State Preserve
A preserve 3,473 acres large filled with animals such as deer and waterfowl, as well as rare nesting birds, including ospreys. Rare plants can be found here such as trailing arbutus and pyxie moss in their natural habitats. There is also fishing by permit only on the Connetquot River. Visit the site of one of Long Islang;s largest and oldest fish hatcheries here, and an historic lodge once owned by area gamesmen.


Bayard Cutting Arboretum
In addition to a grand manor house, this area contains an extensive collection of fir, spruce, pine, cypress, hemlock, yew and other lesser known conifers and is probably the most varied site found on Long Island. Also found are extensive plantings of dwarf evergreens, rhododendron, azaleas, hollies and oaks. Wildflowers and daffodils are featured in many native woodland locations. Combined with the site's ponds and streamlets, these areas also provide opportunities to observe a broad range of land and aquatic birds and occasional glimpses of fox, raccoon and other small wildlife.
Located in the former Cutting residence are magnificent fireplaces, wood workings, stained glass windows and a small natural history display. The manor house also contains a café with an open porch overlooking the Connetquot River.

Heckscher State Park
Ending at Heckscher State Park, this 1,657 acre park, there are picnic areas, a boat launch ramp, playing fields, playground and 69 camp sites. Swimmers can use the Great South Bay or the swimming pool complex. Around the area, one may view monarch butterflies deer, foxes and other wildlife.

There is no biking on the Greenbelt trails.


The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) is the official tourism promotion agency for the destination’s travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and related activities. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-FUN-ON-LI or visit www.discoverlongisland.com


 

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